Work visas and permits in the Netherlands: An employer’s guide

Whether you want to hire new employees or relocate existing team members to Netherlands, you have to make sure you comply with Dutch labor laws.

Companies are legally responsible for securing proper work authorization before hiring a non-citizen for any type of work in the Netherlands. Failure to secure the right work permits or non-compliance with labor rules can result in fines, penalties, or reputational damage.

This guide gives you an overview of work visa requirements in the Netherlands. It also shows you how you can efficiently use an employer of record (EOR) like Remote to hire employees in the Netherlands quickly and easily.

Who is authorized to work in the Netherlands?

• Dutch, EEA, and Swiss citizens: no work permit required. A valid passport or ID document is sufficient
• Non-EEA / non-Swiss nationals: nearly always need a permit or combined permit/residence authorization if working for more than a few weeks

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in the Netherlands?

All foreign nationals who are non-citizens of the Netherlands, EU/EEA , and Switzerland must get a permit for employment .

The Netherlands offers several visa and permit routes depending on the type of employment and the applicant's background.

Gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA) is Single Permit that is designed for non-EU nationals who will work in paid employment for more than three months. It combines a residence and work permit and requires the employer to demonstrate that no suitable EU candidate is available for the role.

The following individuals are generally not eligible for a a Single Permit:

• students who wish to work
• asylum seekers
• seasonal workers
• employees transferred within a multinational group
• employees coming for a maximum of three months, and Croatian nationals.

The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) route is ideal for non-EU professionals employed by recognized Dutch sponsors who meet specific salary and qualification thresholds. This route allows faster processing and often comes with additional benefits.

The EU Blue Card is an EU-wide permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals. It is valid in the Netherlands and typically used when the applicant has a contract of at least six months and meets higher education, experience, and salary requirements.

It gives non-EU Nationals the right to live and work in any EU country for up to four years, provided they meet certain criteria. Once an individual has secured an employment contract in any EU member country, including the Netherlands, they can apply for the European Blue Card.

The TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) is a traditional permit issued by the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) and is typically used for short-term employment (under 3 months) or where the GVVA doesn’t apply.

Finally, there are other routes available, such as the Orientation Year permit for recent graduates, visas for scientific researchers, or self-employed and entrepreneur residence permits. Each route has its own criteria and is suited for different professional or personal situations.

What are the eligibility requirements for a visa to work in the Netherlands?

In general, you need to have an adequate level of education or professional experience relevant to the job or be a highly skilled migrant. Additionally, there needs to be evidence of your ability to financially and logistically (accommodations) support yourself while living and working in the country.

The specific Netherlands visa requirements are as follows:

• Firstly, there must be no priority roles that could have been filled by Dutch nationals or members of the EU/EEA (or Switzerland).
• Additionally, Dutch employers should demonstrate that they made a significant effort to source talent via ads and recruitment agencies.
• If the job opportunity is considered damaging to the country's interests, it may not be approved.
• The employer must comply with relevant employment laws in the Netherlands, including minimum wage requirements and favorable working conditions.
• An existing/provisional residence permit must not have been withdrawn or refused before the application process. Additionally, the foreign employee must submit various documentation, such as passports and proof of a clean criminal record, before the application can be processed.

What are the long-stay visa types in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers a long-term visa for internationals looking to stay longer than 90 days. Interested individuals may check how to apply based on their country of residence via an online tool .

In addition, foreign nationals who wish to work in the Netherlands can apply for various types of Employment Visas: Highly Skilled Migrant scheme (HSM), Orientation Year Permit (OYP), and Scientific Research Visa (RU). Each one has specific requirements that must be met before applying.

An authorization for temporary stay — otherwise known as a Netherlands long-stay or Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV) visa (type D) — allows the holder to live in the Netherlands and wait for their Dutch residence permit application to be approved.

Depending on the employee's country of origin, they may need both an MVV and a Dutch residence permit at once. Alternatively, you can apply for a permit if residence within 90 days of setting foot in Holland itself. Like a Schengen Visa, you can remain in the Netherlands with this type of document. Unlike the MVV visa, however, the Schengen Visa does not grant permission to apply for a residence permit.

You need a residence permit alongside an MVV if:

• You are not a national of a European Union (EU) country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, or Switzerland
• You have a valid reason (called purpose of stay) for requesting the permit.

What is the work visa application process for the Netherlands?

To apply for a Netherlands work visa, you must attend an appointment at the Dutch mission (embassy or consulate) in your home country. If there isn't one within your nation, then find a neighboring Dutch mission. At this appointment, make sure to supply all relevant paperwork and documents. The requirements include:

• A passport or travel document
• Proof that your application information is accurate and up to date
• No criminal convictions on record
• Pass the mandatory tuberculosis test
• Sufficient income declaration may also apply depending on the type of position
• Recognition by Dutch government officials for employers engaging foreign workers for hire into jobs within The Netherlands

The entire process can take up to 90 days to complete. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has more information on application fees.

Why use an employer of record to hire in the Netherlands?

If you want to hire an employee in the Netherlands, you normally need to establish your own legal entity, which can be time-consuming and costly. Understanding how immigration laws apply to non-EU nationals, while also ensuring compliance with Dutch labor laws, requires in-depth local knowledge.

Instead of managing all these risks alone, you can work with Remote as your EOR. Remote takes on the legal responsibility for hiring in the Netherlands and ensures compliance with employment laws and immigration laws. We simplify everything from contracts and payroll to benefits and tax while making employee relocation seamless.

By partnering with Remote, you can confidently hire international talent without getting lost in the details of Dutch immigration laws or administrative red tape.

Looking to hire remote employees or full-time employees in the Netherlands? Check out Remote’s guide to employing in the Netherlands.

Navigating work permits in the Netherlands with Remote

Obtaining a Dutch work visa or work permit can be a complex process under Dutch and EU immigration laws, with significant compliance obligations tied to employment laws.

Remote’s team makes this process far easier. We guide you through immigration laws, advise on work visas and residence permits, and ensure your company remains compliant with evolving employment laws.

Our specialists support every stage of employee relocation, from visa and work permit and work authorization advice to immigration paperwork. We also manage payroll and benefits while staying aligned with Dutch immigration laws and other local requirements. With Remote, you can reduce complexity, avoid legal pitfalls, and streamline relocation so your team can focus on growth.

Download our Relocation Guide for guidance and advice on the employee relocation process. If you’re ready to start relocating employees, contact our expert team and get the process moving along today!