Some forms of residence permit do not require sponsors, such as the self-employment permit, the orientation year for graduates, or some working holiday programmes.
Requirements for a residence permit in the Netherlands
There are some general requirements that all applicants must fulfil, regardless of the type of residence permit they are applying for. These are:
- You have a valid passport or other travel document.
- You must not pose a danger to public order or national security.
- If you are over the age of 12, you must have filled out an Appendix Antecedents Certificate indicating whether you have ever committed an offence or crime.
- You must take a tuberculosis (TB) test after arriving in the Netherlands, unless you are exempt from this.
Almost all residence permits also come with income requirements. Generally speaking, a person (or their sponsor) must have an independent, sustainable and sufficient income in order to successfully apply for a residence permit, but these requirements differ depending on the source of income. You can see the income requirements per source of income on the IND website.
Types of residence permit in the Netherlands
On top of this, each type of residence permit has its own requirements. There are multiple different types of residence permit in the Netherlands, to reflect the different reasons why someone would seek residence. Below we have listed some of the most common ones, with an overview of their requirements.
Residence permit for partner
If you are moving to the Netherlands to join a partner who already lives there, you will apply for a partner residence permit. Under this arrangement, your partner is your sponsor.
Requirements for partner residence permit
You need to fulfil these requirements:
- You are in a long-term, exclusive relationship, or are married or in a registered partnership.
- You are both over the age of 21 (or 18 if you were married before coming to the Netherlands and have an internationally recognised marriage certificate).
- You will live together with your partner and register at their address.
- Your partner is Dutch or lives in the Netherlands on a valid residence permit.
- Your partner meets the income requirements.
- You have passed the civic integration exam abroad (unless exempt).
It is important that your partner’s residence permit is considered valid for a non-temporary stay. For instance, partners cannot join people living in the Netherlands on residence permits for purposes of stay like au pairing, working holidays, cultural exchanges, work experience, or seasonal work.
Working on a partner permit
If you live in the Netherlands with a partner permit, you may need a separate work permit in order to work. Whether or not you are allowed to work will be stated explicitly on the back of your residence permit. Generally speaking, the following rules apply:
- You are free to work without a work permit if your partner is Dutch, or if your partner has a residence permit as a highly skilled migrant, an intra-corporate transfer, a self-employed person or a researcher, or an EU Blue Card.
- You are not allowed to work if your partner has a residence permit for study.
- You need a separate work permit in order to work if your partner has a single permit (GVVA).
Single permit (GVVA)
Many people who come to work in the Netherlands from a non-EU country will end up getting a single permit (gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid or GVVA), which is a combined residence permit and work permit, usually tied to a single employer. For the single permit, your employer is your sponsor.
While you must meet general requirements and income requirements, your employer must also show that efforts have taken place to recruit a suitable employee in the Netherlands and European Union. Only after these recruitment efforts have not led to a suitable candidate can an employer start looking for employees outside the EU.
During the application process, the Immigration & Naturalisation service (IND) will consult with the UWV (Dutch social security agency) to advise if the prospective employee may live and work in the Netherlands. The UWV’s assessment is based on the criteria of the Aliens Employment Act (Wav). It may be that the UWV will contact either the employer or the employee during the application process to clarify some aspect of the application or position. The IND will make its decision based on the advice from the UWV.
Highly skilled migrant
The highly skilled migrant scheme (kennismigrant) is designed to allow Dutch employers to bring talented foreign professionals to the Netherlands and retain them. This means that employers in the Netherlands can organise Dutch work permits quickly for highly skilled international employees, without having to prove that there are no suitable Dutch or EU candidates, as they would have to with the GVVA.
Requirements for highly skilled migrants in the Netherlands
To qualify as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands, international applicants generally need:
- Skills and experience that are relatively scarce
- A higher educational level (bachelor’s degree minimum)
- Some years of work experience
- A specialisation (for example in IT, engineering or science)
Only recognised organisations are able to submit applications on behalf of a highly skilled migrant. That means the organisation has to be recognised by the IND as a sponsor. On top of this, you will need a work contract (or a guest agreement, for guest lecturers) with your employer.
For an internal transfer to a Dutch-based branch of an international company, an employer’s declaration is required from the foreign employer, which should include the duration of the transfer, the type of employment and the income.
Income requirements for highly skilled migrants
The applicant must also satisfy the minimum income requirements for highly skilled migrants which are (as of January 1, 2025):
Note: Income is gross salary per month, excluding holiday allowance. This income requirement does not apply for scientific researchers or physicians in training to become specialists. In that case, their income must at least meet the provisions listed in the Dutch Minimum Wage Act (wml).
European Blue Card residence permit
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified third-country nationals. Your employer applies for the Blue Card on your behalf and acts as your sponsor. Unlike with the highly-skilled migrant permit, however, your employer does not need to be a recognised sponsor.
EU Blue Card requirements
You must meet the following requirements:
- You have a diploma of a programme in higher education that took at least three years to complete (you may need to have your diploma evaluated by Nuffic).
