Why the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a tiny country and might not be the first one that pops up when one thinks of moving abroad. But there are many reasons why someone wants to move to the land of tulips and cheese (and much more, of course):
- to work, live or study in the Netherlands (temporarily), for example, as an exchange student or au pair;
- having a relationship with someone who lives in the Netherlands;
- Family members living in the Netherlands;
- refugees who do not feel safe in their country and wish to apply for political asylum.
Comeandstay.nl mainly provides information for (young professionals), recent graduates and international students. If you are a refugee and want to apply for asylum in the Netherlands, please contact UNHCR or check the resources on ind.nl.
Understanding the Dutch Residence Permit System
Before choosing the right permit, let’s quickly discuss how the Dutch immigration system works. The Netherlands distinguishes between short stays and long stays. Residence permits apply to the latter.
- Short-stay Visa (Schengen Visa):
A short-stay visa allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Suitable for tourism, short business trips, or family visits.
- Long Stay Visa (MVV) and Residence Permit:
Anyone planning to live in the Netherlands for more than 90 days needs a long-stay visa. Most expats will need an MVV (entry visa) first, followed by a residence permit once they arrive.
Residence Permit for EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens
If you are a national of a European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you don’t need a residence permit to enter the country and to live and work in the Netherlands. However, you need a valid passport from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland or a valid identity card. If you are planning on living in the Netherlands as an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen for more than 3 months, you need to:
However, there are also certain other requirements. You must either be economically active as an employee, entrepreneur or posted worker or actively looking for work. If you are a job seeker, you must show that during the first 6 months you were registered as a job seeker with the Employee Insurance Agency (in Dutch: Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen or UWV). If you have not found a job within 6 months, you must show that you have a good chance of finding a job in the Netherlands. If you are economically inactive, you must have sufficient income to live from.
All non-EU expats, must apply for a suitable residence permit through the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). We’ll discuss the options in the following.
Working visa in the Netherlands
Work-related residence permits are the most common type for non-EU expats in the Netherlands. These permits are always tied to a specific employer, who must submit the work visa application on your behalf. The type of permit you need depends on your role, qualifications, and the employer’s sponsorship status. Below are the most common work visas available in the Netherlands.
- Single permit or GVVA: Employees with work in paid employment need a single permit or the GVVA which combines the residence permit and the work permit. If your employer can provide proof that they didn’t find someone as qualified as you in the Netherlands, they can apply for the GVVA (Gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid). This visa also applies to internships or apprenticeships in the Netherlands.
- Working permit as a highly skilled migrant: If your employer is recognised as a sponsor by the IND, you can also get a residence and working permit as a highly skilled migrant. This permit is a special fast-track residence permit for qualified professionals coming to the Netherlands for highly skilled positions. Requirements are a relevant education and/or experience for the role.
- Intra-Corporate Transferee Residence Permit: If you transfer within a multinational company to a Dutch branch, you are eligible for an Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit. The requirements are that you’ve worked for the company for at least 3 months outside the EU, and you’ll hold a managerial, specialist, or trainee position in the Dutch office. The transfer duration is limited to 3 years (managers/specialists) or 1 year (trainees).
- EU Blue Card: If you have a recognised university degree, a valid work contract for at least 12 months and a salary above the set threshold, you may be eligible for an EU Blue Card. This card allows you to work in other EU member states after 18 months of legal residence in the Netherlands.
Next to these common visa types, there are also some more specific work visas for the Netherlands. For example, residence permits for researchers under directive and residence permits for essential start-up personnel. For seasonal workers there is a residence permit for seasonal work. There are also situations where an employee will work in the Netherlands, but a Single Permit cannot be applied for. For example, in the case of media correspondents, military personnel, and similar professions.
Visa for students and young professionals
With globally ranked institutions such as Delft University of Technology, Leiden University, and the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands is an excellent choice for international students. As for the working visas, you do not need a residence or study permit to study in the Netherlands if you are a citizen of an EU or EEA member state (or Switzerland). Other international students can apply for a student residence permit via their university, which must be an IND-recognised sponsor.
- Student residence permit for university higher education/for secondary or vocational education: If you are enrolled at a Dutch university, your institution must apply for a student residence permit for university higher education on your behalf. If you plan to study at a secondary school or vocational institution (MBO), the school must instead apply for a student residence permit for secondary or vocational education.
- Residence permit for orientation year: After graduation you can apply for an orientation year (Dutch: zoekjaar) permit. This is a one-year residence permit that lets you seek work as a highly skilled migrant without needing a job offer immediately. The residence permit for orientation year is an excellent bridge for expats wishing to stay in the Netherlands after their studies.
Residence Permit for Entrepreneurs and Startups
Of course, there is always the opportunity to enter the Netherlands as an entrepreneur or startup founder. If you aspire to come to the Netherlands for entrepreneurship or setting up a startup, there are two routes you can take:
- Startup Residence Permit: Entrepreneurs launching innovative businesses can apply for a Startup Residence Permit. To be eligible, you need to collaborate with an approved facilitator (mentor), be able to present a viable and innovative business plan and have sufficient financial resources. The startup permit is valid for one year, during which you develop your idea into a sustainable business.
- Residence Permit for Self-Employed Persons: If you want to start a business or work as a self-employed artist in the Netherlands, you can apply for a residence permit for self-employed persons. To be eligible, your business must benefit the Dutch economy, you must register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), and you must prove that you have sufficient income.
Visa for Au Pairs and exchange
Besides university exchange programmes, you can also join a range of other exchange opportunities in the Netherlands:
- Residence permit au pair: Working as an au pair offers a unique chance to experience Dutch culture, live with a local host family, and enhance your language skills. If you plan to live in the Netherlands as an au pair, you’ll need a residence permit for au pairs. This permit can only be arranged through an IND-recognised au pair agency, which handles the application process for you. The IND provides an official list of all approved au pair agencies on its website.
- Residence Permit Working Holiday: If you are between 18 and 30 years old, you can also apply for a residence permit for a working holiday. This option is only accessible to selected countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand, and limited to a maximum of 100 young people per country per year.
- Residence permit Cultural exchange: Non-EU/EEA nationals aged 18 to 30 who want to temporarily (up to one year) live and work in the Netherlands to gain cultural experience can apply for a residence permit for cultural exchange. This option is only open for people who have a recognised exchange organisation (sponsor) in the Netherlands.
Residence Permit for Family Reunification or Partnership
Expats often bring family members or join a Dutch partner. As with the other categories, there are multiple options here as well. The most common are:
- Residence permit for partner:
- Family reunification:
Besides these options, there are also residence permits for family circumstances, including permits for a minor child joining a parent, a child born in the Netherlands, an adopted or foster child, or parents staying with their Dutch child. Family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who want to live together in the Netherlands can also apply for a residence permit if they have a valid passport and do not pose a risk to public order or national security.
Written by:
Simone Sollberger
