Netherlands Netherlands Immigration Routes for Work, Study, and Self-Employment

Q: How do I get a Netherlands work visa as a highly skilled migrant?

The Highly Skilled Migrant route is employer-sponsored and run by the IND. Non-EU nationals typically need both an MVV and a VVR, often applied for together. Salary thresholds are revised on 1 January and 1 July.

Q: What is the difference between MVV and VVR in the Netherlands?

MVV is an entry visa for the Netherlands, while VVR is a residence permit. Non-EU nationals often apply for both together. The MVV lets you enter, and the VVR allows you to stay.

Q: Is the Netherlands investor golden visa still available?

No, the investor/golden-visa scheme was abolished on 17 April 2024. Other routes such as the Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card remain available.

Q: Can I move to the Netherlands as a digital nomad?

There is no dedicated digital nomad visa in the Netherlands. If you want to work remotely, the self-employed person route may apply, including the DAFT for US nationals and a treaty-based route for Japanese nationals.

Q: What is the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) in the Netherlands?

The Orientation Year is a residence permit for graduates to search for work in the Netherlands. It allows you to work without a separate work permit while you look for a job.

Q: What student residence permit options exist for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers a Student Residence Permit for university and higher professional education. After graduation, you may qualify for the Orientation Year to stay and work while seeking employment.

EU Schengen

Capital: Amsterdam
Currency: EUR
Languages: Dutch
Official fee: 85 – 1,250,000 EUR

The Netherlands is an EU and Schengen member state with a well-developed, employer-sponsor-driven immigration system run by the IND. Non-EU nationals typically need both an MVV (entry visa) and a residence permit (VVR), often applied for together. Salary and income thresholds are revised every 1 January and 1 July. The country offers strong routes for highly skilled migrants, the EU Blue Card, students, researchers, and a notable treaty-based self-employment route (DAFT for US nationals, trade treaty for Japanese nationals). The investor/golden-visa scheme was abolished on 17 April 2024.

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Immigration Pathways

(18) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 3 months ago

13 of 18 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 11 to permanent residence, 13 to citizenship.

18 of 18 pathways are backed by official government sources.

Sort: Recommended Lowest official fee

Work / Employment High confidence

Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

Fast-track work permit for skilled non-EU workers hired by an IND-recognised sponsor who meets a market-conform salary threshold.

Processing time: Within 90 days (recognised sponsors usually faster)
Validity: Up to 5 years (tied to employment contract)
Language requirement: None for the permit itself; A2 civic integration required later for PR/citizenship
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Employment with an IND-recognised sponsor (employer)
Gross monthly salary (excl. 8% holiday allowance), 2026 H1: 30+ EUR 5,942.00; under 30 EUR 4,357.00; reduced/orientation-year graduate criterion EUR 3,122.00
Salary must be market-conform
Valid passport (6+ months for MVV placement)
BIG registration if a healthcare worker

Required Documents

Signed employment contract required
Documents checklist for highly skilled migrants required
Valid passport required
BIG registration (healthcare workers only)
Foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German

Official fees

IND application fee (paid by employer) 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm sponsor and salary criterion

Verify the employer is an IND-recognised sponsor and that the salary meets the applicable threshold.
2
Gather documents

Employer assembles the checklist documents.
3
Submit application

Employer submits MVV + VVR together online via the Business Portal (or by post).
4
Pay fee

EUR 423 paid by employer via direct debit.
5
Await decision

Decision within 90 days.
6
MVV appointment

Book MVV appointment within 3 months at a Dutch embassy/consulate.
7
Collect permit

Do a TB test within 3 months if applicable, then collect the residence card at an IND desk.

Official Sources

Work / Employment High confidence

Single Permit (GVVA)

Combined residence-and-work permit for non-EU employees not covered by a fast-track scheme; includes a labour-market test by the UWV.

