THE IMMIGRATION AND NATURALISATION SERVICE (IND)

Question

At the top of this webpage is a link to our “Discover” Section, within which is a further link to our “The Netherlands Guide” which contains lots of useful information that will help you plan your journey.  Within the guide you will find references to the Dutch government department that is responsible for all immigration matters in the Netherlands, known as the “Immigration and Naturalisation Service” or the “IND” for short; the IND have a website that you can access from this IND link.

Within the website is a section that deals with the most frequently asked questions they receive, this information can be accessed from this FAQ link.  If your question doesn’t have an answer, you can call them on +31 880 430 430, they are open on workdays between 9 am and 5 pm European time.  The IND also has a Twitter page where you can ask questions; this link will take you to it.
Some of the subjects covered by the FAQ link include:

What is the status of my application?

I want to visit an IND Desk. Do I have to make an appointment?

I have submitted an application. When do I have to provide my biometric information?

How can I get in touch with the person that is processing my application?

Has the IND received my application?

I want to travel, but I don’t have a passport. What can I do?

What is the Citizen Service Number (BSN)?

I am moving house. How do I inform the IND of my new address?

For my residence document I need a passport photo, fingerprints and a signature. How do I take care of this?

Does a Dutch residence permit allow me to travel within Europe without a visa?

How long may I stay outside the Netherlands with my valid residence permit?

Do I have to have health care insurance in the Netherlands?

The validity of my residence permit has expired, how soon can I re-enter the Schengen area/the Netherlands for a short visit?

Can I apply for rent subsidy, health care subsidy, child care benefits or child benefits?

These are just some of the questions that are frequently asked on our Forum, there are more.

If you have any further specific questions that are not covered by the IND FAQ webpage, you can also create a new post to ask on this Forum.

Hope this helps.

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