Netherlands – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to the Netherlands?

Citizens of EU/EEA member states and Switzerland face no visa requirement when entering or living in the Netherlands. Holders of these passports may arrive, settle, and take up employment without restriction, though anyone planning an extended stay will still need to register with their local municipality.

Most foreign nationals who wish to remain in the Netherlands for up to three months will need a short-stay Schengen visa. This document permits its holder to travel and remain within the Schengen area for up to three months within any six-month window. It is a temporary arrangement only and neither authorises employment nor allows you to apply for residency from inside the country.

Submitting a residence permit application while holding a short-stay Schengen visa is not permitted. If you intend to live, work, or study in the Netherlands on a long-term basis, you must arrange the correct residence permit — and, in most cases, an MVV entry visa — prior to your departure.

An MVV is generally required if you plan to remain in the Netherlands beyond 90 days and are seeking a regular residence permit. Whether you personally need one depends on your nationality; for the majority of nationalities, a residence permit cannot be obtained without first securing an MVV. A small group of countries — Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States — are exempt from the MVV requirement, but their nationals must still have their residence permit approved before commencing work.

Visa regulations differ markedly by nationality and are liable to change. Always verify your personal circumstances using the official IND tool at ind.nl/en or by contacting your nearest Dutch embassy or consulate.

What types of visa are available for people moving to the Netherlands?

Rather than a conventional visa system, the Netherlands relies primarily on residence permits for long-term residents — often combined with an MVV (provisional residence permit) serving as an entry document. Several categories are of particular relevance to expats:

Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme serves as the Netherlands’ principal accelerated immigration pathway for non-EU professionals. Employers holding recognised sponsor status with the IND can bring in qualified international workers within as little as two to four weeks, without the burden of a labour market test. This route combines both residence and work authorisation within a single application and is the most widely used fast-track option among Dutch employers recruiting internationally.

Because qualifying roles must be highly skilled and well remunerated, this route is exempt from the labour market test that applies to the gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid (GVVA), which is considerably more demanding by comparison. In terms of speed and ease, the Dutch route draws comparison to Australia’s Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), though it is defined by a salary threshold rather than a skills shortage list.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card provides a combined EU-wide residence and work permit for highly qualified professionals from outside the EU. It confers comparable advantages to the Highly Skilled Migrant route while additionally granting EU mobility rights. The Blue Card represents a pathway toward long-term EU residency, facilitates family reunification, and allows holders extended periods to search for new employment. Unlike some work permits, it is not rigidly tied to a single employer or country.

Combined Single Work Permit (GVVA)

The GVVA (gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid) is the standard combined work and residence permit covering positions that fall outside the Highly Skilled Migrant criteria. In contrast to the Highly Skilled Migrant permit, the GVVA does require a labour market test, obliging the employer to show that no suitable EU candidate was available for the role. Processing times under this route are generally longer.

Orientation Year Permit

The Orientation Year permit enables recent graduates from Dutch institutions or highly ranked international universities to remain in the Netherlands for up to one year while seeking employment. Should they find a job with a recognised sponsor during this time, they can convert their permit to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit.

Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT)

The ICT permit allows multinational companies to transfer skilled staff — whether on temporary assignment or secondment — to a Dutch branch or subsidiary. It is particularly useful for organisations relocating existing employees to the Netherlands rather than making new international hires.

Family Reunification

The Netherlands provides a family reunification route for spouses, registered partners, and children under 18. Young adult children up to approximately 25 years of age may also qualify if they continue to form part of their parent’s household. This is the primary avenue for spouses and dependants of individuals already holding a Dutch residence permit, and the same entitlements apply to same-sex couples.

Student Permit

Non-EU students who have been accepted at a recognised Dutch educational institution are eligible to apply for a student residence permit. The sponsoring institution — whether a university or another educational body — must be officially registered with the IND for this purpose.

Retirement and Independent Residence

No dedicated retirement visa exists in the Netherlands. Those wishing to retire there must instead demonstrate sustained financial self-sufficiency through evidence such as pension statements, savings documentation, or other proof of long-term income. Individuals without employment or study ties are generally expected to show they can support themselves independently in order to obtain a residence permit.

