Work / Employment in Netherlands
3 documented routes of this kind in Netherlands, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
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
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
- Citizenship
- 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
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1
Confirm sponsor and salary criterion
Verify the employer is an IND-recognised sponsor and that the salary meets the applicable threshold.
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2
Gather documents
Employer assembles the checklist documents.
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3
Submit application
Employer submits MVV + VVR together online via the Business Portal (or by post).
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4
Pay fee
EUR 423 paid by employer via direct debit.
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5
Await decision
Decision within 90 days.
-
6
MVV appointment
Book MVV appointment within 3 months at a Dutch embassy/consulate.
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7
Collect permit
Do a TB test within 3 months if applicable, then collect the residence card at an IND desk.
Official Sources
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
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
- Citizenship
- 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.
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2
Gather documents
Assemble required documents.
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3
Submit application
Employer applies by post (employee may apply themselves).
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4
Pay fee
Pay EUR 423 per the IND payment letter.
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5
Await decision
Decision within 90 days; UWV gives labour-market advice within 5 weeks.
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6
MVV and collect
Book MVV appointment within 3 months; do a TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.
Official Sources
- Single permit (GVVA) Official
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
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.