Alien identity card – Vreemdelingen Identiteitsbewijs (VI)
We continue to inform you about the documents and means of identification required for the residence of foreigners in the Netherlands. Earlier we wrote about DigiD, and now let's talk about the VI-document.
Alien identity card (Vreemdelingen Identiteitsbewijs, VI) intended for foreigners of two categories:
- who have applied for asylum and have not yet received a final decision on their application;
- who have applied for a permanent residence permit on the basis of refugee status and have not yet received a final decision on this application.
Note! Previously, the alien's identity card was called the W-document.
Purpose of issuing a VI document
With the help of this identity document and the insert with the General Proof of Residence sticker, a foreign citizen can confirm:
- your personality;
- citizenship;
- legal residence in the Netherlands.
Important! VI is not a residence permit, and you cannot travel abroad with it.
Two types of alien identity card W and W2
W type
Type VI W received by asylum seekers. If you are applying for asylum for the first time, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) will automatically create a VI after your interview. You don't need to make a request.
A request for a Type VI W is submitted by a foreigner in the following situations:
- You are awaiting a decision on your asylum application – a VI request must be submitted by mail only.
- You are pending a decision on an application for an extension of a temporary residence permit or on an application for a permanent residence permit, and your temporary residence permit is about to expire – you can apply for a VI by mail or online.
- You are pending a court decision on a claim to challenge the IND's refusal to grant asylum for a fixed or indefinite period or to extend a residence permit on the basis of refugee status - a VI request is submitted only by mail.
Important! The Application Form for Replacement or Renewal of an Alien Document or Application for an Alien Identity Document Type W or W2 (6010) is available at link.
Type W2
Type VI W2 is intended for a limited group of foreigners. A request for a Type VI W2 must be submitted in writing and only by mail in the following situations:
- You have been granted a postponement of your departure from the Netherlands due to health reasons.
- You are a victim or witness of human trafficking.
- You are awaiting a decision on your residence permit application for a reason other than asylum. For example, for medical treatment or because you cannot leave the Netherlands through no fault of your own.
- Your W2 type VI is no longer valid. But you still have the legal right to reside in the Netherlands.
Important! To qualify for a Type VI W2, you must meet the following criteria:
- legally reside in the Netherlands for a reason other than granting asylum;
- do not have a valid passport;
- not receive any cash benefits from the Dutch government for their living.
***Note: Upon receipt of Type VI W2, an insert with proof of residence is also issued. The proof of residence states the date until which you can stay in the Netherlands and whether you are allowed to work.
Where and how to pick up a VI-document?
After receiving a letter from the IND, the VI document can be picked up by appointment at the nearest IND branch. How is it going?
If you have submitted your first asylum application, you will receive a letter regarding your VI document in a few weeks.
***Note: If you do not receive this email, please call the IND on 088 043 0430.
Pre-registration is required to visit the IND branch. That way you'll know exactly when it's your turn and you won't have to wait.
You can make an appointment online. If you want to get an appointment on short notice, you should check the appointment scheduler on the IND website more often. Due to canceled meetings, new places appear every day. Registration by phone is not carried out!
Note! In case of loss or theft of the VI-document, you must contact the police. You will receive a certified copy of the police report. Next, you should submit a request to the IND to replace the document, attaching a copy of this report.
