The residence endorsement sticker (verblijfssticker) is a temporary proof of legal residence in the Netherlands issued by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). It’s placed in your passport and confirms your legal stay while awaiting a residence permit card.
When do you need the residence endorsement sticker?
You may need this sticker in the following situations:
- Arriving in the Netherlands: Your residence permit is not yet ready, and your MVV does not grant work rights.
- Spouse of an EU citizen: You’re waiting for your residence permit while residing as the spouse of an EU citizen.
- Renewal or change of permit: Your previous residence permit has expired, and the new one is still in process.
- Lost or stolen permit: Temporary proof while waiting for a replacement residence card.
- Appeal filed with IND: Proof of legal residence while awaiting a decision on your appeal.
- Expiring sticker: You can request a new sticker if your current one is about to expire.
- Provisional court approval: Temporary permission granted by the court to remain in the Netherlands.
What does it allow and what are its limits?
- Work Authorization: The sticker specifies whether you are allowed to work. Employers can use this to verify your work rights.
- Validity: The sticker is valid for a maximum of six months, or until one month before your passport expires.
- Free of Charge: The endorsement sticker is issued free of cost.
- Netherlands Only: The sticker confirms your legal stay within the Netherlands only. It does not permit international travel.
Note: For travel outside the Netherlands, you need to apply for a separate return visa (terugkeervisum).
How do you get the residence endorsement sticker?
Follow these steps to apply for the sticker:
- Schedule an appointment via the IND website. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a unique appointment code.
- Prepare the required documents:
- Your valid passport (the sticker will be placed in it).
- Appointment confirmation code (from the IND email).
- If applicable, a copy of your expired residence permit or a police report for a lost or stolen permit.
- Attend your IND appointment with all documents. The sticker will be issued and applied to your passport during the visit.
What to do if you need a return visa?
If you plan to travel outside the Netherlands and require a return visa, schedule a separate appointment for the return visa application. Processing times for return visas can be longer, so book well in advance.
Why is the endorsement sticker important?
The residence endorsement sticker ensures that your residency status is legally documented while waiting for your residence card. It’s particularly important in the following scenarios:
- Proving your legal stay to authorities like the police.
- Securing employment or verifying work rights with employers.
- Providing proof of lawful residence when changing permits or during appeals.
Final thoughts
The residence endorsement sticker provides peace of mind during transitions in your residency status. While it confirms your right to stay in the Netherlands, it does not allow for international travel without a return visa. Plan ahead, schedule your appointments early, and ensure all necessary documents are prepared to avoid delays.