The scientific researcher's permit: the application in a nutshell

Thanks to a directive from the European Union (Directive 2016/801), scientific researchers who wish to conduct research in the Netherlands may be eligible for a residence permit, subject to certain conditions. According to the directive, you can work in the Netherlands as a paid researcher, PhD student or unpaid researcher with a grant. This applies both to researchers coming to the Netherlands directly from outside the EU and to those who have already been admitted to another EU country for research purposes and then want to move to the Netherlands (so-called 'intra-EU mobility'). The conditions for these two categories are listed below.

Conditions for researcher, according to directive 2016/801

The most important conditions at a glance:

• You are going to conduct research at a Dutch research institute, recognized by the IND as sponsor.
• You have an appropriate higher education diploma that gives you access to a doctoral program. The research institute will determine whether your diploma is appropriate.
• Your research project has been approved by the research institute, and its purpose, duration and financing have been taken into account.
• You have an employment contract with the research institute.
• You will earn enough income to stay in the Netherlands. If you are not paid by the research institute, you will need to obtain income from a scholarship, stipend or sponsorship, or have enough money in your bank account.

Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Conditions in the context of intra-EU mobility

• You have been issued with a valid residence permit, based on scientific research (Directive 2016/801 or Directive 2005/71), from another EU country (with the exception of Denmark and Ireland).
• You plan to conduct research at a Dutch research institute, recognized by the IND as sponsor.
• You have a hosting agreement with the Dutch research institute.
• Your research program in which you will conduct research in the Netherlands contains so-called "mobility measures".
• Your stay here is for longer than 180 days and fits within the period of validity of the residence permit issued by the first EU country.
• You will earn enough income to stay in the Netherlands. If you are not paid by the research institute, you will need to obtain income from a scholarship, stipend or sponsorship, or have enough money in your bank account.

Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Permit validity period

The period of validity of the residence permit is equal to the duration of the employment contract or appointment, with a maximum of 5 years.

The application procedure

Mynta Law can prepare and process the application on your behalf or on behalf of your referent. The application procedure in most cases is as follows:

Step 1: Choosing the right application

Mynta Law helps you to quickly select the most appropriate request. This means that we determine which type of residence permit is the most suitable in your situation. We also assess whether you need a provisional residence permit (also called MVV), or whether you can apply for a residence permit without an MVV.

Step 2: Submit the request and pay costs

If your employer authorizes us to do so, we can submit your application online for you. In other cases, we can also submit the application in writing. In the application form, you will be able to indicate from which IND office you would like to collect your residence document once your application has been approved.

Step 3: The IND assesses the application and makes a decision

The IND assesses the application and checks whether you meet all the conditions. Assuming the application is correctly submitted, the IND must make a decision within 60 days at the latest.

If the IND rejects your application, we will of course inform you about your rights and about the possibilities to challenge the decision.

Step 4: Completing the procedure

Once the application has been granted, you can pick up your residence document at the IND office you chose in step 2. If you have applied for an entry visa, you will also now be able to collect it. Finally, you may need to register with your municipality (City Hall). Mynta Law will assist you in all these practical matters.

Which documents do we need?

In order to be able to assess whether you are eligible for the residence permit, we need at least the following documents:

• A copy of your passport (all pages with stamps or visas).
• Your current residence permit (if you have one).
• Your CV.
• Your highest degree certificate.
• Your employment contract (if you already have one).

It is possible that we will require more documents from you, depending on your specific situation.

Still have questions?

Feel free to ask your lawyer any questions you may have. If you are not yet a client and have questions, please feel free to contact us by phone (+31702051160) or ask your question via the contact form.