Moving abroad is always an exciting experience, but sorting out the paperwork rarely is. Before starting your new life and career, you’ll need to secure the right work visa in the Netherlands. Whether you’re an employer hiring non-Dutch staff or a professional planning to work in the Netherlands, understanding visa options is essential.
The Dutch immigration system offers several types of Netherlands work visas for international professionals. Each visa has its own conditions, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your circumstances. In this guide, we’ll explain the main work visas available, the eligibility criteria, and what both employers and employees should prepare before applying.
Types of Work Visas in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a wide range of work visa options for professionals from all over the world. Each work visa in the Netherlands serves a specific purpose, whether you plan to work for a Dutch employer, transfer within an international company, or start your own business. Understanding these different Netherlands work visas helps you choose the one that best matches your career goals and ensures a smooth transition into Dutch working life.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
The Highly Skilled Migrant visa is one of the most common types of Netherlands work visa for non-EU professionals. It suits employers hiring qualified talent from outside Europe. Both the business and the employee must meet specific requirements.
To qualify, the employee cannot hold EU, EEA, or Swiss nationality. Additionally, the employer must be a Recognised Sponsor registered with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) or partner with a professional employer organisation.
The company must offer a valid employment contract and a gross salary that meets the required threshold (excluding holiday allowance). A reduced salary may apply if the applicant previously held an Orientation Year Visa and applies directly after it.
Learn more: Employing highly skilled migrants – business.gov.nl
European Blue Card – as a work visa for the Netherlands
The European Blue Card allows highly skilled non-EU professionals to live and work anywhere in the EU, counting it as a work visa in the Netherlands. While similar to the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, it has stricter requirements. The main advantage is greater mobility across EU countries.
To qualify, the applicant must hold at least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) and have a valid job offer of at least one year. The minimum salary requirement is €5,670 gross per month, excluding vacation pay.
Learn more: EU Blue Card – ind.nl
Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICT)
Many international businesses transfer employees between global branches. The ICT permit allows non-EU employees to relocate to the Netherlands for work while remaining employed by the company abroad. This is also a type of work visa in the Netherlands. It also offers EU mobility rights between Member States, excluding the UK, Denmark, and Ireland.
The employee must currently work for a company outside the EU and hold a key role or be a trainee with a Master’s degree. The salary must meet the Highly Skilled Migrant threshold.
Learn more: Intra-Corporate Transferees – ind.nl
Single Permit (GVVA)
The Single Permit (GVVA) combines both a work and residence permit. It applies to non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals who plan to stay and work in the Netherlands for more than three months but do not meet the Highly Skilled Migrant criteria.
Employers must first advertise the position for at least five weeks and ensure the salary meets at least the Dutch minimum wage. This visa suits positions like trainees, chefs, artists, counsellors, non-profit staff, professional athletes, and seasonal workers.
Learn more: Paid employment – ind.nl
Orientation Year Work Visa Netherlands (Zoekjaar Visa)
Graduates or PhD holders who have completed their studies or research within the past three years can apply for an Orientation Year Visa. This permit allows them to live and work in the Netherlands for 12 months while they search for a job.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- Completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree
- Finished at least one year of a post-master’s programme
- Graduated from an Erasmus Mundus course
- Conducted research or earned a PhD
Holders of this visa often transition to the Highly Skilled Migrant visa afterwards, sometimes with a reduced salary threshold.
Learn more: Looking for a job after study or research – ind.nl
Self-Employed Residence Permit (Zelfstandig Ondernemer)
Entrepreneurs and freelancers can apply for a self-employed residence permit to start or run their own business in the Netherlands. This Netherlands work visa is valid for up to two years and can be extended.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) evaluates applications using a points-based system that considers:
- Personal experience (education, work history, and income)
- Business plan quality and financial viability
- Added value to the Dutch economy
Applicants must score at least 30 points per category. Freelancers must show proof of at least one Dutch assignment, and healthcare professionals must register in the BIG-register.
➡️ Learn more: Self-employed person – ind.nl
Start-Up Residence Permit
The Start-Up Visa offers entrepreneurs one year to launch their innovative business in the Netherlands. Applicants must work with a recognised “facilitator” who supports their business plan and development.
To qualify, your product or service must be innovative, and both you and your facilitator must register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). You also need enough funds to live in the Netherlands for one year.
➡️ Learn more: Start-up residence permit – ind.nl
Other Work Visas
If none of these options fit your case, there are other work visas in the Netherlands available. These may include residence permits for partners, spouses, researchers, or journalists. You can find detailed information on the IND website.
Get in touch with Octagon
Choosing the right work visa in the Netherlands can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to manage it alone. At Octagon, we specialise in supporting both professionals and employers through every step of the visa and relocation process. Whether you need help applying for a Netherlands work visa, understanding requirements, or managing employee immigration, our team is here to make the process clear and stress-free.
Get in touch with Octagon today to find out how we can help you or your business with Dutch visa applications and HR support.
