Graduate School of Humanities

International PhD candidates

If you wish to come to the Netherlands, there are certain immigration procedures you need to follow. Leiden University can apply for a visa and residence permit on your behalf.

Visa, residence and work permit

If you wish to come to the Netherlands, there are certain immigration procedures you need to follow. Leiden University can apply for a visa and residence permit on your behalf.

Using one of our checklists, you can see what you need to do. The Immigration Wizard can help you determine which category applies to you. Make sure you select the appropriate category for your country of origin:

• Checklist 1: TEV Nationality (visa and permit)
• Checklist 2: VVR Nationality (permit)
• Checklist 3: EU/EER countries or Switzerland

After concluding the employment agreement with your respective institute, the HR department of the Faculty of Humanities will request the Service Centre International Staff of Leiden University to start up your immigration procedure in the ISD webportal.

We will apply for:

• the Dutch entry visa (MVV) on your behalf (at least 8 weeks before the start date of your contract) if applicable. Do not apply for the MVV yourself;
• a residence permit for you and any accompanying family members;
• a work permit (at least 6 weeks before the start date of your contract if applicable).

You will receive an e-mail from the SCIS with login details and the documents needed to complete the application procedure.

If you have any questions regarding immigration procedures you can contact the Service Centre International Staff at scis@leidenuniv.nl, +31(0)71 527 7300.

Insurance and taxes

When moving to The Netherlands, it is important to know whether you are considered a resident tax payer or non-resident tax payer. Both residents and non-residents are taxed on their taxable income. A number of criteria help determine your status as resident or non-resident.

For more information on insurance and taxes, please consult the Service Centre International staff website.

Are you an international researcher working for Leiden University? Please note that you are probably legally obliged to take out health insurance. On this page of the Service Centre International Staff website, you find more information on the type of health insurance you need and how to apply for it.

If you have any questions regarding insurance and taxes you can contact the Service Centre International Staff by email or by phone  +31(0)71 527 7300 or visit them at Rapenburg 70, Leiden, on weekdays from 08.30-12.30 (no appointment needed).