The Netherlands has a streamlined visa and work permit system, meaning that all migrants from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to work in the country for longer than 3 months need to apply for a single Combined residence and employment permit (GVVA). Please see our dedicated Combined residence and employment permit (GVVA) page (link)for more details on this visa.
There are 3 main pathways for hiring foreign workers in the Netherlands:
The Combined residence and employment permit (GVVA)
This is a combined work and residence permit for all non-European Economic Area nationals who plan to work in the Netherlands for longer than 3 months
The Work Permit (TWV)
This standard work permit must be combined with a residence permit, and is meant for workers who are not eligible for a combined GVVA permit. This includes:Non-EEA nationals who plan to work in the Netherlands for less than 3 months
Students
Seasonal workers
Asylum seekers
International company employees who have been seconded to the Netherlands
Nationals of Croatia
European Blue Card: The European Blue card also allows migrants to live and work in the Netherlands (and some other EU countries) for longer than 90 days, but is aimed specifically at highly skilled workers. In order to qualify for a European Blue Card you must have at least a Bachelor's degree, and an employment contract with a Dutch company in a job which pays at least €50,974.
After having lived in the Netherlands for 5 years on a work permit it is often possible for an individual to obtain permanent residence. Thereafter they are free to take up any lawful employment and no longer require an employer-sponsored work permit.
