Page contentsPage contents Conditions 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 organisation 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. Procedures Where and how to applyTo 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.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 Sponsors.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 requiredThe exchange organisation has a list of documents that you need. You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.Duration of validity of permitsThe 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 requirementsUpon arrival, you must:make an online appointment to collect the residence document in person from an Immigration and Naturalisation Service desk;register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) in the municipality where you will be living;make an appointment within three months after the permit has been granted with the Area Health Authority (GGD) to undergo a tuberculosis test if required;take out health insurance. You do this within 4 months following your arrival in the Netherlands.AppealsIf 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 appeal against this decision to the Dutch court.Further informationMore on voluntary work within the context of the European Solidarity Corps Rights Extension of stay You cannot extend your residence permit for a cultural exchange.Change of statusHas something changed in your situation that influences your residence permit? Please report this immediately to the IND. It may mean that, due to the changes in your situation, the residence permit has to be changed.EmploymentThe 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 residenceIt is not possible to qualify for permanent residence on the basis of a residence permit for a cultural exchange.Family reunificationIt is not possible to bring your family members to the Netherlands, as cultural exchange is a temporary purpose of stay. Links Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)New in the NetherlandsNetherlands Youth Institute
