When looking to work, what does one need? Besides a good suit and a well-polished resume, getting a work visa is important, especially if your dream job is waiting for you in the beautiful Netherlands. Known for its innovative job market and high quality of life, the Netherlands offers exciting opportunities for professionals from around the globe. However, the visa application process can be complex, and understanding the requirements is key to making your transition smooth.
In this article, we’ll guide you through all the steps to obtain a Netherlands work visa, along with essential information about waiting times and in-demand jobs. This way, you can take on this process with confidence and be as worry-free as possible as you prepare for your exciting new chapter!
Steps on Applying for a Netherlands Work Visa
In order to make the visa application process smooth and hassle-free, one needs to have clarity concerning the requirements, and eligibility criteria along with clear instructions to follow when submitting the application. Here, we have laid down the steps you need to take into account when applying for the visa.
Step 1: Check Your Requirements
Depending on certain factors such as the period of stay (more or less than 90 days), the scope of your work like working as an employee for a multinational firm or the owner of a startup combined with your nationality decides the requirements you may need to complete to apply for the work visa. These factors also decide the documents you need to submit to complete your application. Some documents that are required are mentioned below:
NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS |
DOCUMENT DETAILS |
| MVV (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf) |
An MVV is an authorization for a temporary stay which is valid for 90 days. The need for an MVV is determined by one’s nationality, where EU/EEA or Swiss citizens along with people from a few other countries such as Australia, and Canada are exempted from it. |
| GVVA |
This is a combined residence and work permit that allows non-EEA or Swiss citizens to work in the Netherlands for more than 3 months. The GVVA acts as a single permit. |
| Employment Contract |
This indicates the work you will engage in once coming to the Netherlands. |
| Antecedents Certificate |
This document is required to check for any past criminal offense committed by the applicant. |
| Passport Copy |
A passport copy is mandatory which is the case when traveling almost anywhere around the world. |
Step 2: Apply
In case you’re moving to the Netherlands after getting a job or are serving a company by getting transferred (Intra-Corporate Transferee), the employer submits the application on your behalf, by writing through post. At the same time, the employer applies for the MVV and the residence permit. Similarly, when researchers wish to work there for a short period of time, their supervisors or employers fill in the application. However, in case anyone wishes to work as a self-employed person or a startup owner, they need to fill in the application themselves along with requesting for an MVV.
Step 3: Pay the Application and Processing Fee
Immediately after the application has been submitted and you have applied for the appropriate work permit, we move to the payment section. There are distinct payment plans for every category, depending upon the type of work they wish to be doing in the Netherlands in the near future. There are separate charges for the first application and change in purpose of stay, extension and Holder status long-term resident EU in another EU member state. For most professions such as Intra Corporate Transferees, Highly skilled migrants, and working as self-employed persons or startup owners, the first application fee costs 380 euros whereas working as a seasonal labor or Researcher under a Directive costs 228 euros.
Step 4: Collect the Work Visa and Travel to the Netherlands
The decision period lasts for no more than 90 days, during which the IND must make a decision while the applicants wait for the response. Sometimes, the waiting period may be extended due to mishaps such as an incomplete application, which is notified later. The decision is either positive or negative where one gets an MVV and a residence permit or vice versa. As soon as the MVV is made available, it is preferable to collect it within 3 months of the decision by making an appointment at the Dutch representation. Towards the end, before traveling to the Netherlands, the passport must be valid for the next 6 months, followed by biometrics where the applicant should bring along one passport picture. The biometrics includes providing a signature and fingerprints. After all these minor formalities are marked done, one can easily travel there and begin their work.
How Long is the Processing Time for a Netherlands Work Visa?
Post application submission along with clearing the dues typically takes around 90 days for the work visa process to be finalized, as soon as the IND sends in their decision. However, in some scenarios, the IND might not inform their decision within this time frame. The UWV might have to intervene to help make a decision, where they contact the employer directly. UWV has a statutory period of 5 weeks to provide advice, after which the person may be informed about the decision. Applicants can also track their status of application while they wait for the decision to get released.
What Are the Top In-Demand Jobs in the Netherlands?
Despite the critical economic conditions around the world and unemployment at its peak, the Netherlands has a huge job market with multiple vacancies in distinct sectors. From Data Sciences and Finance to Healthcare and Agriculture, diverse job opportunities are available. The top in-demand jobs include IT Specialists, Legal Representative, and Interview and Decision Staff. The above-mentioned sectors have job openings more or less all year round, making it easy for foreign employees to enter the job market in the Netherlands. The workers, apart from finding it easy to delve into distinct sectors, also earn well and enjoy a decent standard of living, improving the overall efficiency of employees and the state of the economy.
Now that you’re aware of the requirements of a work visa for the Netherlands and the conditions of the job market, you can easily take your next step toward a successful career in the Dutch Land!
We hope this article on how to get a work visa in the Netherlands was informative and insightful. Make sure to also check out the Study in the Netherlands and Available Programs in Europe pages for more information.
