In a significant update announced in June 2025, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has revised the Return Visa (Terugkeervisum or TKV) policy — a lifeline for many international residents who need to travel abroad while waiting for a new or extended Dutch residence permit.
This update is vital for expats, students, parents of Dutch-born children, and individuals under EU law verification processes. Here’s your complete guide to the newly updated return visa policy — who needs it, how to get it, what it costs, and why it just got easier (or more complicated) depending on your situation.
What Is Dutch Return Visa and Who Needs One?
A Return Visa (TKV) allows non-EU nationals without a valid Dutch residence permit to re-enter the Netherlands after traveling abroad. You may need one if:
- You’ve applied for a residence permit extension or replacement.
- You’re switching to a different purpose of stay (e.g. from study to work).
- Your residence card was lost, stolen, or damaged.
- You’re the parent of a child born in the Netherlands awaiting permit issuance.
- You’re applying to stay with a Union or Dutch Union citizen under EU law.
Important: You must require a Schengen visa based on your nationality. Use Nederlandwereldwijd.nl to check your visa status.
Flown Out Without a Valid Dutch Residence Permit?
If you’ve temporarily left the Netherlands and suddenly realized your residence permit has expired, was stolen, or is missing—don’t rush to book an IND appointment. That’s no longer the correct step in this situation. Instead, if you are abroad and without a valid permit, you must apply for an Dutch entry visa (https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands) through the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate. This rule applies to all non-EU residents whose residence documents have lapsed while they are outside the country.
Do You Even Need a Return Visa?
Not everyone requires a return visa to get back into the Netherlands. If you are a national of a country that does not require a Schengen visa, and you’re still within your visa-free window, you can return to the Netherlands without a return visa. However, this isn’t a green light to travel carefree—airlines, immigration officers, or authorities in other countries may still ask to see a return visa before allowing you to board or transit.
So, it’s always best to confirm your eligibility and get written assurances before making travel plans.
Where Can You Apply Inside the Netherlands?
For those currently in the Netherlands and needing a return visa, you must apply in person as per this June 2025 update. The IND offers appointments at its Desks or Service Points across the country. Residents in the Limburg province can go through the Expat Centre in Maastricht, while those living in Zeeland or the Brabantse Wal region can book an appointment at the IND Service Point in Goes.
All appointments must be booked online, and note that rescheduling is not permitted. If you need to change your booking, you’ll have to cancel the existing appointment and secure a new one from scratch.
2025 Dutch Return Visa Fees Also Received an Update
The fee structure for NL return visas has also been clarified in this new June 2025 policy changes as per following:
| Applicant Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| General Applicants | €189.00 |
| Turkish Nationals & Family (AA EG-Turkey) | €55.00 |
| Eligible Exempt Categories | FREE |
When Is the Return Visa Free?
You’re exempt from paying if:
- You entered on an MVV and haven’t yet received your residence card.
- Your application is under: Stay with a (Dutch) Union citizen (EU law) or Chavez ruling (Dutch minor child)
- IND exceeded the decision deadline (statutory period expired)
- You received a permit extension valid for under 1 month
- You hold a diplomatic passport
- You’re a family member of EU/EEA/Swiss citizen already verified under EU law
- Fee waived by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
- You fall under the Status of Moluccans Act.
Processing Time & Visa Validity
The IND aims to process return visa applications immediately during your appointment. If all documents are in order, the Netherlands visa will be issued on the spot. However, if additional checks are needed, you’ll receive the decision via letter within two (02) weeks.
A standard return visa is valid for up to three (03) months, though the validity period can be shorter depending on your passport’s expiration date. In some cases, extended validity is granted: for example, students traveling abroad for their studies may receive a return visa valid for up to six (06) months, while those renewing permanent residence permits can receive one valid for up to twelve (12) months. Moluccan residents are eligible for even longer durations—sometimes exceeding a year.
Travel Rules With a Return Visa for Netherlands
Your return visa allows you to travel back to the Netherlands and even transit through other Schengen countries along the way. However, it is not a permit to stay in other Schengen countries, such as for tourism or visiting friends. Make sure that you travel with the same passport the return visa was issued in, and confirm whether your visa is single or multiple-entry depending on your specific approval and following is the summary of it:
- ✅ Allows transit through Schengen countries (to/from Netherlands)
- ❌ Not valid for staying or vacationing in Schengen countries
- ✈️ Use the same passport the visa is stamped into.
New Policy: https://ind.nl/en/make-an-appointment-for-a-return-visa.
