What are the Dutch internship immigration rules for non-EU nationals?

An increasing number of companies in the Netherlands are hiring international interns. But what are the legal requirements for foreign interns?

This article outlines the key rules and categories from an immigration law perspective for interns who come from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland. EU, EEA, and Swiss interns enjoy freedom of movement within the EU and therefore do not require a work permit or residence permit to complete an internship in the Netherlands. 

Short internships (up to 90 days within 180 days)

For short internships, you first need to check whether an (entry) Schengen visa is required to travel to the Netherlands. Secondly, it must be assessed whether a work permit (TWV) is required. If so, it must be assessed which work permit category applies to you.

Non-EU intern currently studying in the Netherlands

A non-EU student who is already studying in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit for study may complete an internship without a work permit, provided that:

• The internship is part of their study programme
• A tripartite agreement is signed between the student, the educational institution, and the employer, including the internship goals, which must be relevant to the studies 

Non-EU intern not studying in the Netherlands

Students who are studying outside the Netherlands or have graduated within the past two years may fall under a specific work permit category. Requirements include:

• The internship must be at a higher education level (HBO/WO)
• The intern must have sufficient financial resources (at least 50% of the Dutch minimum wage)
• There must be an internship agreement between the intern and the employer, including the internship goals and internship allowance

If these conditions are met, the employer can apply for a work permit through the Labour Directorate (UWV). 

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Other specific work permit categories

Foreign vocational (MBO-level) students who are completing a mandatory internship in the Netherlands or who are participating in international exchange programmes have their own specific work permit category. The same goes for Canadian interns under the Young Workers Exchange Program, who are studying or have graduated within the past 12 months.

Finally, there is a specific category for foreign interns coming to the Netherlands to gain work experience at the Dutch branch of their foreign employer. 

If no specific category applies, a work permit can still be applied for, but a labour market test applies. This requires the employer to prove that no suitable candidates are available within the EU. However, due to its strictness, this type of application is rarely a realistic option.  

Long internships (> 90 days)

For internships lasting more than three months, you must first check whether you need to apply for an entry clearance visa (MVV). The next step is to verify whether a residence permit is required, and if so, which specific residence permit must be applied for.

Non-EU intern already studying in the Netherlands

If the internship is part of the study programme and the student holds a valid residence permit covering the internship period, no additional residence permit is required.

Non-EU intern through an EU exchange programme

Non-EU students coming to the Netherlands to do an internship as part of an official EU exchange or study programme, such as Erasmus+, can use:

• For stays under 360 days: The EU mobility procedure, which only requires a notification by the host organisation to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND). The host organisation must be a recognised sponsor with the IND. You need a valid residence permit in another EU country, proof of Erasmus+ participation, an internship agreement, and proof of financial means and health insurance. 
• For stays over 360 days: A Learning and Working residence permit. The same requirements apply as for the EU mobility procedure.

Non-EU intern with an internship not through an EU programme

Non-EU nationals who wish to complete an internship in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days, which is not based on studies or part of an EU exchange programme, must apply for a combined permit for residence and work (GVVA). 

There are a few specific GVVA categories:

• Students who are studying abroad or have graduated within the past two years (HBO-WO level)
• Foreign vocation (MBO-level) students who are completing a mandatory internship in the Netherlands or who are participating in international exchange programmes
• Canadian interns who fall under the Young Workers Exchange Program
• Foreign interns coming to the Netherlands to gain work experience at the Dutch branch of their foreign employer (up to 24 weeks).  

If no specific category is applicable, a GVVA can still be applied for, but the labour market test applies, as explained above.