It is worth noting that the Netherlands’ dedicated Investor Visa was discontinued in April 2024 after it was judged to have had no meaningful economic benefit; it had previously required a minimum investment of €1,250,000. There is currently no passive investor visa route available.

How do I apply for a visa for the Netherlands?

All applications for long-stay residence permits in the Netherlands are handled by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The precise process varies depending on whether an employer or another sponsor is filing on your behalf, or whether you are applying independently. The official IND website can be found at ind.nl/en.

1. Confirm your eligibility. Use the IND’s online tool to identify which permit category suits your circumstances and whether an MVV entry visa is required before you travel. Your nationality, the purpose of your stay, and the type of sponsor involved all influence which route applies to you.
2. Arrange a recognised sponsor. For work permit applications, the employer submits the application as sponsor; for student permits, the educational institution does so; for family reunification, the Dutch spouse or partner is generally responsible for filing with the IND. In many categories the IND requires sponsors — particularly employers and academic institutions — to hold official recognised sponsor status, which streamlines and accelerates the process.
3. Assemble your documents. Pull together all required supporting materials (see the section below). Foreign-issued documents will generally require either an apostille or full consular legalisation, depending on your country of origin.
4. Submit the combined MVV and residence permit application via the TEV procedure. If you are applying from outside the Netherlands and your nationality requires an MVV, you will follow the TEV (Entry and Residence) procedure — submitting applications for both the MVV and the residence permit simultaneously, before you travel. This can be done by your sponsor applying directly to the IND, after which you collect the MVV visa from the Dutch embassy or consulate.
5. Attend your appointment. All applicants, children included, must appear in person at the embassy to hand over their documents. Biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph — will be gathered at this stage.
6. Await the IND’s decision. The statutory decision window for residence permit applications is 90 days. This can be extended if documents are outstanding or further checks are required; the IND will communicate directly with the applicant if additional information is needed.
7. Receive your MVV and travel. The MVV functions as an entry visa — a Type D sticker affixed to your passport — that permits you to travel to the Netherlands and collect your residence permit upon arrival.
8. Register and obtain your residence permit. Once approved, register at your local municipality (gemeente), collect your residence card from an IND desk, arrange Dutch health insurance, and receive your BSN (citizen service number).

If you are located in the United States, applications may be submitted through the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Washington DC or via Dutch Consulates General in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, or Miami. Those based in the United Kingdom should contact the Royal Netherlands Embassy in London. Applicants in other countries should approach the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate. Procedures can differ somewhat by location, so always confirm current requirements with your local Dutch representation before proceeding.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for the Netherlands?

The precise documentation required varies by permit category, but the items listed below are typically needed for most long-stay applications. Official checklists are available through both the IND and Dutch embassies abroad. Requirements are subject to change, so it is worth reviewing the latest guidance before you begin your application.

• Valid passport: Your passport must have a remaining validity of at least six months and contain at least two blank pages. Applicants intending to stay in the Netherlands beyond 90 days may need an MVV provisional residence permit.
• Passport-sized photographs: Two photographs measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm that comply with Dutch passport photo specifications.
• Completed application form: The official MVV application form is available on the IND website.
• IND approval or sponsor notification: A positive decision from the IND confirming that your residence permit application has been approved in principle.
• Evidence of sufficient funds: Recent bank statements demonstrating that you have adequate financial resources to meet your living expenses, insurance costs, and other outgoings during your stay.
• Health insurance: Documentation confirming that you hold health insurance valid in the Netherlands for at least the duration of your intended stay.
• Employment contract or sponsorship letter: For work permit applications, a signed contract from an IND-recognised employer confirming that your salary meets the relevant threshold.
• Proof of accommodation: Documentation showing that suitable housing has been arranged for your arrival in the Netherlands.
• Civil status documents: For family reunification applications, marriage or civil partnership certificates, birth certificates, and certificates confirming single status may be required. Marriage certificates and single status documents both require either consular legalisation or an apostille stamp.
• Civic Integration Exam certificate: Before applying for a family reunification MVV, certain applicants must first complete the Basisexamen Inburgering in het Buitenland (Basic Integration Exam Abroad) in their country of residence. Citizens of countries that do not require an MVV to enter the Netherlands are exempt — this includes nationals of the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the UK, as well as EU, Swiss, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Liechtenstein nationals.

