🇳🇱 Netherlands · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Non-EU workers usually come via the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme through a recognised sponsor, or the EU Blue Card; EU citizens work freely. The IND handles permits, and a salary threshold applies to skilled routes.
Work and residence permits are handled by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The Highly Skilled Migrant scheme (via a recognised sponsor) and the EU Blue Card are the main routes.
- The Highly Skilled Migrant route requires an IND-recognised sponsor (employer) and a salary threshold.
- The EU Blue Card is available for higher-educated professionals.
- EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit.
Step-by-step
- 1
Find a job with a recognised sponsor
Most skilled workers come as a Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) — you need a job with an employer that is a recognised sponsor of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
- 2
Meet the salary criterion
Confirm the role meets the applicable salary threshold for the Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card route.
- 3
Employer files with the IND
The recognised sponsor applies to the IND for your residence permit (and an entry visa, the MVV, if you need one).
- 4
Collect the entry visa (MVV) if required
If you need an MVV, collect it at the Dutch embassy or consulate after approval.
- 5
Enter and register
Enter the Netherlands, register in the municipal Personal Records Database (BRP), and collect your residence permit.
- 6
Renew and consider permanent residence
Renew before expiry; time as a Highly Skilled Migrant can count toward permanent residence.
Checklist
- Job with an IND-recognised sponsor
- Salary threshold met (Highly Skilled Migrant / EU Blue Card)
- IND residence-permit application by the sponsor
- Entry visa (MVV) if required
- Municipal registration (BRP)
- Residence permit collected
- Health insurance
- PR pathway considered
Official authorities
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
Residence and work permits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant) scheme?
A fast route where a recognised-sponsor employer hires you above a salary threshold, processed quickly by the IND.
Do I need a Dutch employer?
For most skilled routes yes — the employer must be an IND-recognised sponsor; the startup and self-employed routes are exceptions.
Is there a 30% ruling?
A tax facility for some incoming skilled workers exists but has been scaled back; check the current percentage and conditions.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.
Government portals
- Government of the Netherlands — Central government policy and public-service portal
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — Residence permits, visas, and naturalisation
- Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) — Dutch income tax, VAT, and tax-number registration
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) — Company registration and the business register