Processing time: Within 90 days (UWV has a statutory 5 weeks for labour-market advice within that window)
Validity: Tied to employment (up to the contract/permit duration)
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Job offer from a Dutch employer
Meets general, income, and labour-market test requirements
Valid passport
Legalised and translated foreign documents

Required Documents

Application form and employment particulars required
Valid passport required
Legalised and translated foreign documents required

Official fees

IND application fee 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Check general, income, and labour-market test requirements.
2
Gather documents

Assemble required documents.
3
Submit application

Employer applies by post (employee may apply themselves).
4
Pay fee

Pay EUR 423 per the IND payment letter.
5
Await decision

Decision within 90 days; UWV gives labour-market advice within 5 weeks.
6
MVV and collect

Book MVV appointment within 3 months; do a TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.

Official Sources

Official Single permit (GVVA) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Work / Employment High confidence

Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT)

Permit for managers, specialists, and trainees transferred to a Dutch entity within the same multinational group (Directive 2014/66/EU).

Processing time: Within 90 days (UWV 5-week advisory period)
Validity: Managers/specialists max 3 years; trainees max 1 year
Language requirement: None
Documents: 4 required

Requirements

Intra-group transfer to a Dutch entity
Qualification and wage evidence
Valid passport (6+ months)

Required Documents

Application form required
Proof of intra-group transfer required
Qualification and wage evidence required
Passport valid at least 6 months required

Official fees

IND application fee 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Submit application

Employer applies by post (or online via Business Portal if recognised sponsor).
2
Pay fee

Pay EUR 423.
3
Await decision

Decision within 90 days.
4
MVV and collect

Book MVV appointment within 3 months and collect the permit.

Official Sources

Official Intra-corporate transferee residence permit (Directive 2014/66/EU) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

EU Blue Card High confidence

EU Blue Card

EU-wide highly qualified worker permit with intra-EU mobility, based on a higher education qualification or relevant experience and a salary threshold.

Processing time: 30 days (recognised sponsor/long-term mobility/family); 45 days (current work/HSM/researcher/trainee permit holders); 90 days otherwise
Validity: Up to 5 years; remains valid up to 3 months after employment ends
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence (with intra-EU mobility counting rules)
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Higher education diploma from a programme of at least 3 years, or at least 5 years relevant experience (3 years for IT/ICT)
Employment contract valid at least 6 months
Gross monthly salary 2026 H1: standard EUR 5,942.00; reduced (graduated within last 3 years) EUR 4,754.00
Valid passport

Required Documents

Diploma for a programme of at least 3 years, or proof of relevant experience required
Employment contract valid at least 6 months required
Valid passport required

Official fees

IND application fee 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Verify qualification/experience, contract length, and salary threshold.
2
Gather documents

Employer or employee assembles documents.
3
Submit application

Employer or employee applies by post (or online via Business Portal if recognised sponsor).
4
Pay fee

EUR 423.
5
Await decision

Decision in 30/45/90 days depending on category; if undecided in time, work authorisation begins automatically.
6
MVV appointment

Book MVV appointment within 3 months of the decision.
7
Collect permit

Collect the residence card at an IND desk.

Official Sources

Study / Student High confidence

Student Residence Permit (university / higher professional education)

Permit for full-time study at an IND-recognised institution, applied for by the institution on the student's behalf.

Processing time: Within 60 days
Validity: Duration of study plus 3 months, max 5 years
Language requirement: Programme-dependent (set by the institution)
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Study years count toward the 5-year PR term
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Admission to a full-time NVAO/EQAR-accredited programme at an IND-recognised institution
Proof of sufficient income
Valid passport (6+ months)
Meet the study-progress requirement (at least 50% of credits each study year)

Required Documents

Proof of admission to a recognised institution required
Proof of income required
Valid passport (6+ months) required

Official fees

IND application fee (processed through the institution) 254 EUR

Process Steps

1
Get admission

Secure admission to a recognised full-time programme.
2
Institution gathers documents

The institution assembles the required documents.
3
Institution submits

The institution submits the application on your behalf.
4
Pay fee

EUR 254 paid via the institution.
5
Await decision

Decision within 60 days.
6
MVV and collect

MVV appointment within 3 months; TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.

Official Sources

Official Student residence permit for university or higher professional education · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Job Seeker Visa High confidence

Orientation Year (Zoekjaar)

One-year permit for recent graduates of qualifying Dutch study/research or top-200 master's programmes to find work or start a business, with free labour-market access.

