Netherlands Visa & Work Permit Guide

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The Netherlands’ most common route for foreign hires is the Highly Skilled Migrant permit, which requires employer sponsorship, a compliant salary, and approval from the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

Work can generally begin after IND approval and lawful entry (for example, with an MVV or residence endorsement), even if the residence card has not yet been issued. Beginning work before approval and entry would constitute a compliance violation.

RemoFirst’s RemoVisa service helps employers stay compliant, managing the full visa process, health insurance setup, and BSN registration without requiring a local Dutch entity.

Work Authorization and Legal Residence Overview

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must obtain a residence permit that includes work authorization in order to legally live and work in the Netherlands. The most common pathway is the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) route, which grants both work and residence rights for up to five years.

This process must be initiated by a recognized sponsor (an employer approved by the IND) or an Employer of Record (like RemoFirst) acting on the company’s behalf. After arrival, applicants must obtain a BSN (citizen service number) and enroll in mandatory Dutch health insurance with an approved public or private provider.

Permits are typically issued for 1–5 years, depending on the employment contract, and are renewable.

Summary: Employment typically begins after IND approval and lawful entry or endorsement, even if the physical residence card is obtained at a later stage.

Types of Work Visas and Permits Available

Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) Permit

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss professionals with a job offer from a recognized sponsor.
Salary must meet current IND salary thresholds, which vary by age and are updated annually (approximately €3,122/month gross excluding holiday allowance for employees under 30, and €4,357/month gross excluding holiday allowance for employees aged 30 and over).
Validity: Up to 5 years (depending on employment contract).
Sponsorship: Required.
Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.

Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit

For managers or specialists transferring within a multinational group.
Validity: Up to 3 years. Valid up to 1 year for trainees
Sponsorship: Required.
No path to permanent residency.

Orientation Year Permit (Zoekjaar)

For international graduates of Dutch universities seeking employment.
Validity: 12 months.
Sponsorship: Not required initially.
Can transition to HSM permit upon job offer.

Self-Employment / Entrepreneur Permit

For founders or freelancers starting a business in the Netherlands. Applicants must demonstrate business viability and sufficient benefit to the Dutch economy.
Sponsorship: Not required (the applicant applies independently).
Validity: Typically 2 years, renewable.
Permanent residency: Possible. Time spent on this permit may count toward permanent residence and citizenship, provided general eligibility criteria are met.

EU Blue Card

For highly educated professionals with a valid job offer and a salary meeting the EU Blue Card threshold (approximately €5,300–€5,900 gross per month, indexed annually).
Sponsorship: Required.
Leads to EU mobility and long-term residency.

Exemptions From Work Permit Requirements

The following categories may be exempt or subject to modified requirements:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No work/residence permit needed.
Spouses of HSM permit holders: May work without restriction if permit states “arbeid vrij toegestaan.”
Short-term visitors: Business visits under 90 days may not require work authorization (task-specific).
Visa-free nationals (e.g., U.S., U.K.): They may enter visa-free and apply in-country, but cannot start working until IND approval.

⚠️ Exemptions vary depending on nationality, residence history, and job role. Always confirm with IND.

(Source: https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements#application-to-work-as-a-highly-skilled-migrant-orientation-year-and-for-the-european-blue-card)

Common Hiring Scenarios in The Netherlands

Scenario	Permit Required?	Notes
Foreign employee hired by Dutch company	Yes – Highly Skilled Migrant	Must meet age-based salary thresholds and education requirements.
Business owner starting own company	Yes – Self-Employment Permit	Requires a detailed business plan and proof of economic benefit to the Netherlands.
Remote employee hired by foreign employer	Usually No	Cannot participate in the Dutch labor market without proper work authorization.
Secondment from foreign HQ to Dutch office	Yes – ICT Permit	The employee must remain employed and paid by the foreign entity.
Recent graduate from Dutch university	No – Orientation Year Permit	May work freely during the orientation year but must switch permits if transitioning to long-term employment.
Dependent spouse of HSM permit holder	May Be Exempt	Can work without separate sponsorship once the family reunification permit is issued, including employment via an Employer of Record.

