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Netherlands – Work Permits and Working Legally

Work Permits for Expats in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a vibrant and diverse country that is home to many industries, including technology, finance, and agriculture. To work legally in the Netherlands, expats must obtain a work permit. In this article, we will provide information on the types of work permits available, the application process, and the required documents.

Do Expats Need a Work Permit to Work Legally in the Netherlands?

Yes, expats need a work permit to work legally in the Netherlands. The work permit is a legal requirement for all foreign nationals who wish to work in the country.

The employer is responsible for applying for the work permit on behalf of the expat employee. The employer must provide evidence of the expat’s qualifications and experience, as well as evidence that no qualified Dutch national or EU citizen is available to fill the position.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in the Netherlands

There are several types of work permits available for expats in the Netherlands. The type of work permit required will depend on the nature of the work to be performed. The most common types of work permits for expats in the Netherlands are:

  • Highly Skilled Migrant Permit: This type of work permit is for highly skilled expats who will be working in the Netherlands. The permit is valid for up to five years and allows the expat to work in any industry.
  • Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit: This type of work permit is for expats who are being transferred to the Netherlands by their current employer. The permit is valid for up to three years.
  • European Blue Card: This type of work permit is for highly skilled expats who will be working in the Netherlands. The permit is valid for up to four years and allows the expat to work in any EU member state.
  • Orientation Year Permit: This type of work permit is for recent graduates from a Dutch university. The permit allows the graduate to work in the Netherlands for up to one year to gain work experience.

Procedure to Apply for a Work Permit in the Netherlands

The procedure to apply for a work permit in the Netherlands involves several steps, including:

  1. The employer must submit an application for a work permit on behalf of the expat employee to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
  2. IND will review the application and make a decision within 5-8 weeks.
  3. If the application is approved, the expat must visit the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country to collect the permit.

Documents Required to Apply for a Work Permit in the Netherlands

The documents required to apply for a work permit in the Netherlands are:


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  • Completed application form
  • Copy of the expat’s passport
  • Proof of the employer’s registration with the Business Register
  • Proof of the expat’s qualifications and experience
  • Job description
  • Evidence that no qualified Dutch national or EU citizen is available to fill the position

All documents must be in Dutch, English, French or German. Documents in other languages must be officially translated.

Costs of Applying for a Work Permit in the Netherlands

The cost of applying for a work permit in the Netherlands depends on the type of permit and the duration of the permit. The fees can range from €285 for a highly skilled migrant permit to €661 for an intra-corporate transfer permit.

Where to Find Reliable Information on Working Legally in the Netherlands

Expats can find reliable information on working legally in the Netherlands from the following sources:


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