Full guide by section
What routes are there to get to the Netherlands?
People do not all come to the Netherlands in the same way. That is why it is smart to first understand your purpose of stay before looking at exams, municipal affairs or integration.
01
The first question that determines your route
If you don't have a clear idea of this first question, you will quickly read the wrong documents and exceptions.
Family or partner
The relationship and residence status of the other person directs the route.
Work or study
Employer, school and recognized sponsor often become more important than family documents.
Asylum or status
Protection, shelter and later guidance often occur in phases and through multiple agencies.
02
How to avoid reading the wrong route
1. Write down your main reason for stay in one sentence
Literally write down why you want to come to the Netherlands. This forces you to choose between categories that are often mixed up online.
2. Check whether your route is active before departure or after arrival
Some of the confusion disappears once you know in which country and in which phase the first official step takes place.
3. Only then use the correct follow-up page
First delve into the route itself and then read about the municipality, integration or longer residence status.
03
Good orientation saves time
Many people want to know immediately which exam or form is required. The better first question is: which route do I actually fall under? That one choice prevents a lot of incorrect searching.