Most Common Route for Foreign Employees

The default process for hiring a skilled non-EU national in the Netherlands is the Highly Skilled Migrant pathway:

The employer (or EOR like RemoFirst) collects documents and signs a compliant contract with the job candidate.
Application is submitted to the IND, including proof of salary, qualifications, and job role.
If the candidate is outside the Netherlands, they apply for an MVV (entry visa) at a Dutch consulate.
Upon arrival, the employee picks up their residence card at the IND office and registers for a BSN at the local municipality.
Legal work can usually start after IND approval and lawful entry, even if the physical card is collected later.

This is the most widely used path for compliant hiring.

Is Employer Sponsorship Required?

Yes. All foreign workers under the Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card categories must be sponsored by a recognized employer or an authorized Employer of Record (EOR).

Sponsor responsibilities include:

Registering as a recognized sponsor (if applicable)
Drafting a compliant contract
Salary thresholds are mandatory, but formal education is not always required
Submitting the IND application and tracking approvals

Exemptions include:

Freelancers/self-employed (different route)
Dependents of workers with unrestricted permits
Orientation Year permit holders (temporary waiver)

Labor-market testing is generally not required for HSM or Blue Card routes.

Eligibility and Employer Requirements

Who Qualifies (Employee Side):

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national
Valid job offer from a recognized Dutch sponsor
Thresholds change annually; salary must meet current IND levels.
- Under 30: €4,507.68/month (plus 8% vacation pay)
Formal degree/experience is not a strict HSM requirement; role and salary are key. Legalization may be requested case-by-case.
Valid passport valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond the intended stay
Health insurance coverage
Proof of accommodation (e.g., lease agreement)

What the Employer Must Provide:

Signed work contract
Detailed job description aligned to applicant’s profile. Helpful for IND assessment, but not always strictly required if salary and sponsor criteria are met.
Proof of salary level
Permit application form and declarations
Compliance with IND sponsorship obligations

(Source: https://ind.nl/en/work/working-in-the-netherlands/highly-skilled-migrant)

Other Important Considerations

Exemptions and Alternative Pathways:

Entrepreneur permit: Separate track for founders with business impact
EU Blue Card: An alternative with EU mobility
Remote workers: Must not perform work for Dutch companies without permit
Freelance/self-employment: Requires approval of business plan and income

Tax and Compliance:

Income tax begins on the first day of residence
Social security and health insurance contributions are mandatory
Health insurance (basisverzekering) must be arranged within 4 months of municipal registration
No work is allowed before permit approval
30% tax ruling may apply for expats (partial tax exemption)

Long-term Residence and Permanent Residency:

Applicants can apply for permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence
Must meet integration, income, and proof of address/residence is expected
Citizenship may be possible after 5 continuous years

Typical Processing Times and Common Delays

Document collection & preparation: 1–3 months
Application drafting & review: 2–3 weeks
Submission to IND: Immediate upon readiness
Decision from IND: 2–4 weeks
Consulate appointment (if abroad): Appointment availability varies by location.
Residence card pickup: Within 1 month after arrival (Often faster).
BSN registration: 2–8 weeks depending on the municipality

Common Causes of Delay:

Incomplete job descriptions
Degree not legalized or translated properly
Delay in lease agreement or health insurance setup
Backlogs at IND or local municipalities

How RemoFirst (RemoVisa) can Help

Navigating The Netherland’s work permit and residence environment can be complex — but that’s where RemoVisa adds value. We help employers and foreign hires by:

Managing employer-sponsored visa applications: We guide your Dutch legal entity registration (if needed), draft compliant job documentation and vacancy justification, and submit work permit requests through the official portal.
Ensuring compliant work permit + residence permit processing: We coordinate all required documents (passport, translations, contracts, proof of housing, legal attestations) and monitor approvals.
Leveraging global coverage (110+ countries): As part of a broad global EOR network, the Netherlands is just one option among many, scaling hiring across regions.
Providing managed support from immigration experts: Our team knows the nuances, common pitfalls, and how to anticipate delays or required follow-ups.
Bundling visa support with payroll, benefits, onboarding: Foreign hires become fully integrated employees without burdening your internal HR — from employment contract to residency compliance to payroll and benefits delivery.

Plus: If your new hire has dependents (spouse or minor children), we can help with dependent permits, housing support, and compliance with resident-application requirements.

Find out what specific permits or visas in The Netherlands we support under our Employer of Record and RemoVisa service.

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Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and work permit requirements in the Netherlands may change, and the final decisions are made by local authorities. Always consult with immigration professionals — like through our RemoVisa service — for the most up-to-date and personalized guidance.

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