Netherlands Work Visa: Requirements & Application Guide
The Netherlands is known for its vibrant tulips and windmills, along with promising careers and significant growth opportunities.
With its strong economy and career prospects, it attracts professionals from around the world, so if you are thinking of working in the Netherlands, you need to obtain a Netherlands work visa and a permit.
Getting a work visa in the Netherlands can open the door to several opportunities in the country, renowned for its richness, innovation, friendly lifestyle, and work-life balance.
What is a Netherlands work visa?
The Netherlands work visa is a residence permit that allows you to stay and work in the country for a period of time.
However, if you wish to work in the Netherlands, you need to have a job offer from a recognized employer and a work permit to be legally employed in the country.
Benefits of the Netherlands work visa
- Over 4 lakh job vacancies available
- Can earn an average salary of 40,000 per month
- Get the best work-life balance
- Strong economy and access to the job market
- Excellent healthcare and education system
Types of Netherlands work visa
There are several types of work visas in the Netherlands, and it depends on your circumstances, job offer, and work experience which visa you need to apply for.
- Short-term visa
- Temporary visa
- Long-term visa
Short-term visa
The short-term visa is also known as the Schengen category C visa, which is valid for up to 90 days within any 180 days.
This visa is for those who want to migrate for business travel, work-related travel, and temporary positions that don't require the time of the individual for longer than three months.
However, it is important to keep in mind that for work-related functions, you will need an invitation from your employer.
Temporary visa
Temporary work visas are issued to those skilled workers who are in contracted positions and need to work in the country for more than 3 months but no more than a year. There are four types of temporary work visas, and the names are:
- GVVA or work visa
- It is a single permit that is valid for a year and allows you to obtain work authorization simultaneously.
- Seasonal worker visa
- This visa is valid for 6 months, which allows skilled workers to come into the Netherlands for seasonal work.
- The Working Holiday Programme (WHP) visa
- The working holiday program is for those aged between 18 and 30 years and allows them to work and live in the country from 9 different countries. It is valid for one year.
- Entrepreneur visa
- This visa is for ambitious entrepreneurs from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland who are allowed to live and work in the country for one year and to start their innovative business.
Long-term visa
The long-term visa allows individuals to live and work in the country for between 1 and 5 years, and it is also renewable. Four types of long-term visas allow professionals to enter the country:
- General work visa
- To obtain this visa, you need a job offer from a Dutch employer who is sponsoring your application. This visa is valid for 3 years and can be renewed.
- Highly skilled migrant visa
- This visa is issued to those with a high-level position with competitive salary packages and is valid for 5 years.
- EU blue card
- This is a residence and work permit for highly qualified workers from outside the European Union to live and work in the country, and it is valid for 4 years and is renewable.
- Intra-corporate transfer (ICT)
- It is a system in the Netherlands that allows an employee to temporarily work in different countries. This is valid for 1 year for training and for professionals for 3 years.
Eligibility criteria to work in the Netherlands
- You must have an employment contract with a Netherlands employer.
- The age must be under 30 years old, and they must earn at least 3299 euros, and those over 30 years old need to earn at least 4500 euros.
- Individuals under an entrepreneur visa must have a business plan that benefits the Netherlands and must have an agreement with a recognized facilitator.
- For an intra-company transfer, applicants must be a trainee or a specialist in the management department, working for a minimum of 3 months before getting a transfer.
- Individuals need to show an employment contract credit for a year and educational credentials of 3 years.
Document requirements to work in the Netherlands
A valid passport
Photographs
Contract job offer letter
Proof of earnings
Work experience certificate
Police clearance certificate
Health insurance and medical tests
Educational qualification
Proof of sufficient funds
How to apply for the Netherlands work visa?
To apply for the Netherlands work visa, follow the steps below:
- Visit the official website of the Netherlands
- Choose the type of work you are looking for
- Fill out the visa application form with the required documents
- Pay the non-refundable fee and submit their application
- Wait for your application to be processed
- Once it is approved, you will get your visa
Cost to apply
Processing time of the Netherlands work visa
The processing time of the Netherlands work visa depends on the type of visa you have selected to work in the country.
The list below shows the processing time of the different visas:
- The processing time for a short-stay Schengen visa is 15 - 60 days.
- A seasonal worker's visa is 3 - 7 weeks.
- The working holiday program is 90 days.
- An entrepreneur visa takes 3 months.
- For all long-term visas, the processing time is 90 days.
Summary
The Netherlands is a top-notch location for professionals in search of career prospects and a superior quality of life.
Given its strong economy, outstanding work-life balance, and rich cultural diversity, it is not surprising that numerous international individuals are considering moving to the Netherlands for employment.
Izago Immigration can help you understand the requirements and the process to obtain a Netherlands work visa with comprehensive knowledge of the visas.
With the right preparation and guidance, you can achieve your dream of living and working abroad. Connect today!
