Dutch visa resources
The immigration authority for a Netherlands visa application
The IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) is the Dutch government body that decides on all long-stay visa, residence permit and naturalisation applications.
Important
The national authority responsible for immigration in the Netherlands is the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND), in English the Immigration and Naturalisation Service. It operates under the Ministry of Justice and Security and decides on every application from people who want to live in the Netherlands. As the IND puts it: "At the IND, we decide on all applications by everyone who would like to live in the Netherlands."
The IND handles the national long-stay (Type D) process — the provisional residence permit (MVV) and the residence permit — as well as asylum, family reunification, work and study permits, and naturalisation. This is separate from the shared Schengen short-stay visa rules. Applications from abroad are lodged through Dutch embassies and consulates, but the substantive decision is taken by the IND in the Netherlands.
What the IND does
- Decides on MVV (provisional residence permit) and residence permit applications
- Handles family reunification, work, study, self-employment and other national residence purposes
- Runs the recognised sponsor scheme used by employers and universities
- Processes permanent residence, long-term EU residence and naturalisation
Where to find the IND
- Official website: https://ind.nl/en
- IND desks for document collection are in Amsterdam, Den Haag, 's-Hertogenbosch and Zwolle, plus service points such as Expat Centre Maastricht and Goes
- Appointments abroad are arranged through Dutch embassies/consulates via netherlandsworldwide.nl
Next steps
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.