If you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days and you are not a national of an EU country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, you will need a residence permit. Often, you will also need an authorisation for temporary stay (MVV) to enter the Netherlands.

If you are visiting the Netherlands on a standard Schengen Visa (or if you are from a visa-exempt country like the USA or UK), you can stay for a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This "90/180 rule" is strictly enforced and applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just the Netherlands. If you spend 30 days in Germany and then go to Amsterdam, you only have 60 days of your "allowance" left. For 2026 travelers, it is important to remember that the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is now operational, requiring a quick online registration for visa-exempt travelers before arrival. Staying beyond the 90-day limit without a residence permit or a long-stay visa (MVV) can result in heavy fines, immediate deportation, and a multi-year ban from entering the European Union. If you wish to stay longer for work or study, you must apply for a specific national visa through the Dutch IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) before you enter the country.