When it comes to foreign-issued documents, these must be legally recognised by the embassy or IND before they will be accepted. The appropriate form of recognition depends on whether your country is a signatory to the Hague Convention. For Hague Convention countries, an apostille stamp from the issuing authority is sufficient; for countries outside the Convention, full legalisation through official channels is required.

This is not an exhaustive list, and individual circumstances or the purpose of your stay may mean additional documents are requested. Always consult the official Dutch immigration website or contact your nearest Dutch embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.

How long does a visa application for the Netherlands take to process?

The time required to process Dutch visa and residence permit applications varies considerably, depending on the permit category, the applicant’s nationality, and whether the sponsoring employer holds recognised sponsor status with the IND.

Employers with recognised sponsor status benefit from a statutory two-week decision period; all other applicants are subject to a standard window of up to 90 days. For 2025, fees stand at €354 for the main applicant and €207 per dependent, with the MVV included. This accelerated timeline is one of the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant route’s most compelling features for employers competing internationally for talent.

For routine applications, the IND’s statutory decision period extends to up to 90 days (three months), though many uncomplicated cases are resolved more quickly. If documentation is incomplete or additional verification is needed, this window may be extended accordingly.

Family reunification applications specifically can take anywhere from four to eight months, meaning that applicants and employers should initiate the process well in advance and, where possible, take advantage of recognised sponsor status or specialist support to keep things moving efficiently.

Once IND approval has been granted, the actual issuance of the MVV visa at the embassy typically takes approximately two to five working days.

New fees take effect from July 2025, as the IND revises its fee schedule annually to reflect changes in prices and wages. Always consult the IND website for the most current estimates, and plan your application well ahead of any target move date — particularly if you need to serve notice in your current role or arrange housing before relocating.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for the Netherlands?

IND fees are revised each year on 1 January. From 1 January 2025, updated fees came into force for residency applications in the Netherlands. The IND adjusts these charges annually in line with rising prices and wages; in 2025 the increase amounted to 6.7 percent. Always verify the current fee schedule at ind.nl/en/fees-costs-of-an-application before lodging any application.

In 2024, a family reunification or work permit cost approximately €210, a student permit around €192, an orientation year permit €210, and a permanent residence permit €243. Payment is generally made online via credit card or Dutch iDEAL for digital applications, or by invoice for paper submissions. Application fees are non-refundable in the event of a refusal.

Beyond the IND fee itself, you should factor in the following additional expenses:

• Apostille and legalisation fees: These costs vary by country and issuing authority; where multiple documents each require certification, costs can accumulate.
• Translation costs: Certified translations by a sworn translator typically range from €50 to €150 or more per document, depending on the language pair and document length.
• Employer recognised sponsor registration: Registering as a recognised sponsor with the IND costs between €2,000 and €6,000 and remains valid for five years. This is normally an employer cost rather than one borne by the applicant.
• Health insurance: Residents in the Netherlands are legally obliged to take out Dutch health insurance. Basic premium levels vary between insurers; the government’s health insurance information pages provide current guidance on rates.
• Immigration adviser or legal fees: Should you engage an immigration lawyer or relocation specialist, charges will depend on the complexity of your case and can vary widely.

All fees are set by the Dutch government and may change. Always check the most current figures at the IND website.

Can my family members join me in the Netherlands on a visa?

The Netherlands provides a family reunification route covering spouses, registered partners, and children under the age of 18. Young adult children up to approximately 25 may also be eligible where they continue to form part of their parent’s family unit. The route is available to married couples, those in registered partnerships, and those in long-term relationships, and applies equally to same-sex couples.

