Netherlands - Volunteer

Where and how to apply	To travel to the Netherlands, you need a provisional residence permit (mvv) and/or a residence permit. The mvv is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in the passport. In some cases, you do not need an mvv. Only a recognised exchange organisation may submit the application for a residence permit for a cultural exchange. A recognised exchange organisation has made an agreement with the IND and is listed in the Public Register of Recognised Sponsors. The exchange organisation applies for the mvv and the residence permit at the same time. For this, it uses the application form. Your exchange organisation can find the form at the bottom of this page. Your exchange organisation sends the application form together with the required documents to the IND. The IND collects the fees from your exchange organisation. This application costs € 285 (in 2019).
Documents required	The exchange organisation has a list of documents that you need. You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
Duration of validity of permits	The residence permit for a cultural exchange is valid for one year. The residence permit for European Solidarity Corps is valid for the duration of the voluntary work, with a maximum of one year.
Further requirements	Upon arrival, you must: make an online appointment to collect the residence document in person from an Immigration and Naturalisation Service desk; register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) in the municipality where you will be living; make an appointment within three months after the permit has been granted with the Area Health Authority (GGD) to undergo a tuberculosis test if required; take out health insurance. You do this within 4 months following your arrival in the Netherlands.
Appeals	If the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has rejected your application, this will be specified in an official letter (= Decision) from the IND. If you do not agree with the decision, you can register an objection to it, or authorise someone in the Netherlands to do so on your behalf. The official letter explains how to start the procedure for this. In some cases, the IND is not able to reach a decision in time. The IND may be in default. You can then send a written notice of default to the IND. If after having registered an objection, the IND has stated your objections to be unfounded, it is possible for you to appeal against this decision to the Dutch court.
Further information	More on voluntary work within the context of the European Solidarity Corps