When you are holding a residence permit for study purpose, you may stay outside the Netherlands for a maximum of 6 months in a row or 3 years in a row each year for a maximum of 4 months in a row. 

As of 19-03-2021, the flexibility introduced by IND after COVID-19 that made it possible for the students to stay outside the Netherlands for a maximum of 12 months, comes to an end. Accordingly, the student who stays outside the Netherlands for more than 6 months is considered that he/she moved his/her main residence unless it is demonstrated in that individual case that student could not return to the Netherlands earlier due to unforeseeable circumstances, i.e. “force majeure”.

A student who relocates his/her main residence loses the right to the residence permit.

When should I come back?

• Departure: between March 2020 and September 1, 2020
• Back in the Netherlands: maximum 12 months after departure
• Departure: between 1 September 2020 and 1 March 2021
• Back in the Netherlands: no later than 1 September 2021
• Departure: after March 1, 2021
• Back in the Netherlands: no later than 6 months after departure

Please note: It is not possible to return to the Netherlands after your main residency is withdrawn by the IND. This means that you cannot enter the Netherlands anymore. Consequently, a new visa application (TEV or VVR without MVV) must be submitted, which costs extra time and money for you.

If you have any further questions, please contact Registry Department via registrar@wittenborg.eu.