The Netherlands long-stay visa (MVV) allows residents of Ghana to stay in the Netherlands for an extended period, typically for work, study, or family reunification. This visa is required for Ghanaians who plan to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. To apply, you will need to meet specific requirements, such as having a valid reason for your stay and providing necessary documents. This guide explains the steps, eligibility criteria, and important information to help you apply for the Netherlands long-stay visa (MVV) from Ghana.
Do I need an MVV and/or a residence permit?
You need to verify if you require an MVV and/or a residence permit, as it varies based on factors such as your nationality and the reason for your visit.
Applying Through a Host in the Netherlands
Depending on why you’re staying, your host may need to apply for you in the Netherlands. This applies if you’re:
- Studying
- Working
- Doing an internship
- Living with or marrying someone in the Netherlands
- Reuniting with family
In these situations, your host could be a school, your boss, a family member, or your spouse or partner.
How Your Host Applies in the Netherlands
Your host can apply directly to the IND. The process varies based on why you need a residence permit and/or an MVV, such as for work or study. The IND website lists the required documents your host must provide and guides them through the residence permit application process. If you have any questions, you can contact the IND.
Next Steps After Application Approval
Once your application is approved, there are specific steps you need to take to finalize the process. Here’s what you need to do:
Schedule an Appointment: Within 3 months of receiving the approval letter, or within 6 months if you meet certain conditions, schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate-general. These conditions are:
- You are seeking the MVV for family reunification purposes, and
- You are applying for the MVV in a country other than your country of residence.
Gather Required Documents: Bring the following documents to your appointment:
- MVV issue form
- Valid passport with photocopy
- Residence permit (if applicable) with a photocopy
- Photo meeting Dutch requirements
- Letter confirming application approval and alien registration number (V number)
- Other documents listed in the IND letter, each with a photocopy
- Collect Your MVV: Your MVV will be ready for collection within 10 working days from the embassy or consulate-general.
- Verify Visa Information: Ensure the information on your visa, including your name and validity period, is correct. If there are any errors, contact the embassy or consulate-general.
- Travel to the Netherlands: You must enter the Netherlands with the MVV in your passport. The IND will notify your host when your residence permit is ready for collection.
- Collect Residence Permit: Once your residence permit is ready, make an appointment at the IND office to collect it.
Following these steps will ensure a smooth transition to your stay in the Netherlands.
Applying for MVV and Residence Permit Independently
If you want to stay in the Netherlands for specific purposes, you’ll need to submit your MVV and residence permit application yourself. Here are the purposes for which you should apply:
- Orientation year as a highly skilled migrant seeking employment
- Independent entrepreneur
- Starting entrepreneur (start-up)
- Foreign investor
Please note: You can find the application form and detailed information about the required documents and the application procedure on the IND website.
What happens after the appointment
- After your appointment, the IND will review your application within 90 days. If the decision is positive, you’ll need to submit your passport to the embassy or consulate where you applied. Your MVV will be added to your passport within 10 working days.
- Check that all the details on your visa are accurate, including your name and the validity period.
- If you notice any mistakes, contact the embassy or consulate where you applied for your MVV.
- Once you have the MVV in your passport, you can travel to the Netherlands. The IND will inform you when your residence permit is ready, and then you can schedule an appointment to collect it from the IND office.
Applying for a Long-Stay Visa (MVV) in Ghana
To apply for a long-stay visa in Ghana, you need to schedule an appointment at the embassy in Accra using the online appointment system.
Procedure for Residents of Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo
Residents of Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo can also apply for an MVV at the Netherlands embassy in Accra if they wish to reside in the Netherlands.
On the day of your application, you can choose to wait during the process, which takes up to 15 days, or request to take your passport so you can return to your country. Passports can be sent to the embassy through delivery to continue the application process. After completion, you must arrange for DHL to collect your passport at the embassy in Accra.
Passport Collection
- Passports can be collected from Monday to Friday between 8:00 and 10:00.
- Before visiting, make sure to check the embassy’s closure days.
- If you’re unable to collect your decision and passport, you can authorize another person to collect it on your behalf. The embassy will require a written, signed authorization letter from you, along with a copy of your passport.
What happens if my MVV application is denied
If your MVV (long-stay visa) application for the Netherlands is denied, here are the steps you can take:
1. Receive the Decision Letter
You will receive a letter from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) explaining the reasons for the denial. This letter is crucial as it outlines what went wrong with your application.
2. Lodging an Objection
You have the right to lodge an objection against the IND’s decision. You must do this within four weeks from the date mentioned in the decision letter. The objection can be submitted in writing, and you can also authorize someone else to do this on your behalf.
Steps to Lodge an Objection:
- Review the denial letter carefully to understand the reasons for rejection.
- Prepare your objection, addressing the points raised in the decision.
- Submit your objection to the IND as specified in the letter.
3. Awaiting Decision on Your Objection
The IND has up to 12 weeks to make a decision on your objection. They will inform you of their decision regarding your objection.
Possible Outcomes:
- If Successful: Your application may be approved, allowing you to proceed with obtaining your visa.
- If Unsuccessful: You will receive a notification that your objection has been denied.
4. Next Steps After Rejection of Objection
If your objection is rejected, you have a couple of options:
- Judicial Review: You can apply for judicial review of the IND’s decision in court if you believe there are grounds for it.
- Reapply: Alternatively, you may choose to submit a new MVV application. In this case, ensure that you address any issues that led to the initial denial, as you will need to pay the application fee again.
It is essential to carefully follow these steps and consider consulting with legal experts or immigration advisors if needed.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the Netherlands straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Long-Stay Visa or a Study Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas have a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit Portugal. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