Family reunification allows partners and minor children of Dutch work permit holders to relocate and join them. For 2026, the IND places particular emphasis on stable sponsorship, with the work permit holder’s status forming the foundation of the assessment.

Income requirements: The sponsor — the person already residing in the Netherlands — must be able to demonstrate adequate financial means. This requires proof of income that is sufficient, independent, and sustainable, at a level at least equal to the statutory minimum wage. As a guide, the minimum income threshold for family reunification sponsorship as of 2026 is €27,533 per year. This figure is updated regularly, so always check the current requirement on the IND website.

Integration exam abroad: Those travelling from outside the Netherlands to join a Dutch citizen or resident may be required to pass a Civic Integration Exam Abroad (Basisexamen Inburgering) before the entry visa is issued. This examination tests foundational knowledge of the Dutch language and culture.

Right to work: Whether a partner who arrives on a family reunification permit may work depends on the status of their sponsor. Where the sponsor is a Dutch national or a Highly Skilled Migrant, the partner’s residence card will typically indicate that they are free to work without needing a separate work permit.

Separate applications: Dedicated procedures exist to support family members accompanying a permit holder. In certain circumstances, a family application must be filed alongside the partner’s own application.

Family reunification cases are assessed on an individual basis, and the applicable rules differ depending on whether the sponsor is a Dutch national, an EU citizen, or a non-EU resident. Consult the IND website or seek specialist immigration legal advice for guidance specific to your situation.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands?

The majority of Dutch residence permits are issued on a temporary basis and must be renewed before they lapse. Renewed permits are generally granted for periods of one to five years, depending on the category — such as Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, family reunification, or GVVA. Time spent in continuous lawful residence counts toward permanent residence eligibility after five years, but gaps in status or late renewal applications may reset this count and affect long-term settlement prospects.

It is wise to begin the renewal process up to three months before your current permit expires. The IND monitors salary levels, employer details, and residency continuity; any discrepancies can put your Highly Skilled Migrant status at risk and potentially negate the years you have accumulated toward a permanent permit.

Route to permanent residence: After five consecutive years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent stay (Type II) or long-term EU resident status. This requires income at or above the statutory minimum wage and successful completion of the civic integration exam. After five years of lawful residence, applicants may seek permanent residency, which also requires a basic level of Dutch language proficiency.

Temporary permits (Type I) are renewed according to the purpose of stay — for example, the length of a work contract — for up to five years. Permanent (Type II) and EU long-term (Type V) permits are open-ended, though the physical permit card must be renewed every five years (every ten years for EU/EEA adult holders).

Route to citizenship: Following a further period after obtaining permanent residency — typically a total of five years of continuous legal residence combined with meeting integration requirements — you may become eligible to apply for Dutch naturalisation. More demanding naturalisation criteria and enhanced screening have been signalled as part of ongoing changes to Dutch immigration policy. Readers should consult the IND website for the current eligibility requirements for both permanent residence and naturalisation, as these are subject to political and legislative revision.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for the Netherlands are refused?

Knowing the typical grounds for refusal can help you prepare a more robust application. The most frequently cited reasons include:

• Not meeting the salary thresholds: Applicants must satisfy the minimum salary requirements, or their application will not be accepted. For 2025, the Highly Skilled Migrant thresholds are €5,688 per month gross for those aged 30 and over, and €4,171 per month gross for those under 30. Any offer falling below these figures will result in rejection.
• Unrecognised employer sponsor: Working in the Netherlands as a Highly Skilled Migrant requires a residence permit that can only be applied for by an IND-recognised employer. If the employing company is not on the IND’s register of recognised sponsors, the fast-track application route cannot be used.
• Incomplete or improperly certified documents: Missing apostilles, untranslated foreign-language documents, or materials that fail to meet IND standards are among the most common causes of delays and outright refusals. Beyond the standard checklist, the IND or embassy may request supplementary documents depending on your specific circumstances and purpose of stay, using these to verify that your intentions are genuine and that you satisfy the relevant conditions.
• Inadequate evidence of financial means: For those applying without an employer sponsor — such as retirees or independent residents — the inability to demonstrate stable, long-term financial resources is a common ground for refusal.
• Criminal record or public order concerns: Safeguarding public safety is a core objective of the IND. Any application is subject to checks assessing whether the applicant poses a risk to public order or national security.
• Failure to complete the civic integration exam abroad: Where the Basisexamen Inburgering in het Buitenland is a prerequisite, an application cannot proceed if the exam has not been completed.
• Previous Schengen visa overstay: Overstaying a Schengen visa carries the risk of a two-year entry ban across all Schengen countries. Any prior history of overstaying will be considered during the assessment and may lead to refusal.

