Leaving the Netherlands
As an international student, there are a number of matters you should take care of prior to leaving the Netherlands at the end of your studies.
If you have a student residence permit:
- Leaving early? Notify the Visa Team
Are you leaving before the end of your study programme? Make sure to notify the Visa team so they can update their records and notify the IND.
- Hand in your residence permit
Your residence permit is property of the Dutch immigration department (IND). If you plan to leave the Schengen area, you must therefore return it to the IND by post or in person. You can find detailed instructions on the IND website (under ‘Hand in your residence permit’).
Cancel your town hall registration
If you are not planning to return to the Netherlands within 8 months, you must cancel your registration with your local Dutch town hall. Do so at least 5 days before leaving! Procedures vary depending on the municipality at which you are registered. You can find here the procedures for:
For other cities, please take a look on your local municipality website.
After cancelling your town hall registration your details will be transferred to the Non-residents Records Database.
Download and activate DigiD app
The DigiD app can be handy in case you need to take care of any Dutch administrative matters after you have left the Netherlands. DigiD is required, for example, to request a free digital extract of your Dutch diploma.
Close your Dutch bank account
If you do not plan to return to the Netherlands in the coming years, make sure to cancel your Dutch bank account to avoid any unnecessary charges. Check the details with your Dutch bank.
Have your diploma legalised
If you are you planning to work or study abroad, you will often need to have your Dutch diploma legalised. It is much easier to arrange this before you leave the Netherlands. Find out more on the DUO website.
Finalise housing formalities
Check with your landlord or housing provider well in advance what steps you need to take when leaving your accommodation. For example, is a room inspection required, how can you reclaim your security deposit and how can you return your key.
If you are renting via DUWO you can find details on the I’m moving out of my room page.
Cancel any government benefits or grants
Have you been claiming any benefits or grants from the Dutch government, for example rent benefit, healthcare benefit or DUO student finance? Make sure to cancel these when you leave the Netherlands to avoid incurring any fines.
Cancel any additional (Dutch) insurances
Have you taken out additional (Dutch) insurances, such as health, liability or contents insurance? Remember to cancel these once you leave the Netherlands. Check the details with your insurance provider.
International students: be alert for telephone scams!
International students are sometimes targeted by scammers claiming to be from the IND, government agencies, banks or insurance companies. These organisations will never call you to ask for personal data. If in doubt, hang up immediately and contact the police.