4 easy steps to get a Netherlands work visa

Even though most Dutch people enjoy working, they are steadily moving towards a ‘healthy working life.’ With all the benefits of working, seeking employment in the Netherlands can be wise. With a population of 17 million, a thriving economy, and one of the world’s highest quality of life, it’s no surprise. Get a Netherlands work visa to enjoy a work-life balance.

Why should you work in the Netherlands?

Work-life balance

The Netherlands is well-known for its laid-back attitude toward work. Apart from the flat landscape and scenic beauty that makes biking to work a lot more enjoyable, the Dutch have a high quality of life, with more than half the people working part-time.

Standard of living

The Netherlands is one of the best places in the world, with a high life expectancy, good water quality, and education. According to the OECD, Dutch people have significantly higher levels of life satisfaction than the global average, thanks to above-average career and income opportunities, housing, education, health, and environmental standards.

Culture

The fantastic Dutch history is high on the list of reasons to work in the Netherlands. Beautiful historic buildings, canals, gardens, parks, and must-see museums and galleries can be found in the Netherlands. More than 15 million tourists visit the Netherlands for its culture every year. 

Growing industries

The Dutch economy is one of the most stable and prosperous in the European Union. This, combined with an appealing taxation system and a central location in Europe, has made the Netherlands incredibly alluring to international corporations.

Here are four easy steps to getting the Netherlands work visa

Step 1. Choose the type of work visa in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has many work permits, which include

GVVA or single permit

Individuals who want to work in the Netherlands should apply for the tewerkstellingsvergunning, or TWV, which combines work and residence permits. It includes a Dutch residence permit and proof that the employee is a foreign national with authorization to work in the Netherlands.

Highly skilled migrant scheme

With this permit, you can bring talented individuals from other countries to the Netherlands and train them. Hire skilled foreign talent without demonstrating that no Dutch or EU candidates were available.

Orientation year (zoekjaar) permits ex-pat graduates

This permit is for foreigners who have completed a master’s or doctoral degree at one of the world’s top 150 universities within the last three years.

Search year permit (zoekjaar) for Netherlands graduates

This permit is only available to students who have graduated from Dutch universities. They can stay in the Netherlands for a year while looking for work as a highly skilled migrant under a residence permit.

Entrepreneur permit

Individuals who want to come to the Netherlands and establish their own business can apply for a self-employment residence permit. They must meet specific business or profession-related requirements.

EU Blue Card

Third-country nationals in the EU can obtain this residence permit to work in highly qualified positions. EU Blue Cards require a valid work contract or job offer for at least one year that meets the minimum salary requirements.

Step 2. Requirements to obtain a Netherlands work visa

The requirements for a working visa in the Netherlands vary depending on the type of visa and the country of origin. They will generally require a work permit, a residence permit, or the GVVA option. All applications must be submitted in English, Dutch, German, or French to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). Because the process is complicated and confusing, working with a professional with local knowledge of submitting work visas is ideal.

Other prerequisites include-

• A valid passport or another form of identification.
• No previous criminal history
• Evidence that the information provided in the application is correct.
• A tuberculosis medical test.
• Earning a sufficient income.
• Dutch government officials must recognize the employer.
• Remember that if the employees are EU or EEA citizens, they do not require any special documentation. They only need a passport or ID card to live and work in the country.

Step 3. Application process

All applicants must apply for a visa at their home country’s Dutch mission, embassy, or consulate. If that is not possible, they can get in touch with a Dutch mission in another country. Everyone must make an appointment to submit their visa application and bring all necessary documentation. When the application is approved, the Dutch mission will stamp the employee’s passport with a visa sticker.

As employees must apply for a visa before traveling to the Netherlands, we advise them to book but not pay for their trip until they receive the necessary confirmation.

Step 4. Other important prerequisites

Employees must make an appointment with the local city office within five days of arriving in the Netherlands. They will be assigned a Dutch citizens service number by the office. Without this number, they will be working and living in the country illegally, which could harm the employer’s business.

Key takeaways

• The Netherlands is known to have a high standard of living with a great work-life balance.
• A valid work contract for one year is a must for anyone who wants to apply for an EU Blue card.
• According to the OECD, Dutch people have significantly higher levels of life satisfaction than the global average.

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FAQs

Q1. Which jobs are in demand in the Netherlands?

Answer- The Netherlands has a high demand for engineering, health, and public services.

Q2. What is the spoken language of the Netherlands?

Answer- Dutch is the spoken language of the Netherlands.

Q3. What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?

Answer- The cost of living in the Netherlands is around 800-1000 EUR per month.