Netherlands Visas and Work Permits in 2025: The Full Guide

The Netherlands is one of the EU countries that consistently attracts foreigners, both tourists and workers. Many visit the Netherlands and decide to come back to stay. It is one of the best places to live and work, as it has an excellent work-life balance, a great economy, and a manageable cost of living.

Those who plan to move to the Netherlands for work will undoubtedly appreciate the perks. Many praise the safety of its cities, excellent healthcare and education, and the high English proficiency of the Dutch.

The Netherlands visa and its permits are some of the most coveted ones in the world. And while you will often find the terms Netherlands visa and Netherlands permits used interchangeably, they differ greatly. So, let’s start there.

The difference between Netherlands visas and residence permits

Visas and residence permits are not the same in the Netherlands, and understanding the difference is crucial if you plan to stay long-term or work in the Netherlands. A Netherlands visa is typically for short stays, allowing you to enter and travel within the country for up to 90 days. However, a visa does not give you the right to live or work in the Netherlands.

Types of visas available for the Netherlands

The most common type is the Schengen visa, which grants access to the Netherlands and other Schengen Area countries for tourism, business, or family visits. Here is what you need to know.

Schengen visa (short-stay visa) for the Netherlands

Allows travelers to stay in the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is mainly for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. Remote work is generally not permitted under this visa.

MVV (provisional residence permit)

This is a special visa for those who plan to stay longer than 90 days and need a residence permit. Many residence permits require you to obtain an MVV before entering the Netherlands, which acts as a pre-entry clearance. However, citizens of certain countries (like the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Japan) can apply for a residence permit without needing an MVV first.

Working holiday visa

Available for young people from certain countries, this visa allows individuals to live and work in the Netherlands for up to a year, but it is generally not intended for full-time employment or remote work.

What are the types of permits available for the Netherlands?

If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you need a residence permit. This permit allows you to legally reside in the Netherlands and, depending on the type, may also grant you permission to work. The type of residence permit you need depends on your purpose of stay—whether you’re moving for employment, self-employment, study, or as a family member of a Dutch resident. Unlike short-term visas, residence permits are issued by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) and usually require a sponsor, such as an employer or educational institution.

For those planning to work remotely while living in the Netherlands, a self-employment residence permit or a highly skilled migrant permit may be more appropriate.

Who needs a work permit for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has long been part of the European Union. It is also one of the Schengen countries. These two facts play a significant role in the answer to the question: “Do you need a visa for the Netherlands?”

You have the right to live and work in the Netherlands without a visa or a work permit if you are a citizen of an EU country. This also applies to countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), Schengen countries, and Switzerland.

However, all the other countries need to obtain work permits for a stay of over 90 days. For companies hiring internationally an Employer of Record in The Netherlands by handling work permits on their behalf.

For example, there are various visas for the Netherlands for US citizens. Still, getting familiar with the options available and choosing the right one before you decide to move to the Netherlands for work is crucial.

What work permits are available in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers several different work permits you should know about if you want to relocate to the country or move your team there. The appropriate visas and permits depend on your country, the type of work, and the length of your stay in the Netherlands.

Let’s cover what types of work permits are available to you or your employees. Here’s how to get a permit for the Netherlands, what are the processing times, and other considerations for moving to this country.

1. EU blue card

The EU Blue Card is issued to citizens of countries that don’t belong to the EU or EAA. It grants them the right to live and work in the EU countries. Like the US green card, obtaining this visa is relatively straightforward and allows residence in all EU countries.

To obtain this type of visa for the Netherlands, applicants must have a higher education and a job offer. The job offer must include a minimum monthly earnings of €5,688.00.

This limit is lowered for occupations that experience a shortage of qualified personnel. These include the IT sector, doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and natural scientists. The blue card requires a minimum monthly earning of €4,551.00 for highly qualified migrants.

2. Work permit and Single Permit (combined permit for residence and work)

A work permit or Single Permit is one of the most commonly obtained permits for moving and working in the Netherlands. Also known as a work visa for the Netherlands, this permit allows you to work in the Netherlands, while a single permit gives you residence and work rights.

The employer starts the process of obtaining work permits. The process for obtaining a work permit starts at the Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency (UWV). They can submit both applications for work permit and residence permit at the same time.

However, the employer should submit relevant documentation to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) if you agree on the Single Permit instead. The Immigration and Naturalization Service will then consult with the Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency about the employee’s permits.

