Guide to Netherlands Work Visas

Table of contents

1. Do I need a visa to work in the Netherlands?

2. Types of Netherlands work visas

• The Work Permit (TWV)

• The Combined Residence and Employment Permit (GVVA)

• Highly-skilled migrant permit

• EU Blue Card

4. The Netherlands visa application process

5. Workers' rights in the Netherlands

In this handy guide, we provide a rundown of the different types of work visas available to give you an understanding of the administrative landscape in the Netherlands and help you be prepared for your move.

Do I need a visa to work in the Netherlands?

Non-EU/EEA nationals are generally required to have a work and residence permit for the Netherlands, with some exceptions. You must also have a sponsor (your employer), who will undertake tasks such as providing information and ensuring a duty of care for the employee.

However, EU/EEA citizens can work and live in this country without a visa. Though if you are planning on remaining in the country for longer than 90 days, then it is necessary to register your residence with the local authority.

Types of Netherlands work visas

Some examples of the main types of work permits for working in the Netherlands include the following:

The Work Permit (TWV)

This is a short-stay work permit that allows the holder to remain here for up to 90 days. It is valid for a period of one year, but can be renewed. Your employer will submit this on your behalf to the Dutch Immigration Office (IND).

The Combined Residence and Employment Permit (GVVA)

The GVVA work permit is designed for individuals planning on working here for a period of longer than 3 months, and is valid for a maximum of 5 years.

You can apply for this permit on your own behalf, but must submit a residence permit as part of the application.

Highly-Skilled Migrant Permit

Another work visa in the Netherlands is the highly-skilled migrant visa, which has a simplified application process and is open to individuals with highly specialist skills.

To be eligible for this, applicants must first meet certain requirements, such as having an employment contract and an approved sponsor. Additionally, you need to be earning a minimum salary of €3,909 (younger than 30 years old) or €5,331 (over 30 years old), unless you’re eligible for the reduced salary criterion.

EU Blue Card

Another type of permit on offer is the EU Blue Card, which is for highly qualified individuals from outside of the EU.

Requirements for this card include 5 years of professional experience or a higher education diploma, as well as a work contract or job offer for a minimum of six months. Similar to the highly-skilled migrant visas, EU Blue Card holders need to be earning a minimum salary, which works out at €5,331 per month in this case.

The Netherlands visa application process

It’ll be necessary to gather various documentation together when submitting your visa application, and ensure you do this with plenty of time to spare to avoid any delays. Examples of what you might need to provide include:

• Passport photos

• Copy of your passport

• Employment contract

• Work permit

• Proof of health insurance coverage

The information you need to collect will depend on the visa, but it important to note that the documents must be legalised and produced in either English, French, Dutch or Spanish. The visa can approximately take between 49 – 90 days, depending on whether your employer is an approved sponsor.

As part of the application, you must also attend a Netherlands visa appointment. This will usually be held at an embassy, consulate or a visa application centre, where you’re required to give your fingerprints and present your documentation.

For more information to assist you in getting ready for your relocation, check out our ultimate moving abroad checklist.

Workers' rights in the Netherlands

It can also be useful to learn more about workers’ rights if you’re thinking about living in the Netherlands, so you are informed about what is included.

Working hours

Employees in the Netherlands work on average 32.2 hours per week. [1] You are entitled to a 30 minute break when you work more than 5.5 hours, which rises to 45 minutes if your work shift is longer than 10 hours.

During the working week, employees can work a maximum of 60 hours, but no more than 12 hours per shift.

Holiday leave

In the Netherlands, workers are entitled to holiday leave that is the equivalent of four times the number of hours they work.

In the event employees carry over remaining statutory leave into the next year, it has to be taken within the first six months or will lapse.

Parental leave

Employees are entitled to 26 weeks of parental leave in the Netherlands, which can be taken up until their child turns eight years old.

Workers are also legally allowed 16 weeks of maternity leave when they have a child. 6 weeks of this leave is usually taken before the due date, while 10 weeks are taken after the baby has been born.