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Moving to the Netherlands: Visas, Work Permits, and Relocation Guide
What employers and foreign nationals need to know about working and living in the Netherlands
Summary
Planning a move to the Netherlands or relocating employees to this fast-growing European hub? This guide walks through the key steps, from visas and work permits to settling in and daily life.
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s more international countries, with a sizable share of residents born abroad or with immigrant roots. That diversity, combined with a strong job market and high quality of life, continues to attract global talent.
Whether you’re relocating for work or supporting employees through the process, this guide covers what you need to know, including visa requirements, residence permits, and how to settle in with family.
Relocating talent to the Netherlands? Fengey supports employers with visas, permits, and ongoing immigration compliance. Talk to our team today.
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Quick Primer: Visas vs. Permits
Before getting started, it’s important to understand the difference between a visa and a permit.
An entry visa (MVV) allows someone to enter the Netherlands for a specific purpose. Not all nationalities need one.
A residence or work permit allows someone to live and/or work in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, which is what most foreign nationals will need.
Who Can Enter the Netherlands Without a Visa or Work Permit?
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland can live and work in the Netherlands without a visa or residence permit.
Nationals of specific countries
Citizens of countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, South Korea, and Vatican City do not need an entry visa, but do need a residence and/or work permit for longer stays.
Family members of EU nationals
Non-EU family members of EU/EEA citizens can enter without a visa and apply for verification against EU law after arrival.
Residents of other Schengen countries
Individuals with a valid residence permit from another Schengen country may not need a visa to enter, depending on their situation.
Types of Work Permits in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers several work authorization pathways:
- EU Blue Card
- Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
- Intra-corporate transferee (ICT) permit
- Startup or essential startup personnel permit
- TWV (work permit)
- GVVA (combined residence and work permit)
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is designed for highly skilled workers.
Key requirements include:
- A job offer for highly qualified work (typically requiring a university degree)
- A minimum gross monthly salary (updated annually)
- An employment contract of at least 12 months
- Recognition of qualifications (often through Nuffic)
Application Process
Recognizing Qualifications
For certain permits, including the EU Blue Card, foreign diplomas may need to be evaluated by Nuffic, the Dutch organization for international education.
Eligible qualifications generally include:
- Diplomas from accredited institutions
- Programs with at least 1,000 hours of study
Applicants typically submit:
- Diploma or certificate copies
- Transcripts
- Identification documents
- Certified translations (if not in Dutch, English, French, or German)
Residence Permits
After arriving in the Netherlands, applicants must collect their residence permit within 90 days.
The process typically involves:
- Receiving a notification from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
- Scheduling a collection appointment
- Picking up the permit at an IND desk
Appointments can fill quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as possible.
Permanent Residence
After 5 years of continuous residence, individuals may apply for permanent residence if they:
- Hold a valid non-temporary residence permit
- Have lived continuously in the Netherlands
- Are registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP)
- Meet income requirements
- Pass the civic integration exam (Dutch language and society)
Processing can take up to 6 months.
Bringing Family Members
Family reunification is available for:
- Spouses and registered partners
- Long-term unmarried partners
- Minor children
Requirements generally include:
- Proof of relationship
- Living at the same address
- Meeting income thresholds
Some applicants may need to pass a civic integration exam before arrival.
Health Insurance Requirements
Anyone living or working in the Netherlands must enroll in Dutch health insurance within 4 months of arrival.
Basic insurance
Mandatory coverage includes:
- General practitioner (GP) care
- Hospital treatment
- Prescription medications
- Maternity care
- Limited therapies
Supplementary insurance
Optional coverage may include:
- Dental care (for adults)
- Expanded therapy coverage
Private insurers set pricing and coverage for supplementary plans.
Health Requirements
Some applicants may need to complete a tuberculosis (TB) test within 3 months of arrival, depending on nationality.
Settling in the Netherlands
Registering with the municipality
New arrivals must register with their local municipality within 5 days to be entered into the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP).
Required documents may include:
- Passport
- Rental agreement
- Employment contract
- Birth or marriage certificates (if applicable)
Book municipal registration early
Some municipalities have long wait times for registration appointments. Encourage employees to book as soon as they secure housing, since delays can slow down getting a BSN, opening a bank account, and starting payroll.
Getting a BSN
After registration, individuals receive a Burgerservicenummer (BSN), which is required for:
- Opening a bank account
- Receiving a salary
- Accessing healthcare
- Paying taxes
The BSN is typically issued within one week.
The 30% Ruling (Tax Benefit)
The 30% ruling allows eligible foreign employees to receive up to 30% of their salary tax-free.
Check eligibility for the 30% ruling early
The 30% tax benefit must be requested within 4 months of an employee’s start date to receive the full benefit retroactively. Missing this window can reduce the overall tax advantage.
To qualify, employees generally must:
- Be recruited from abroad
- Have specialized skills
- Meet a minimum salary threshold (updated annually)
- Have lived more than 150 km from the Dutch border before employment
Applications must be submitted within 4 months of starting work.
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