Processing time: Within 90 days
Validity: 1 year, non-extendable
Language requirement: None
Documents: 2 required

Requirements

Within 3 years of completing qualifying Dutch study, NL research, or a top-200 master's degree
Valid passport

Required Documents

Proof of qualifying degree/research required
Valid passport required

Official fees

IND application fee 254 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Within 3 years of qualifying Dutch study, NL research, or top-200 master's.
2
Gather documents

Assemble proof of qualification and passport.
3
Submit application

Apply online (if in NL) or by post via a Dutch representation abroad.
4
Observe deadlines

When applying via a Dutch representation: wait 1 week after the appointment, send the application no later than 3 weeks after the appointment, and pay within 3 weeks of the appointment date.
5
Collect permit

Decision within 90 days; collect the permit.

Official Sources

Official Residence permit for orientation year · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Self-employment / Freelance High confidence

Self-Employed Person (incl. DAFT / Japan treaty route)

Residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs; US (DAFT) and Japanese nationals are exempt from the points test and need only EUR 4,500 minimum capital.

Processing time: Within 90 days; extendable to 6 months if RVO (economic) or OCW (cultural) advice is sought
Validity: Max 2 years (Type I)
Language requirement: None for the permit itself
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Business of essential interest to the Dutch economy (RVO points test: at least 30 points across three areas, or 45+45 in two)
Exempt from the points test: US nationals (DAFT), Japanese nationals (trade treaty), Turkish nationals (standstill), EU long-term residents, certain independent professionals
Treaty (DAFT/Japan) minimum capital EUR 4,500 for a sole proprietorship, VOF, CV, or BV
KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration with a real Dutch address (no PO box)
Valid passport

Required Documents

Application form and passport photo required
Valid passport required
KVK registration required
Business plan / proof of EUR 4,500 capital (treaty route) required

Official fees

IND application fee 423 EUR

Minimum business capital (DAFT/Japan treaty) 4,500 EUR

Estimated total 4,923 EUR

Process Steps

1
Book embassy appointment

From abroad, book a Dutch embassy/consulate appointment.
2
Submit and give biometrics

Submit form, passport photo, and valid passport; give biometrics.
3
Send application to IND

Send the application to IND within 3 weeks of the embassy date stamp.
4
Pay fee

Pay EUR 423 within 3 weeks.
5
Await decision

Decision within 90 days (up to 6 months if RVO/OCW advice sought).
6
MVV appointment

Book MVV appointment within 3 months. If applying from within NL, apply by post within 3 months of arrival.

Official Sources

Company Formation High confidence

Essential Start-up Personnel

Permit for key employees of an innovative start-up, subject to an income requirement, valid up to three years.

Processing time: Within 90 days
Validity: Max 3 years
Language requirement: None
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Employment as essential personnel of an innovative start-up
Meets the applicable income requirement (see IND required-amounts page)
Valid passport (6+ months)

Required Documents

Application form required
Proof of income meeting the requirement required
Passport valid at least 6 months required

Official fees

IND application fee 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Verify eligibility

Confirm essential-personnel status and income requirement.
2
Gather documents

Assemble required documents.
3
Submit application

Apply by post.
4
Pay fee

Pay EUR 423.
5
Await decision

Decision within 90 days.
6
MVV and collect

MVV appointment within 3 months; biometrics and collect; TB test within 3 months if applicable.

Official Sources

Startup Visa High confidence

Start-up

One-year permit for innovative entrepreneurs working with an IND-approved facilitator/mentor, convertible to the self-employed permit.

Processing time: Within 90 days (IND consults RVO on innovativeness)
Validity: Max 1 year (then may switch to self-employed permit)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 5 required

Requirements

Signed agreement with an approved facilitator/mentor
Innovative product/business plan
KVK (Trade Register) registration
Proof of sufficient financial means
Valid passport (6+ months)

Required Documents

Signed agreement with an approved facilitator/mentor required
Business plan / innovative product evidence required
KVK (Trade Register) registration required
Proof of financial means required
Passport valid at least 6 months required

Official fees

IND application fee 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check requirements

Confirm eligibility, including an approved facilitator.
2
Gather documents

Assemble facilitator agreement, business plan, KVK registration, and financial proof.
3
Submit application

Apply via the facilitator online (or yourself by post).
4
Pay fee

Pay EUR 423.
5
Await decision

Decision within 90 days.
6
MVV and collect

MVV appointment within 3 months; TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.

