apply for a long-stay visa before your travel to the Netherlands. But If your stay in the Netherlands exceeds 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can apply for this visa in Ghana at the Netherlands embassy.
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.