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The TWV, GVVA, EU Blue Card, Highly Skilled Migrant Visa, and ICT Permit are among the work permits and visas available in the Netherlands. Discover the distinctions and prerequisites for companies, as well as how to sponsor a foreign worker’s visa.
Employers may find it difficult to navigate the Netherlands’ work permit and visa requirements, especially when hiring foreign workers or moving abroad. Knowing the various work permit choices and the particular visa procedures will guarantee a seamless transition whether you are hiring from overseas or bringing in international expertise. The important procedures, prerequisites, and categories of work permits and visas that businesses must be aware of when bringing foreign workers to the Netherlands are described in this handbook.
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Netherlands Work Permits & Visas
Who Needs a Work Permit in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, employers are required to verify if foreign employees are authorized to work. Without work permits, workers from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland are not allowed to work. Serious consequences, including as fines and legal problems, may result from noncompliance. Asylum seekers, highly skilled migrants, and other non-EU/EEA nationals are among the categories of foreign workers who require work authorization. Employers are in charge of confirming these authorizations and monitoring their expiration dates.
Types of Work Visas in the Netherlands
Depending on the nature and length of the employment, the Netherlands provides a variety of work permits and visas to meet the demands of its employees. The main work permits and visas that are available in the Netherlands are broken out here, along with specific information about each:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning or Work Permit) | Required for non-EU/EEA nationals who plan to work and stay in the Netherlands for no more than 90 days. Employers must apply through the UWV to prove no suitable EU/EEA candidates are available. Typically valid up to 1 year. |
| GVVA (Combined Residence and Work Permit) | Combines a residence and work permit into one application for non-EU/EEA nationals staying over 3 months. Valid for up to 5 years depending on the contract. |
| Highly Skilled Migrant Visa | For highly qualified professionals employed by recognized sponsors. Employers must meet minimum salary thresholds. Valid for up to 5 years. |
| EU Blue Card | Issued to highly skilled non-EU workers meeting specific criteria, including a university degree and salary requirements. Valid for up to 4 years. |
| Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit | For multinational employees transferring to a Dutch branch. Valid for 3 years for managers/specialists, 1 year for trainees. |
| Orientation Year Visa | For recent graduates of Dutch or recognized foreign institutions. Valid for 1 year, allowing employers to hire without a separate work permit. |
| Seasonal Work Visa | For agricultural or horticultural workers in temporary roles. Valid up to 6 months. |
Requirements for a Work Permit in the Netherlands
The exact requirements depend on the type of permit or visa being applied for. Below is an overview of common requirements:
- Valid Passport: The employee must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
- Employment Contract: A signed contract with a Dutch employer outlining job details, salary, and duration.
- Proof of Qualifications: Documentation of relevant education and work experience.
- Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage in the Netherlands.
- Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos meeting Dutch specifications.
- Non-Criminal Record: Certificate of good conduct from the employee’s home country.
Secure a Job Offer and Sponsor: Workers must get a legitimate offer of employment from a Dutch company that is approved to sponsor their visa.
Prepare Documentation: Present the necessary paperwork, such as a current passport, a work contract, credentials, health insurance, and any visa-specific needs.
Submit Application via Employer: Depending on the type of visa, the company applies to the Dutch IND or UWV.
Await Processing and Approval: Visa processing timeframes range from two to twelve weeks, depending on the type of visa. It could be necessary for certain candidates to pick up a provisional residence permit (MVV) from a Dutch consulate.
Register Locally and Start Work: Employees must get a BSN (Citizen Service Number), register with the local municipality, and start working as soon as they arrive.
Process for Visa Sponsorship in the Netherlands
From filing applications to ensuring compliance during the employee’s stay, employers who sponsor a work visa for an employee in the Netherlands must offer significant assistance. High-skilled migrants can only enter the Netherlands with approved sponsors. To become a recognized sponsor, follow these steps:
Register with the Dutch IND: Submit the necessary documents and pay the application fee (€4,560 for large companies, €2,279 for small businesses). Processing takes about 90 days.
Support Employee Applications: Provide contracts meeting salary thresholds, assist with documentation, and monitor application progress.
What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in the Netherlands
Below are common fees associated with work permits in the Netherlands:
Note: Playroll’s fees for visa assistance services are not related to the following rates, which represent government payments for work permits and visas in the Netherlands. For further information about our visa support services, please get in touch with our staff.
Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in the Netherlands
Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit or visa. Below are the estimated processing times:
These durations are approximate and can vary based on individual cases and the workload of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Incomplete documentation, incorrect application forms, and high application volumes can cause delays in the visa application process.
Work Permit Renewal Periods in the Netherlands
Depending on the kind of visa, the primary work permit can be issued for one to five years. In order to prevent work authorization gaps and guarantee foreign workers’ continuous employment, employers must start the renewal process. Employers must start the process of renewing a work permit at least three months prior to the expiration of the present permit. A valid employment contract and evidence of compliance with visa criteria are among the revised documents that must be submitted to the IND as part of the renewal application. Extensions often take up to 90 days to process.
Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there is no particular “digital nomad visa.” The Self-Employed Residence Permit (also known as the Zelfstandige Zonder Personeel or ZZP Visa), which allows remote workers to reside and work in the nation, is an alternative visa option. This license is intended for people who want to work as independent business owners in the Netherlands. Candidates must show that the Dutch economy benefits significantly from their commercial operations. Personal experience, the quality of the business plan, and the venture’s additional value to the Netherlands are all evaluated using a points system.
Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in the Netherlands
Due to stringent laws and formalities, hiring in the Netherlands poses particular difficulties. Work permits and visas are frequently delayed for employers, especially during periods of high application volume or when supporting documentation is lacking. It can be more difficult to navigate labor market tests for non-EU/EEA citizens, such as demonstrating that there are no qualified local candidates. To avoid fines, it is also crucial to continue adhering to Dutch labor regulations, which include pay thresholds for highly trained workers. In order to overcome these obstacles, employers ought to:
Plan Early: Initiate the visa application process well in advance of the intended start date.
Ensure Thorough Documentation: Double-check all documents to avoid delays due to incomplete or incorrect submissions.
Partner with an EOR: Using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Playroll can simplify the process and ensure compliance.
Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution
Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:
- Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
- Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
- Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.
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