We can only apply for your new or updated residence permit once you have met your admission conditions. These will include:

• Meeting any language requirements
• Submitting any requested academic records in the correct manner
• Meeting any other conditions of admission

Where to find your conditions

• Exchange students: check in your online application (uSis). 
• Degree students: check your admission decision.

Not yet admitted? 

Check the admission and application procedures.

Problems meeting conditions on time?

Are you unable to meet your admission conditions before the visa/residence permit deadline? For steps to take, see the FAQ for master’s students or FAQ for bachelor’s students

Applied for a programme with limited places or compulsory matching?

This will be mentioned on your admission statement if applicable. If so, you must also have been allocated a place via the selection process, or have completed your matching module before we can apply for your new/updated residence permit.

This will invite you to start your residence permit application in the uSis visa portal.

• Joining us in September: you will receive this email 24 hours after you have been (conditionally) admitted, but not earlier than 1 April.
   
• Joining us in February: you will receive this email 24 hours after you have been (conditionally) admitted.

You will be asked to upload the following documents in the uSis visa portal.

• Copy of your valid passport:
  • Include all pages with personal information, visas and entry/exit stamps. 
  • Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the start date of your study programme. If it will expire earlier, you must arrange a new one before applying for your residence permit.
     
• Completed and signed Antecedents Certificate:
  • Signature must be hand-written (not digital) and match your passport signature. 
  • If you must answer yes to any of the questions, consult Leiden University before proceeding.

Carefully read the information for new incoming degree students on the Proof of funds page, then upload the required items in the uSis visa portal.

Check criteria carefully!
Make sure your proof of funds documents meet all the stipulated criteria! Missing or incorrect documents will significantly slow down the processing of your residence permit application.

Upload the following documents:

• Copy of both sides of your Dutch residence permit
   
• If applicable: documents required for your family residence permit application. Contact Leiden University for instructions

Fee amount

• Student residence permit fee: €243*

*valid as of 2025 and subject to annual change

How to pay?

In the uSis visa portal you will see instructions on how to pay. This can be either by way of online payment or bank transfer. See bank transfer information. 

Exception

Do you have a valid student residence permit obtained via another Dutch educational institution and are requesting a transfer of place of study? You do not have to pay the residence permit fee. 

Before submitting your application, read the obligations for student residence permit holders. Be aware that if you fail to meet these obligations, Leiden University is required to inform the Dutch immigration department (IND), which may result in the revocation of your permit.

After you submit your application, Leiden University will check all information and documents are in order. If anything is missing or incorrect, you will be notified via uSis. Check your emails and uSis notifications frequently and take action immediately if needed.

Priority for students requiring entry visas

In the period June to August, Leiden University receives a large number of visa/residence permit applications. As a result, we must prioritise applications from students who need a visa to enter the country. This means it may take us 8 to 10 weeks to process applications from students who need a residence permit update or extension only. Thank you for your understanding. 

Once your application has been checked by Leiden University, we will forward it to the Dutch immigration department (IND). The IND will make a decision on your application within 2 to 4 weeks.

Before the IND can issue your student residence permit, you must have your biometric data recorded. This will take place at an IND office in the Netherlands after arrival. Schedule a biometric data appointment as soon as possible! 

How to make an appointment

You can schedule an apointment via the IND Make an appointment page.

What data are recorded?

During the biometric data appointment your fingerprints, signature and a digital photo will be recorded. 

Exception

If you have requested a transfer of place of study, you do not need to attend a biometric data appoinment. 

Once your new residence permit is ready, Leiden University will send you an email with instructions and a link to schedule a residence permit collection appointment.

Exception

If you have requested a transfer of place of study, you will not receive an updated residence permit card.