You’re starting your job as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands. Good for you! It’s fun to live and work here! But prior to starting your job, it’s crucial to have a few important documents sorted out. In this article, we talk about which documents you need, why they are so important, and, of course, how to obtain them.
You will need the following documents if you want to work in the Netherlands:
A Dutch citizen service number is mandatory if you want to start working in the Netherlands. Everyone living here is obliged to register at their local municipality to be entered in the Basisregistratie personen (BRP) or Personal Records Database in English. This database contains information about everyone living in, working in and leaving the Netherlands.
Your BSN will be issued to you when you first register. This number is a unique code linked to your personal data and information. It is needed for all contact with the Dutch government, health insurers and employers.
A Dutch bank account is mandatory if you want to work in the Netherlands. Mainly because your salary will be deposited into your Dutch bank account. It is important that you always have access to financial means, without having to rely on social security. This is why it is necessary to open a Dutch IBAN bank account.
You need to have the right residence documents before you can start working here. If you are from a country that is not Switzerland or part of the EU / EER, there are several ways to obtain a residence or working permit:
If you wish to work in the Netherlands for a period shorter than 90 days, you need a short stay visa and a complementing work permit (TWV). The visa can be obtained via the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The TWV can be obtained via the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). The UWV assesses the application in relation to the demand for the relevant job on the Dutch labour market.
If you wish to work in the Netherlands for a period of over 90 days, your employer can apply for a combined permit for residence and work (GVVA). Your employer submits a request to the IND, whereupon the IND asks the UWV for a recommendation regarding the scarcity on the Dutch labour market. The GVVA consists of a residence document and a complementing document that states for which employer you may work.
So in short: the IND is responsible for granting you a permit of residence and the UWV grants the working permit. However, there are some exceptions. For example, the permit for highly skilled migrants and the orientation year for highly educated persons. Regardless of the permit you want to request, you will always need to have:
Yes. There are several conditions that apply to migrants who are not from the EU/EER or Switzerland. If this is the situation you’re in, the following conditions apply:
The monthly salary requirements (2019, excluding 8% holiday payment) for highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands are:
To save yourself any hassle, be aware of the fact that the responsibility for issuing the aforementioned documents and paperwork is both yours and your employer’s.