Are you considering a move to work in the Netherlands? We understand why. Many international professionals choose the Netherlands for its multicultural society, excellent English proficiency, and open-minded culture. The country’s strong economy and international business environment also make it an attractive place for companies to expand. However, there’s one essential requirement before you begin your new career journey. Furthermore, to work in the Netherlands as a non-EU professional, you need a valid EU residence permit or EU work permit. This article explains the key types of EU visas, residence and work permits available to non-EU professionals.
EU Visa vs EU residence permit: What’s the difference?
A visa and a residence permit both allow you to enter and stay in a foreign country, but they serve different purposes. Understanding this difference helps you apply for the right one.
Visa
A visa is an official document placed in your passport that allows you to enter or stay in another country for a limited time. Whether you need a visa to enter the Netherlands depends on your nationality.
For example, a short-stay EU Schengen Visa allows you to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for holidays or business trips. If you plan to stay longer, you might need an entry visa (MVV). After arriving with an MVV, you can collect your (temporary) EU residence permit in the Netherlands. For an EU work permit there is another procedure to check if you’re eligible for. Types of visas for the Netherlands:
- Airport transit visa
- Short-stay Schengen visa
- Orange Carpet Visa Facility
- Schengen visa facilitation
- Long-stay visa (MVV)
- Entry visa
- Caribbean visas
Important: These EU visas do not always allow you to work in the Netherlands.
What is an EU residence permit?
An EU residence permit allows you to live in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. Although, this can be temporary or permanent, depending on your situation. However, not every residence permit automatically includes the right to work.
If you plan to live and work in the Netherlands, you need a residence and work permit combined or linked. Below, we highlight the main types of residence permits that allow non-EU professionals to work legally in the country.
Types of EU work permits and residence permits in the Netherlands
If you plan to live and work in the Netherlands as a non-EU professional, you must apply for the right type of EU work permit or EU residence permit. Each permit comes with its own conditions, depending on your purpose of stay, whether it’s for work, family, study, or entrepreneurship. Below, we outline the main types of permits that allow international professionals to legally work and build their careers in the Netherlands.
1. Family and partner residence permits
If you are coming to the Netherlands to join your partner, you must meet several conditions to obtain an EU residence permit. Whether you can obtain an EU work permit depends on your partner’s status. You may work freely if your partner is one of the following:
- A Dutch national
- A highly skilled migrant
- A European Blue Card holder
- A self-employed person
- A single permit (GVVA) holder for residence and work, with a TWV issued to the employer
- An intra-corporate transferee
2. Work-related residence permits
Several types of EU work permits allow professionals from outside the EU to work in the Netherlands:
- Intra-corporate transferee – For managers, specialists, or trainees transferred from a non-EU branch to a Dutch branch of the same company.
- Highly skilled migrant – For employees working for a company recognised by the IND as a sponsor. The employer must apply for the residence permit on behalf of the employee.
- European Blue Card – A combined EU work permit and residence permit for highly educated professionals. It requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a programme lasting more than three years.
- Researcher – For researchers from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland conducting research in the Netherlands.
- Self-employed – For freelancers or entrepreneurs registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
- Start-up – For entrepreneurs from outside the EU starting an innovative business with a recognised mentor or “facilitator,” also registered with the KVK.
- Orientation year – For recent graduates from outside the EU looking for work in the Netherlands after completing their studies.
For more information and requirements, please visit the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
A word of advice for non-EU professionals
Not every company in the Netherlands can legally employ non-EU professionals. To apply for an EU residence permit or EU work permit, the employer must be a recognised sponsor with the IND.
At Octagon, we are a registered sponsor and can assist non-EU employees in obtaining their permits. We also help companies become recognised sponsors and manage payroll for international professionals during the process.
Get in touch with our HR experts today to discuss how we can support your relocation and ensure a smooth start to your career in the Netherlands.