The employee will receive two documents that serve as a work visa for the Netherlands - these allow them to live and work in the Netherlands. The documents will also outline the employer that the employee can work for and the conditions to do so.

To increase the chances of obtaining either a work permit or a single permit, the employer will have to conduct research and prove that there were no suitable applications for the position within a specific time frame. EU and EEA citizens would have priority over foreign workers.

Your employer: non-recognized versus recognized sponsors

Not every employer can be a sponsor or start the process of sorting out Netherlands visa requirements for their employee. To do so, they need to be recognized sponsors.

Immigration and Naturalization Service distinguishes the two. The employer needs to start the process of becoming a recognized sponsor before they start the visa process.

The process for becoming a recognized sponsor requires the employer to be registered at the Commercial Register in the Netherlands. The Immigration and Naturalization Service will check the company’s solvency and other aspects. The IND will check whether the company can comply with all its long-term financial obligations.

3. Work experience or seasonal labor

The Netherlands also publishes more than 30,000 seasonal labor job posts each year. This is another Netherlands work visa you can apply for. Keep in mind - these jobs are mainly in farming and agriculture. This is why the Netherlands has set work experience or seasonal labor permits.

These seasonal labor permits will allow you to live and work in the agricultural sector in the Netherlands for up to 24 weeks or 6 months. The employer has to be registered in the Chamber of Commerce trading register but doesn’t have to be a recognized sponsor.

The employer will obtain the seasonal labor permits for the employee.

4. Regular paid work

Another option for employees is to rely on a “regular paid work” permit to live and work in the Netherlands. Similarly to the Netherlands work visa and permit, employees must have a job offer from an employer in the Netherlands.

The employer needs to prove that no EU or EEA citizens applied for the role first. They also need to offer employees compensation higher than the minimum hourly wage. The minimum hourly wage stands at €13.27.

This permit is a good solution for employers that are not official sponsors. On the other hand, the employer has to be registered at the Chamber of Commerce’s trading register.

5. International Trade Regulation

International trade regulation permits enterprises to bring their foreign employees to the Netherlands temporarily. Under this regulation, the employer can apply to the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) and apply for the Netherlands visa for their employees.

The employer doesn’t have to be a sponsor employer to apply for this work permit. Once approved, the employer won’t have to request additional work permits for other foreign employees. However, they must register the employees working in the Netherlands with the UWV.

If you want to transfer an employee to your branch in the Netherlands, you can also rely on the directive Intra Corporate Transferees. This applies to companies established outside of the EU/EEA but has a branch in the Netherlands.

To be eligible for this type of visa for the Netherlands, the employee must be a specialist, manager, or trainee. There are also wage and qualification requirements. The employee must be working for the company for at least three months before transferring. Their salary must meet the criteria for a highly educated migrant worker.

6. Essential start-up personnel

The Netherlands aims to make it easy for innovative startups to hire global talent. It also offers the essential start-up personnel permit that works as a work visa for the Netherlands. But, both startups and the talent need to meet specific criteria.

The startup requesting this type of permit must have a scalable business model. It must also have less than 15 employees and be financially prepared to hire the talent. Furthermore, the startup must be willing to offer at least one percent of the shares to the new employee. One startup can employ up to five people through this program.

The essential personnel has to be experts in the needed special field. They should also have an employment contract with the company and meet the income requirements to meet the visa requirements for the Netherlands' essential start-up personnel. The employees younger than 30 must have an income of at least €3,672, while those over thirty must have € 5,008 gross per month.

7. Highly skilled migrants, guest lecturers, and trainee doctors

The work permit for highly skilled migrants, also known as “knowledge workers”, is given to those employees who will contribute to the Dutch knowledge-based economy. The Netherlands looks into employees’ salaries and job titles to determine whether they meet the criteria for a highly skilled migrant.

You need a contract with an employer or a research institution in the Netherlands to apply for this work visa for the Netherlands. The contract must include a title such as scientific researcher or doctor in training.

Employees under 30 years of age applying for this work permit must make at least €3,299. If the employee is older than 30, they must make at least €4,500 per month.

8. Self-employed individuals

The Netherlands also offers visas for self-employed individuals and freelancers. To obtain a visa and start their business in the Netherlands, entrepreneurs must prove that “services/products are innovative and serve an essential service for Dutch economy.”