Official Sources

Official Start-up residence permit · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Investor / Golden Visa High confidence

Investor / Golden Visa (ABOLISHED)

The foreign-investor admission scheme was abolished on 17 April 2024; no new applications are accepted, though extensions of previously granted permits remain possible.

Processing time: Not applicable (closed to new applications)
Validity: Not available for new applicants (scheme closed)
Language requirement: Not applicable

Family Reunification High confidence

Partner / Family Reunification Permit

Permit for partners, spouses, and family members of a Dutch resident sponsor meeting an income threshold; non-exempt nationals must pass the civic integration exam abroad first.

Processing time: Within 90 days (9 months if the sponsor holds an asylum permit)
Validity: Tied to the sponsor's status; renewable
Language requirement: Non-exempt nationals must pass the basisexamen inburgering (civic integration exam) abroad before applying for the MVV
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Sponsor has independent, sustainable, sufficient income (partner/spouse threshold 2026 H1: EUR 2,294.40/month)
Both partners generally 21+
Genuine relationship (marriage/registration or proof of relationship plus shared address)
Civic integration exam abroad passed before MVV (non-exempt nationals)

Required Documents

Valid passport required
Relationship evidence (marriage/registration or relationship proof plus shared address) required
Appendix Antecedents Certificate (form 7601) for everyone over 12 required
Civic integration exam result (non-exempt nationals)

Official fees

IND application fee 254 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check requirements

Verify income, age, and relationship requirements; use the IND online questionnaire for your document list.
2
Pass civic integration exam abroad

Non-exempt nationals must pass the basisexamen inburgering before applying for the MVV.
3
Submit application

Apply online via DigiD or by post.
4
Pay fee

Pay EUR 254 (online via iDEAL/Wero, or per IND letter).
5
Await decision

Decision within 90 days (9 months if sponsor holds an asylum permit).
6
MVV and collect

MVV appointment within 3 months plus biometrics; TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.

Official Sources

Family Reunification High confidence

Asylum Family Reunification (nareis)

Reunification route for family members of recognised refugees, often free of charge and without an income requirement, but with a strict 3-month application deadline.

Processing time: Within 9 months
Validity: Tied to the sponsor's asylum status
Language requirement: None
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Sponsor holds an asylum residence permit
Apply within 3 months of the sponsor receiving the asylum permit
No income requirement
Proof of the family relationship

Required Documents

Recent photo required
Identity-document copy required
Original family-relationship proof (birth/marriage certificate) required
Appendix Antecedents Certificate (12+) required
Country-specific questionnaires

Official fees

Fee (free for adult sponsoring partner/(foster) child and for minor sponsoring biological parent; otherwise EUR 254) 254 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check requirements

Confirm eligibility under the nareis scheme.
2
Gather documents

Assemble identity and family-relationship evidence.
3
Apply within deadline

Apply (MVV + VVR together) within 3 months of the sponsor receiving the asylum permit.
4
Pay if applicable

Pay EUR 254 only if the fee exemption does not apply.
5
Await decision

Decision within 9 months.
6
Report on arrival

On arrival, report to the IND within 3 days.

Official Sources

Official Family reunification for refugees (nareis) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Research / Scientist High confidence

Researcher (Directive (EU) 2016/801)

Residence permit for researchers hosted by a recognised Dutch research institution under an EU directive, with a lower fee and faster processing.

Processing time: Within 60 days
Validity: Tied to the hosting agreement
Language requirement: None
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Hosting agreement or employment contract with a recognised research institution
Degree giving access to doctoral programmes (or an employer competency declaration)
Valid passport

Required Documents

Hosting agreement or employment contract with a recognised research institution required
Degree giving access to doctoral programmes, or employer competency declaration required
Valid passport required

Official fees

IND application fee (employer direct debit) 254 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm recognised institution

Verify the hosting institution is IND-recognised.
2
Gather documents

Assemble hosting agreement and qualification evidence.
3
Submit application

Employer submits online (Business Portal) or by post.
4
Pay fee

EUR 254 via direct debit.
5
Await decision

Decision within 60 days; decision letter sent via Zivver.
6
MVV and collect

MVV appointment within 3 months; TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.

