Studying law in the Netherlands takes time, but the benefits of taking a civil law approach. Obtaining a law degree in a country known as the legal capital of Europe makes the study worthwhile. A law degree in the Netherlands starts with a Bachelor of Law (Bachelor of Law or LLB), which is a three-year study, followed by a Master of Laws (LLM), which is a one-year study. Study in the Netherlands 2023
Dutch Law Studies
Law studies are conducted at law schools affiliated with major Dutch universities. International students can apply for international law programs that focus their education both on the legal field and on the specific educational needs of international students who may not be well informed of aspects of Dutch civil law.
The Dutch academic year begins on September 1st and ends on August 31st of the following year and has 42 study weeks. This model is based on the European Credit Transfer System and can be easily compared with other European legal programs.
To be admitted to study international law in the Netherlands, you must be able to speak and write English well. Apply to the school of your choice and use your letter of acceptance to apply for your student visa. This gives you a preparatory period that you can use to prepare for your studies, find a job if necessary, find housing, and complete the training required for acceptance into the program.
A law degree in the Netherlands provides an excellent foundation for practicing law around the world. Dutch law professors are internationally recognized for their understanding of civil law, which means better job prospects for international students. Students who want to stay in the Netherlands can find numerous job opportunities. Many large companies come to Holland to settle disputes. A Dutch degree makes it easier to practice law in other civil law countries due to the excellent reputation of these law programs.
About the Netherlands
With Belgium to the south, Germany to the east, and the North Sea to the north, the Netherlands is a country in northwestern Europe made up of 12 states and three Caribbean islands. Known for its windmills, tulips, and happy residents, this country is famous for its embankments. About one-fifth of the Netherlands is below sea level, and an extensive system of dikes keeps floods at bay. Major industries include shipping, fishing, trading, and banking. Notable Dutch artists include Vincent van Gogh and M.C. Escher. The Hague is also the seat of the International Criminal Court and is home to several other international courts and tribunals, including Europol and Eurojust, so the Netherlands is also known as the legal capital of the world.
Dutch Legal System
The Netherlands follows a form of civil law based on the French Civil Code, which is also influenced by traditional Dutch and Roman law. In 1992, the country introduced a civil law book outlining its legal code, allowing the country to become a leader in the legal profession. The Dutch parliament is the main legislative body of the system.
Visa Requirements
MVV (Temporary Residence Permit) – Entry Visa.
VVR (Residence Permit) – If she plans to stay in the Netherlands for more than 3 months, she will need to apply for an entry visa as well as a residence permit (VVR) (an identity document that doubles as a study visa).
Who can apply for a visa?
If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA member state or Switzerland, you do not need a student visa or residence permit to stay in the Netherlands.
If a non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen stays in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, a residence permit is required. For shorter stays, only a tourist visa is required. Two documents are required. In most cases, you need a temporary residence permit to enter the Netherlands. You also need a residence permit to stay in the country.
Where can I apply?
Your institution must apply on your behalf, so you should contact your institution for details of the process. If not, please contact your host institution’s International Office (or Human Resources if you are a researcher) for assistance.
How do I apply?
The visa application process will be initiated by the university as soon as the student is officially enrolled in the course.
The documents required for visa application are listed in the letter from the university to prospective students. The following documents are usually required:
- A copy of the first page (ID page) of a valid passport.
- Evidence of financial independence.
- additional passport photos (size: 35mm x 45mm, see his IND requirements in .pdf).
- Proof of tuition and payment for visa application.
- Proof of Intermediate Accommodation for at least one school year (10 months).
- Chinese students may require a NESO certificate.
- Valid proof of financial self-sufficiency of the applicant may be shown as follows:
- Letter from a Dutch host institution referring to internship fees or research grants.
- Letter of acceptance from a Dutch university with details of a scholarship, tuition waiver, or scholarship.
- A bank statement from an international bank showing that you have sufficient funds to pay your planned expenses in the Netherlands. Study in the Netherlands 2023
When should I apply?
Processing time for a student visa application to the Netherlands is usually one month but can take up to three months.
A residence permit is issued for the student’s study period plus 3 months, up to a maximum of 5 years. If a student wishes to complete a preparatory course, that period will be added to the duration of the visa. If the training lasts more than 5 years, the residence permit can be extended for another year.
VVR validity is subject to another condition. Valid as long as the student has earned her 50% credits across the course.
Graduates with a college or university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.) may apply for an orientation year for a Graduate Permit within three years of graduation. This gives her a year to look for work. During this period, you can work without restrictions without a work permit from your employer. Study in the Netherlands 2023