To prove this, they must submit their qualifications and relevant licenses. To meet this visa requirement for the Netherlands, they should also present their business plan and show that it will bring value to the Netherlands economy. The latter includes job opportunities the new business will create, innovation, or the fact that it will attract investors.

Both self-employed and freelancers have to prove they can earn sufficient income from their activities. Freelancers must show that they have at least one commission in the Netherlands.

Which documents do you or your employees need to obtain a visa for the Netherlands?

Once the employer starts the process and obtains the work and residence permit, it’s time for employees to submit the remaining documents.

Generally, employees will need to submit the following documents and evidence:

1. Employment contract, employer’s testimonial, and engagement letter

2. The application for the work permit or the obtained work permit

3. A copy of the passport

4. In case the work permit requires work experience - a work experience agreement or a work placement agreement

5. Certificate that you have not been arrested previously.

6. A copy of your qualification

7. Your diploma will have to be evaluated by the relevant authority. In the Netherlands, it’s EP-Nuffic. Ensure to include a copy of the credential evaluation when you apply for the Netherlands visa, as it will prove your level of education.

8. You may also need to provide a translation of your birth certificate.

9. Relevant documentation for any family member accompanying you to the Netherlands.

How long are the processing times for a Netherlands visa?

The length of the application process depends on the permit requested and the employer. The IND typically takes up to three months to issue the Single Permit if the employer is a recognized sponsor.

If the employer is not a recognized sponsor, then they will have to apply with the Dutch Immigration authorities first to become one. This will add up to the time required to issue a Single Permit. It can take up to six months to receive a decision from the IND if the employer has to register as a sponsor first.

Once the Single Permit is approved, the employer will receive MVV and work permit for the employee. These two will work as visas for the Netherlands and will allow them to live and work there.

Registering as a resident

Another step expats need to complete if they are staying in the country for longer than four months is registering as a resident. This is mandatory for all foreigners, including those from EU and EEA countries.

You can register as a resident at your Local Municipality Office. This must be completed within five days of arriving in the country.

To register as a resident, you should determine which Local Municipality you belong to and make an appointment. For the appointment, you need to prepare relevant documents. These include your passport, your Netherlands visa (if applicable), and proof of address. You must also pay the fee, which varies depending on the municipality.

Registration is an important process because it provides you with a citizen service number (BSN). This is required for any administrative dealings during your stay in the Netherlands. You will need it when opening a bank account, getting health insurance, visiting a doctor, or applying for other benefits.

Paying taxes in the Netherlands

Employees living and working in the Netherlands are subject to Netherland taxes. The income tax in the Netherlands is progressive. The higher the income, the more tax an employee has to pay.

Income tax is divided into three tiers. If you are living and working there on a work visa for the Netherlands, you will have to pay taxes depending on which tier you fall into.

As of January 1, 2025, the Netherlands has updated its income tax brackets. The new tax brackets are as follows:

• First bracket: Income up to €38,441 is taxed at 35.82%.

• Second bracket: Income from €38,441 to €76,817 is taxed at 37.48%.

• Third bracket: Income over €76,817 is taxed at 49.50%.

Apart from income tax, you may also be required to pay value-added tax (VAT) or property tax, depending on your particular situation. You will also need to pay Social Security contributions. These provide you with access to healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pensions, which you are entitled to as a Netherlands visa holder. You will also need to file a tax return each year.

Taxes in the Netherlands are fairly complex, so it is common to work with a tax advisor to help you stay on top of your contributions.

FAQ:

How do I get a Netherlands work permit visa?

To get a Netherlands work permit visa, you must have accepted a job offer from an employer in the Netherlands. The alternative is to set up your own business in the Netherlands, though this might be a more complex process. If you have a job position in the Netherlands, your employer will start the process for obtaining the Netherlands work permit.

Is getting a work visa in the Netherlands easy?

It’s fairly easy to obtain a work visa in the Netherlands if you are a highly educated worker. The employer who starts the process for a work visa needs to take the application seriously and submit all the necessary paperwork.

Is the Netherlands hiring foreigners?

Yes, there are jobs for foreigners in the Netherlands. Citizens from other EU or EEA countries may work in the Netherlands without meeting special requirements. However, those coming from countries outside these borders must obtain a job first. Their employer will have to help them get the necessary work permits.