If your application is refused: You have the right to submit an objection (bezwaar) to the IND, and if this is unsuccessful, to appeal to the administrative court. Given the intricacies of Dutch immigration law, obtaining specialist immigration legal advice before reapplying or appealing is strongly recommended. Contact the IND directly for information on the objection and appeals process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do EU citizens need to do anything officially if they move to the Netherlands?

EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are not required to hold a visa or residence permit in order to live in the Netherlands. That said, anyone intending to remain for more than four months must register with their local municipality (gemeente) and obtain a BSN (burgerservicenummer — citizen service number). This number is essential for accessing healthcare, opening a bank account, and fulfilling tax obligations.

Can I look for work in the Netherlands before applying for a visa?

Non-EU nationals may take advantage of the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) permit, which allows recent graduates of Dutch or internationally recognised universities to spend a year in the Netherlands actively seeking employment. If a position is secured during this period with an IND-recognised sponsor, the permit can be converted to a Highly Skilled Migrant permit. Full eligibility details are available at ind.nl/en.

Is there a minimum age requirement for bringing a spouse to the Netherlands?

Family reunification rules stipulate that both the sponsor and the spouse or registered partner must be at least 21 years of age. Exceptions may exist in certain circumstances, so consulting the IND or a qualified immigration lawyer regarding your specific situation is advisable.

Does the Netherlands have a digital nomad visa?

As of 2025, the Netherlands has not introduced a dedicated digital nomad visa. Remote workers not employed by a Dutch company may struggle to meet the criteria for standard work permit routes. Some individuals may be able to apply under the self-employed or independent entrepreneur pathway, though specific eligibility conditions apply. The IND website carries the latest guidance on residence options for self-employed individuals.

What is the 30% ruling and who qualifies for it?

The 30% ruling permits employers to pay up to 30% of an employee’s gross salary tax-free as compensation for relocation costs. This arrangement enhances the attractiveness of Dutch job offers and can meaningfully boost take-home pay for international hires. It applies for the first five years of employment in the Netherlands for those who arrived from 1 January 2024 onwards. Eligibility is subject to conditions — your employer must file the application on your behalf, and you must satisfy the IND’s criteria for Highly Skilled Migrant or equivalent status.

Can I apply for a Netherlands visa from within the Netherlands?

The IND advises against remaining in the Netherlands while an MVV application is being processed. However, individuals who are already lawfully present in the country and wish to switch permit type or extend their stay may in some cases submit applications directly to the IND from within the Netherlands. The applicable procedure depends on your current status and the permit you are seeking — consult ind.nl/en for up-to-date guidance.

How long does it take to get a BSN after arriving in the Netherlands?

Following registration at your local gemeente (municipality), a BSN (citizen service number) is typically issued within a matter of days. You will need a valid address, your residence permit or MVV, and your passport. The BSN is a prerequisite for almost every formal process in the Netherlands, from starting employment and accessing healthcare to opening a bank account.

What happens to my residence permit if I lose my job in the Netherlands?

In the event of redundancy, a three-month grace period allows you to search for alternative employment without immediately losing your immigration status. However, any unemployment benefits received during this time do not count toward the salary threshold for permit renewal. If a new role with an IND-recognised sponsor is not found within this window, the conditions of your permit may no longer be satisfied. If your employment situation changes, it is important to seek advice from the IND or an immigration lawyer without delay.