Visa information for the Netherlands

EU citizens

Individuals from an EU country* do not need a work permit to be able to work in the Netherlands. However for EU citizens intending to work and live in the Netherlands for longer than 3 months a residence permit will be required.

For any type of employment contract in the Netherlands, a Sofi-number is required for tax deductions and social security contributions.

For the latest immigration information and to download the relevant forms required to relocate to the Netherlands, please visit the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Office site at www.ind.nl or the European Union website www.europa.eu.int/eures.

Non EU-citizens

There are really only two ways for a non-EU citizen to get a work permit:

The first way is to apply directly to an organisation as they can start the work permit process for you. This process can take up to 6 months and the company has to prove that it is in their best interest to hire you above all other Dutch and EU candidates. They also have to prove that the job has been advertised for at least six weeks and that they have interviewed Dutch and EU candidates. If you obtain a work permit through a company, please bear in mind that this work permit is bound to the company. If you stop working for that company, the permit will no longer be valid.

The second way of getting a work permit is if you have a Dutch or EU partner. Your partner must be living and working in the Netherlands and be willing to sponsor you. That essentially means that they agree to be financially responsible for you whilst you are looking for a job or if you happen to lose one. The two of you must prove that you are in a relationship and that you live together. If the relationship should end or one of you should move out, the permit will no longer be valid.

Working holiday scheme

The working holiday scheme allows Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens between the ages of 18 - 30 to work in the Netherlands for up to one year.

Working holiday schemes can be arranged with the Dutch Embassy in your country. If you fit the regulations of the scheme, you will receive a temporary residence permit. With this permit you can work in the Netherlands for up to one year. It is essential you remember to register with the foreign police in the Netherlands (within three days of your arrival) to certify the permit.

For more information, please take a look at www.workpermit.nl

Tourist visa’s

If you do not intend to work in Holland, tourists can stay in Holland for up to 3 months. Those coming from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and most of Europe do not require an entry visa – just a valid passport. EU nationals can enter for a stay of three months with just their national identity card or a passport expired less than five years ago. Tourist visas can be extended for a maximum of another three months but a good reason to justify the extension will be required. A three-month Dutch visa can take a little while to process so don't leave it until the last moment. Fees vary depending on the country in which you apply and most types of visas will require you to demonstrate sufficient means to support yourself during your stay.