Naar Nederland

The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst and other key agencies

Redactie

October 18, 2024

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If you are going to emigrate to the Netherlands or have recently come here, you often have to deal with the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND). Are you wondering what exactly this agency does, which matters you need to arrange through the IND and which other agencies are relevant to you? Then read on.

What is the IND?

The Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, or IND, assesses all applications from people who want to live in the Netherlands. These include refugees seeking asylum in the Netherlands, but also people who want to work, study or come and live with their partner in the Netherlands. In addition, the IND processes naturalisation requests: applications by people who want a Dutch passport.

The IND processes these applications in execution of the Ministry of Security and Justice, on the basis of policy made in the Senate and House of Representatives, and on the basis of (international) treaties.

What do you have to arrange through the IND?

Among other things, you can arrange the following with the IND:

Apply for and renew residence permits for short and long stays
Apply for and renew a combined residence and work permit (GVVA)
Apply for asylum in the Netherlands
Apply for naturalisation
Apply for a short-stay visa (e.g. holiday or business visit)

A work permit (TWV), for people coming to work in the Netherlands for less than 3 months, cannot be applied for at the IND: your employer must apply for this permit at the UWV organisation.

You cannot apply for a work permit from the IND; your employer must arrange that with the UWV.

Where to find the IND?

For information and to submit an application, go to the IND website. You can arrange most things online. There are also a number of offices in the Netherlands where you can pick up a residence permit, for example. You can visit the counters if you make an appointment online. People who want to apply for asylum can visit one of the application centres. See all locations and addresses on the IND website.

Other key agencies

Besides the IND, there are a few more organisations you might come into contact with when you emigrate to the Netherlands. We list the most important ones.

Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs (DUO):

DUO regulates everything related to civic integration and studying, including exams. You can also apply to DUO for a loan to pay for an integration course.

UWV

Employers apply to the UWV for a work permit (TWV). You can also apply to the UWV if you are unemployed or unfit for work.

Belastingdienst

At the Belastingdienst: you file your income tax return and - if you are an entrepreneur - your turnover tax return. You can also apply to the Belastingdienst for rent benefit, healthcare benefit, child benefit and childcare benefit.