Official Sources

Official Residence permit researcher (Directive (EU) 2016/801) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Digital Nomad Medium confidence

Digital Nomad (no dedicated visa - self-employed route)

The Netherlands has no dedicated digital nomad visa; long stays use the self-employed residence permit plus KVK and BSN registration.

Processing time: Short stay immediate (Schengen); long stay via self-employed permit (within 90 days)
Validity: Short stay 90 days / 180 (Schengen); long stay via self-employed permit (max 2 years)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Via the self-employed route: 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · 5 years of continuous lawful residence

Requirements

Short stay (<4 months): Schengen 90/180 rule; remote work for foreign clients allowed
Long stay (4+ months): obtain IND self-employed person residence permit
KVK registration with a real Dutch address (no PO box)
Municipal registration for a BSN
Health insurance (basic Dutch insurance if in the social-security system)
A1 certificate showing where social contributions are paid

Required Documents

Self-employed person residence permit application required
KVK registration required
BSN registration at the municipality required
A1 social-security certificate

Official fees

IND self-employed application fee 423 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain self-employed permit

Apply for the IND self-employed person residence permit for stays of 4+ months.
2
Register with KVK

Register with the Chamber of Commerce using a real Dutch address (no PO box).
3
Register for BSN

Register at the municipality to obtain a BSN.
4
Arrange insurance and social security

Arrange health insurance and submit an A1 certificate showing where you pay social contributions.
5
File taxes

File Dutch income tax/VAT, checking applicable double-tax treaties.

Official Sources

Official Become a digital nomad - a step-by-step plan · Business.gov.nl (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)

Language / Au-pair High confidence

Working Holiday Permit

Nationals of 9 countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay) aged 18-30 may live and work in the Netherlands for up to 1 year under a cultural-exchange programme. Work must be incidental to the stay, not the primary purpose. Annual quotas apply per country.

Processing time: Not specified by IND; standard IND application timelines apply.
Validity: Maximum 1 year; not extendable.
Language requirement: None specified.
Documents: 5 required

Requirements

Nationality of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or Uruguay
Age 18-30 at time of application
Valid passport from eligible country
Proof of return ticket or funds to purchase one
Sufficient funds for duration of stay in the Netherlands
Health insurance covering costs in the Netherlands
No previous exchange residence permit in the Netherlands
Annual quota for your nationality must not be exhausted

Required Documents

Valid passport required
Proof of return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one required
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay required
Health insurance policy covering the Netherlands required
Completed IND application form required

Official fees

IND application fee 85 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check quota availability

Verify that the annual quota for your nationality has not been reached for the current year before applying.
2
Submit application to IND

Apply online or in person through the IND. Pay the EUR 85 application fee.
3
Await decision

IND processes the application; standard IND timelines apply.
4
Collect residence permit

Once approved, collect your residence permit card. The permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year from the date of issue.
5
Register with municipality

Register at your local municipality (gemeente) and obtain a BSN (citizen service number).

Official Sources

Official Residence permit working holiday — IND · Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND)

Permanent Residence High confidence

Permanent Residence Permit (Type II) / EU Long-Term Residence (Type V)

Permanent residence after five years of continuous lawful residence, with an A2 civic integration requirement and a stable income.

Processing time: Within 6 months
Validity: Permanent (residence card renewed periodically)
Language requirement: Civic integration exam at A2 level (or exemption)
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Granted after 5 consecutive years of lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · After PR, naturalisation follows the same 5-year residence basis

Requirements

At least 5 consecutive years of lawful residence (time before age 8 does not count)
Civic integration exam at A2 or higher (or exempt)
Independent, sustainable, sufficient income
Apply from 3 months before the current permit expires; current permit must still be valid when you apply

Required Documents

Written application form required
Proof of A2 civic integration (or exemption) required
Proof of income required
Legalised and translated foreign documents

Official fees

IND application fee 254 EUR

Process Steps

1
Verify eligibility

Confirm 5 years of lawful residence, A2 integration, and income.
2
Gather documents

Assemble required documents.
3
Submit application

Apply online (DigiD) or by post, from 3 months before the current permit expires.
4
Pay fee

EUR 254 (iDEAL/Wero online).
5
Await decision

Decision within 6 months.
6
Collect permit

Collect the residence card.

