Student Residence in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

Study is an official fixed-term residence purpose in the Caribbean Netherlands.

It is also one of the categories for which RCN uses an acknowledgement of temporary residence right, so it should not be marketed as an automatic permanent-residence pathway.

Financial requirement

Current IND-CN guidance requires a student's monthly contribution to equal at least 50% of the island-specific gross minimum wage, plus tuition fees.

Using the 2026 minimum-wage monthly equivalents:

  • Bonaire: $926.47/month + tuition;
  • Sint Eustatius: $919.53/month + tuition;
  • Saba: $923.87/month + tuition.

If the amount is provided as one lump sum, IND says it should equal 12 × 50% of the monthly minimum wage + tuition fees.

Temporary purpose

The current temporary-right acknowledgement says study residence is granted for the purpose of study and is normally limited to one year, with renewal required before expiry.

It also states that the holder must leave when the study is completed or terminated unless another lawful residence basis is obtained.

That is different from saying “study for five years and automatically get permanent residence.”

Documents

The forms system includes a study-purpose declaration/reference request, education-institution guarantee and general guarantee forms where applicable.

Applicants should expect identity documents, school/course evidence, financial support, tuition evidence and the general immigration documents applicable to their nationality and filing route.

2026 fee

Study residence costs $196 in the 2026 IND-CN schedule for:

  • MVV;
  • first fixed-term permit without MVV;
  • extension; and
  • change of restriction to study.

MVV or on-island filing

Nationality determines whether an MVV is required before entry. No-MVV applicants can generally file the relevant fixed-term residence application on-island; MVV-required applicants should complete that stage first.

Can students work?

The study permit should not be treated as a general work authorisation. If the student wants employment or an internship, confirm the applicable residence restrictions and whether a TWV is needed.

Long-term plans

A student who later wants to remain for work, business or family should change to an appropriate lawful purpose before relying on long-term residence history.

Return to the Caribbean Netherlands immigration hub, browse visa types, explore the Caribbean region, review our methodology, and read the legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba