Who Is the IND and What Do They Do in the Netherlands?
If you're moving to the Netherlands or already living here as an expat, you've probably heard of the IND—but who are they, and what exactly do they do?
What Is the IND?
The IND stands for Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, or in English, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service. It’s part of the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security and is responsible for handling immigration procedures in the Netherlands.
What Does the IND Handle?
The IND is the go-to authority for anything related to staying legally in the Netherlands. Their responsibilities include:
- Processing visa applications for long-term and short-term stays
- Approving and issuing residence permits
- Handling naturalisation and Dutch citizenship applications
- Managing asylum requests
- Providing information on legal stays and immigration procedures
Common Scenarios Where You’ll Deal With the IND
Whether you're a student, skilled migrant, partner of a Dutch resident, or asylum seeker, you’ll interact with the IND at various points. For example:
- Applying for a residence permit before arriving in the Netherlands
- Changing your permit type (e.g. from student to work)
- Extending or renewing your permit
- Requesting permanent residency or Dutch citizenship
Where to Find the IND
You can visit one of the IND offices in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Zwolle, or The Hague. Most appointments are made online through their official website: ind.nl.
Important Tip for Expats
Make sure your documents and appointments with the IND are always up to date. Delays or missing paperwork can impact your ability to stay or work in the Netherlands.
Need More Answers?
For more answers, visit our Expat Cousin online interactive service.