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Naturalisation

Dutch citizenship by naturalisation after five years' residence, applied for in person at the municipality, with an A2 civic integration requirement and generally renunciation of prior nationality.

Processing time: Within 12 months (clock starts once fees are paid)
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: Civic integration diploma at A2 or higher (or exemption certificate)
Documents: 4 required
Citizenship: Yes · 5 consecutive years of lawful residence

Requirements

Aged 18 or older
5 consecutive years of lawful residence
Civic integration diploma at A2 (or exemption)
Generally renounce current nationality (exceptions apply)

Required Documents

Valid passport/travel document required
Birth certificate from country of origin required
Civic integration diploma at A2 (or exemption certificate) required
Proof of residence required
For children: passport/birth certificate/residence documents

Official fees

Naturalisation fee (single, 2026) 1,139 EUR

Naturalisation fee (joint with partner, 2026) 1,454 EUR

Co-naturalising minor child (2026) 168 EUR

Estimated total 2,761 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check requirements

Confirm eligibility at the municipality (gemeente).
2
Gather documents

Assemble passport, birth certificate, A2 diploma, and residence proof.
3
Apply and pay

Apply in person and pay the fee at the municipality.
4
Await decision

Decision within 12 months.
5
Attend ceremony

Attend the mandatory naturalisation ceremony within 1 year of the positive decision and make the Declaration of Solidarity.
6
Apply for passport

Apply for a Dutch passport/ID.

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Option Procedure for Dutch Citizenship

Faster, cheaper route to Dutch citizenship for specific categories (e.g. born in the Kingdom, descent-based, former Dutch), with no civic integration exam.

Processing time: Municipality has 13 weeks, extendable once by a further 13 weeks
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: No civic integration exam required
Documents: 3 required
Citizenship: Yes · Depends on the option category (no general 5-year exam requirement)

Requirements

Falls within a specific option category (e.g. born in the Kingdom, descent-based, former Dutch)
Valid passport/travel document
Residence permit (EU/EEA/Swiss exempt)

Required Documents

Valid passport/travel document required
Birth certificate required
Residence permit (EU/EEA/Swiss exempt)
Evidence of the specific option category required
Parental consent for included children if only one parent applies

Official fees

Option fee (single, 2026) 241 EUR

Option fee (joint with partner, 2026) 412 EUR

Co-opting minor child (2026) 27 EUR

Estimated total 680 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check eligibility category

Confirm you fall within a recognised option category.
2
Gather documents

Assemble passport, birth certificate, and category evidence.
3
Apply and pay

Apply and pay at the municipality where you live.
4
Await decision

Decision within 13 weeks (extendable once by 13 weeks).
5
Royal Decree and ceremony

Following the Royal Decree, attend the ceremony within 1 year and make the Declaration of Solidarity.
6
Apply for passport

Apply for a Dutch passport/ID.

Official Sources

Official Becoming a Dutch national through option · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

Views of the country

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Netherlands work visa as a highly skilled migrant?

The Highly Skilled Migrant route is employer-sponsored and run by the IND. Non-EU nationals typically need both an MVV and a VVR, often applied for together. Salary thresholds are revised on 1 January and 1 July.

What is the difference between MVV and VVR in the Netherlands?

MVV is an entry visa for the Netherlands, while VVR is a residence permit. Non-EU nationals often apply for both together. The MVV lets you enter, and the VVR allows you to stay.

Is the Netherlands investor golden visa still available?

No, the investor/golden-visa scheme was abolished on 17 April 2024. Other routes such as the Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card remain available.

Can I move to the Netherlands as a digital nomad?

There is no dedicated digital nomad visa in the Netherlands. If you want to work remotely, the self-employed person route may apply, including the DAFT for US nationals and a treaty-based route for Japanese nationals.

What is the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) in the Netherlands?

The Orientation Year is a residence permit for graduates to search for work in the Netherlands. It allows you to work without a separate work permit while you look for a job.

What student residence permit options exist for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers a Student Residence Permit for university and higher professional education. After graduation, you may qualify for the Orientation Year to stay and work while seeking employment.