- You have at least five years of relevant work experience (three if you work in IT).
- You have a work contract or binding job offer of at least six months.
- Your job offer meets the minimum income requirement (5.688 euros in 2025).
EU Blue Card vs highly skilled migrant permit
As the application process for a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands is among the most favourable for allowing in skilled labour within the EU, and the agreed minimum salary is much lower for those under the age of 30 (around 4.171 euros in 2025 compared to 5.688 euros for the EU Blue Card), there are currently no real benefits to applying for an EU Blue Card instead of a highly skilled migrant permit, for those who plan to stay in the Netherlands.
If, however, you wish to be able to move around the EU, then it’s good to know that EU Blue Card holders (and their families) are able to move to another EU country to take up another highly qualified position (as per the EU Blue Card Directive) after 18 months of (legal) residence in the Netherlands. In certain circumstances, you can also apply for long-term EU residency after just two years of having a Blue Card. The Dutch highly skilled migrant permit, on the other hand, is restricted to the Netherlands.
It is possible for people already in the possession of a highly skilled migrant permit to apply for a change of residence permit into EU Blue Card, provided certain conditions are met.
Intra-corporate transferee residence permit
An intra-corporate transferee residence permit is a combined work and residence permit for managers, specialists and trainees who come from outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland to work in the Netherlands. Your employer can apply for an intra-corporate transferee residence permit if you live and work outside the EU and will be transferred to a branch of your company in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. They act as your sponsor.
To qualify, you need to meet the general requirements and have already worked at the company for at least three months before the transfer. You will need an employment contract and an engagement letter from your employer explaining the details of your assignment in the Netherlands.
Residence permit for self-employed person
Those who want to come to the Netherlands to start a business or work as a freelancer will need to apply for a residence permit for self-employment. To qualify for this permit, you must meet the requirements to practise this profession, for instance having the necessary permits.
Those who wish to work as a self-employed professional in the Dutch healthcare sector must sign up to the Individual Healthcare Professions Act (BIG) register, which regulates the provision of healthcare services by individual practitioners. Admission to the BIG register enables the use of a professional title acquired internationally.
On top of this, you must have a business plan showing that you meet the income requirements (see above). If you plan to work as a freelancer, you must have one or more clients based in the Netherlands.
Finally, your business activity must demonstrate a substantial benefit to the Dutch economy. This is either assessed by experts in Dutch governmental ministries or by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The RVO uses a points system to make a decision. Points are awarded in three areas:
- Personal experience (training, entrepreneurship, work experience).
- Business value (market analysis, product/service, price, organisation, financing).
- Added value for the Netherlands (innovation, employment creation, investments).
Start-up visa
The startup visa, officially called the "residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs", was introduced in January 2015 by the Dutch government to attract foreign entrepreneurs. The permit is valid for one year and gives ambitious internationals the chance to start their innovative business in the Netherlands.
Under the scheme, expats working on their startup in the Netherlands are guided by an experienced facilitator. This mentor system is designed to support the new business so it has the best chance to grow into a mature enterprise, which not only benefits the entrepreneur but also the Dutch economy.
Requirements for the startup visa in the Netherlands
On top of the general requirements outlined above, you must meet some specific start-up visa conditions:
- You have an agreement to work with a recognised facilitator.
- Your product or service is innovative (for instance, it is new to the Netherlands, it uses new technology in production, distribution and/or marketing, or it has a new way of working and organising).
- You are an active part of the company (not just a shareholder or financier)
- You have a solid business plan, setting out the structure of the organisation, roles and responsibilities, the legal form, personnel, company goals, a description of your product or service, and a description of the planning and activities involved in setting up the company.
- You register your new business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
- You have sufficient financial resources (such as savings) to live in the Netherlands.
What is a recognised facilitator?
The facilitator is an experienced business mentor organisation that provides guidance and support while you are developing your startup in the Netherlands. The support can come in a wide variety of forms, depending on the needs of the startup, and can include investment acquisition, marketing, assisting with operational management, research, and providing business contacts.
Before you apply for the startup visa you must find and work with a facilitator who is recognised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This is to ensure that the facilitator is reliable, financially sound and has experience in guiding new businesses. When you find a mentor you must officially establish a cooperation by signing an agreement with them. You can check the RVO webpage for the full list of recognised facilitators.
Student residence permit for university or higher professional education
If you wish to study at a university or institute of higher professional education (HBO) in the Netherlands, you can receive a residence permit as a student. The permit usually lasts three months longer than the duration of your course. Your university or higher education institution acts as your sponsor and applies for the residence permit on your behalf.
Requirements for a student residence permit in the Netherlands
On top of the general requirements, you need to meet the following criteria to get a student residence permit in the Netherlands:
- You have proof of registration or temporary proof of registration as a student at a university or HBO.
- Your study programme is accredited by NVAO or EQAR.
- Your educational institution is a recognised sponsor with the IND.
- You will enrol in a full-time study programme.
- You meet the income requirements.
- You progress with your studies every year (obtaining at least 50% of the credits for each study year).
