Extending your residence card as a non-EU student
Are you a non-EU student, already have a residence card, and want to extend it? Read on for the procedure and requirements.
What is it about?
As a non-EU student, after the registration process, you will receive an electronic residence card (the A-card - Dutch) if you meet the requirements. This card has limited validity and must be renewed each time.
What are the requirements?
- You are a non-EU student and already have an A-card.
- You must apply for an extension online at least 15 calendar days before your current A-card expires. The date of your online submission will be considered the date of application.
Note!
Apply for the extension on time. If any documents are missing from your application, you will receive an e-mail to complete your application within 15 days. If you submit your application too late or your file is incomplete, you will lose your legal stay.
Proof of academic progress
In order to renew your residence permit as a non-EU student, the Immigration Office expects you to have successfully completed a certain number of credits after a certain number of years of study.
Graduate or bachelor’s programme, advanced bachelor’s programme (‘bachelor’s after bachelor’s’), postgraduate or certificate programme
Credits to be obtained | After number of years of study |
| 60 | 2 years |
| 100 | 3 years |
| 140 | 4 years |
| 180 | 5 years |
Study programme comprises a total of | Study programme completed after |
| 60 credits | 2 years |
| 90 credits | 3 years |
| 120 credits | 4 years |
| 180 credits | 5 years |
| 240 credits | 6 years |
Master’s programmes and advanced Master’s programmes (‘Master’s after Master’s’)
Credits to be earned | After number of years of study |
| 60 | 2 years |
| 120 | 3 years |
Study programme comprises a total of | Study programme completed after |
| 60 credits | 2 years |
| 120 credits | 3 years |
| 180 credits | 4 years |
PhD students must complete their programme within 6 years.
Students may not change their field of study more than twice during the first three years of their studies, unless they have successfully completed one programme.
These academic progress requirements apply from the 2026–2027 academic year.
How much does it cost?
For you residence card, you pay
| Standard procedure | 33 euros |
| Urgent procedure | 163 euros |
What do I need?
- Your A-card from the past academic year
- Your valid passport
- Your enrolment certificate (standard form model - Dutch)
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (scholarship, blocked account, annex 32*)
*If the guarantor lives in Belgium, you will also need the proof of income and a copy of the guarantor's identity card or residence card.
- Your health insurance
- Your exam results from the past academic year (not applicable for PhD students)
- Proof of academic progress (not applicable for PhD students)
What are the steps?
- Gather your documents and apply online for the extension of your stay.
- Once we receive your application, you will receive a confirmation email.
- If your file is complete, you will receive an invitation via email. You will make an appointment through the link in the email to apply for your A-card. At the counter, you will receive a temporary residence document (annex 15).
If your documents are not in order, Migration will forward everything to the Immigration Office. Note that this may delay your invitation.
If your A-card expires while you are waiting for a response, Migration will send you a digital appendix 15 while awaiting a decision. - Collect your residence card. About 4 weeks after applying for your residence card, you will receive a letter with your codes by post. Only then can you collect your new residence card. You can collect your residence card from the Citizen Affairs collection desk at the City Office without an appointment.