Are you getting ready to return to your home country or move elsewhere? This factsheet is designed to help international students prepare for their departure from the Netherlands. It outlines the key steps you need to take before leaving from deregistering with the municipality to ending your rental contract and cancelling insurance. With this checklist, you can leave the country well-prepared and avoid any unexpected issues later on.
Are you a student with a Dutch study residence permit?
If Team Immigration (EUR) informed you about the deregistration of your study residence permit at the IND, either because you completed or discontinued your studies at EUR, you must return your physical permit card, as it is property of the Dutch government.
Team Immigration will handle your deregistration with the IND. You do not need to deregister yourself at IND. We will notify you by email once this has been arranged. After receiving our notification, please make sure to leave the Netherlands as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that the deregistration at the city hall is not the same as the deregistration at the IND. You are still responsible for arranging your deregistration at the city yourself.
Before leaving the Netherlands, you can either schedule an appointment at an IND desk to return your permit in person or send it by post. For detailed instructions, please visit the IND website (see the section titled ‘Return residence document (card) to the IND’).
If you wish to remain in the Netherlands, you’ll have to apply for another permit. For more information, please visit the IND website.
Don't forget to
If you plan to leave the Netherlands for more than 8 months, it's important to deregister from the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) Rotterdam. After deregistration, the Municipality of Rotterdam, will update your information and automatically notify other government authorities. You can deregister online through the website of the Municipality of Rotterdam.
If you do not plan to return to the Netherlands in the coming years, make sure to cancel your Dutch bank account to avoid any unnecessary charges. Check the details with your Dutch bank.
Be sure to complete your graduation properly by following the correct steps and procedures. It's important to check that all academic requirements are met and that you take any necessary actions on time, such as applying for graduation, deregistering from your studies, and arranging the collection of your diploma. For a clear overview of the entire graduation process, including deadlines and faculty-specific information, please visit: Graduation | Erasmus University Rotterdam.
If you are you planning to work or study abroad, you will often need to have your Dutch diploma legalised. It is much easier to arrange this before you leave the Netherlands. Find out more on the DUO website.
Pop-Up Swap shop
Moving out this summer? Consider donating any items you no longer need to support incoming students this fall at our Pop-up Swap Shop!
Finalise housing formalities
Check with your landlord or housing provider well in advance what steps you need to take when leaving your accommodation.
Cancel any
Have you been claiming any benefits or grants from the Dutch government, for example rent benefit, healthcare benefit or DUO student finance? Make sure to cancel these when you leave the Netherlands to avoid incurring any fines.
Have you taken out additional (Dutch) insurances, such as health, liability or contents insurance? Remember to cancel these once you leave the Netherlands. Check the details with your insurance provider. Report your move also to your general practitioner.
Do you have any subscriptions in the Netherlands, for example sports, library, telephone etc? Do not forget to cancel your subscription!
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Finalise housing formalities
Check with your landlord or housing provider well in advance what steps you need to take when leaving your accommodation. For example, is a room inspection required, how can you reclaim your security deposit and how can you return your key.
SwapShop
Bring leftover: Clothing/Accessories, Small electronics/appliances (i.e. hair dryers, blenders, toasters), Home decor, Bedding, Small furniture (i.e. side tables, chairs), Sealed cosmetic items and Books in English to the Swapshop for incoming international students to pick up!
Pop-Up Swap Shop
Moving out this summer?
Consider donating any items you no longer need to support incoming students this fall at our Pop-up Swap Shop!
Donation Drop-Off Location: By the Food Hub in Mandeville
Dates: Wednesday, July 2 – Tuesday, September 23
We gladly accept:
• Clothing and accessories
• Small electronics/appliances (e.g., hair dryers, blenders, toasters)
• Home decor
• Bedding
• Small furniture (e.g., side tables, chairs)
• Sealed cosmetic items
• Books in English
Be sure to check our website for drop-off hours. Your donations make a difference!