Netherlands – Volunteer

Are you a non-EU citizen wishing to be a volunteer in the Netherlands? You can find information below on the conditions to fulfil and procedures to follow, as well as the rights you can enjoy during your stay.

Do you want to carry out voluntary work within the context of the European Solidarity Corps in the Netherlands? You must have concluded an agreement with the recognised exchange organisationSearch for available translations of the preceding link and the exchange programme must have been approved by the Netherlands Youth Institute.

The agreement must include the following:

  • a description of the volunteer programme;
  • the duration of the voluntary work;
  • the requirements to qualify for the voluntary work and how it is being supervised;
  • information on the available financial means to pay for your stay in the Netherlands and the amount of cash allowance to be received for the duration of your stay;
  • if applicable: information on the training that you will receive in order to help you carry out the voluntary work.

It is also possible to apply for a residence permit for European Solidarity Corps if you already have had another residence permit for exchange in an earlier stage.

Where and how to apply

To travel to the Netherlands, you need a provisional residence permit (mvv) and/or a residence permit. The mvv is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in the passport. In some cases, you do not need an mvv.Search for available translations of the preceding link

Only a recognised exchange organisation may submit the application for a residence permit for a cultural exchange. A recognised exchange organisation has made an agreement with the IND and is listed in the Public Register of Recognised SponsorsSearch for available translations of the preceding link.

The exchange organisation applies for the mvv and the residence permit at the same time. For this, it uses the application form. Your exchange organisation can find the form at the bottom of this page. Your exchange organisation sends the application form together with the required documents to the IND. The IND collects the fees from your exchange organisation.

This application costs € 285 (in 2019).

Documents required

The exchange organisation has a list of documents that you need. You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translatedSearch for available translations of the preceding link into Dutch, English, French or German.

Duration of validity of permits

The residence permit for a cultural exchange is valid for one year. The residence permit for European Solidarity Corps is valid for the duration of the voluntary work, with a maximum of one year.

Further requirements

Upon arrival, you must:

Appeals

If the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has rejected your application, this will be specified in an official letter (= Decision) from the IND. If you do not agree with the decision, you can register an objection to it, or authorise someone in the Netherlands to do so on your behalf. The official letter explains how to start the procedure for this.

In some cases, the IND is not able to reach a decision in time. The IND may be in default. You can then send a written notice of default to the IND.

If after having registered an objection, the IND has stated your objections to be unfounded, it is possible for you to appealSearch for available translations of the preceding link against this decision to the Dutch court.

Further information

More on voluntary work within the context of the European Solidarity Corps

Extension of stay

 You cannot extend your residence permit for a cultural exchange.

Change of status

Has something changed in your situation that influences your residence permit? Please reportSearch for available translations of the preceding link this immediately to the IND. It may mean that, due to the changes in your situation, the residence permit has to be changedSearch for available translations of the preceding link.

Employment

The back of your residence permit shows if you are allowed to work. With the residence permit for a cultural exchange, you are only allowed to do voluntary work. The exchange programme must state that you are allowed to do voluntary work. Your residence permit states ‘TWV niet vereist voor specifieke arbeid, andere arbeid niet toegestaan’.

Permanent residence

It is not possible to qualify for permanent residence on the basis of a residence permit for a cultural exchange.

Family reunification

It is not possible to bring your family members to the Netherlands, as cultural exchange is a temporary purpose of stay.

No information available