If you need to complete an extra preparatory course or language course/test to do your study programme, then your residence permit also entitles you to come to the Netherlands for up to one year for a so-called “preparatory period”.
Working as a student in the Netherlands
Your student residence permit is intended for you to study in the Netherlands; if you want to undertake paid work as an employee you must get a work permit. You are permitted to work as a self-employed person, so long as you register with the Chamber of Commerce and pay taxes.
Residence permit for orientation year (zoekjaar)
Highly-educated migrants who have recently graduated from university can get a residence permit to come to the Netherlands (or remain in the Netherlands, if they went to a Dutch university) for up to a year to look for work.
Previously there were two policies: "the orientation year for highly educated persons" and "the orientation year for graduates". As of March 1, 2016, however, the two policies have been combined into a single scheme: "the orientation year for highly educated persons", known in Dutch as an oriëntatiejaar (orientation year) or zoekjaar (search year).
Requirements for the orientation year residence permit in the Netherlands
To qualify, you must fulfil one of the following requirements, on top of the general requirements:
- You completed a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a post-master’s programme, at a Dutch higher education institution in the last three years.
- You carried out research in the past three years under a residence permit for research in the Netherlands.
- You completed a study programme in the Netherlands in the context of the Cultural Policy Act or the development cooperation policy of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the last three years.
- You completed a master’s degree, doctoral programme, or post-master’s programme at a so-called “designated foreign educational institution” - see definition below) in the last three years, and on top of that you can prove your English language ability.
Designated foreign educational institutions
An international educational institution is designated if it is in the top 200 of a general, faculty or subject ranking list by:
- QS World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
Working during your zoekjaar
There are no work restrictions on holders of the new orientation year residence permit. This means you have free access to the Dutch labour market and do not require an extra work permit.
It is not possible to extend a zoekjaar residence permit, but if you find a job and wish to stay in the Netherlands you can apply for a different residence permit that allows you to work, such as a single permit or a highly-skilled migrant permit (for which you benefit from a lower income requirement - see above).
Residence permit researcher
If you wish to work as a researcher in the Netherlands, you can get a residence permit for research, which allows you to work under Directive (EU) 2016/801. Your host research institution acts as your sponsor and applies for the residence permit on your behalf.
You must meet the following requirements:
- You are coming to the Netherlands to work as a paid researcher, an unpaid researcher with a grant, or a doctoral candidate.
- You plan to conduct research at a research institute in the Netherlands that is a recognised sponsor with the IND, and you have a contract with them.
- You have a higher education degree that is suitable for the research you are carrying out.
- Your research institution has approved the aim, duration and amount of money needed for your research.
- You have enough money to support yourself.
Other types of residence permit
This is not an exhaustive list of the types of residence permit available in the Netherlands. For a full overview of the requirements per residence permit type, and for a full list of the different types of residence permit available, visit the IND website.
Application procedure for a Dutch residence permit
All Dutch residence permit applications are processed by the IND (Dutch department of Immigration and Naturalisation). Applications lodged in the Netherlands can be directly submitted with the IND. Applications from abroad can either be submitted at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence, or at the IND by your sponsor.
There are two ways of applying for a Dutch residence permit: either you come to the Netherlands and apply for a residence permit once you have arrived, or alternatively you apply for an MVV and residence permit before coming to the Netherlands.
Most non-EU citizens will need to apply for an MVV and residence permit (known as the TEV procedure), but there are some exceptions (see below).
The MVV provisional residence permit
If you need a visa to travel to the Netherlands, and you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for an MVV permit.
The MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is a provisional residence permit that allows you to enter the Netherlands as a potential resident rather than a tourist. The MVV is not an official residence permit, but rather a long-term visa that allows you to come to the Netherlands to pick up your residence permit.
You or your sponsor can apply for the MVV and the residence permit simultaneously before you travel. This is known as the TEV procedure (Entry and Residence Procedure).
Do I need an MVV?
You do not need to apply for an MVV if one of the following applies:
- You currently have a valid residence permit for the Netherlands.
- You are an EU/EEA citizen, or a citizen of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, the UK, the US, Switzerland or South Korea.
- You are a family member or (proven) partner of a citizen from an EU/EEA country or from Switzerland, even if you hold a different nationality.
- You currently hold a permanent residence permit from another EU country as a "Long-term resident EC".
- You or a family member have held a European Blue Card for 18 months in another EU country.
- Your situation fits other specific circumstances which do not require an MVV, as outlined by the IND.
How to apply for a Dutch residence permit without an MVV
If you don’t need an MVV, your sponsor can apply for a residence permit for you while you are still abroad, mentioning your expected arrival date. Alternatively, you or your sponsor can apply for your residence permit by post or in person at an IND Desk (by appointment) after you arrive in the Netherlands. See below to see whether you should apply, or if your sponsor should do it on your behalf.
If you submit your application in the Netherlands, the IND will place a residence endorsement sticker (verblijfsaantekening) in your passport as proof that you can lawfully stay in the Netherlands while your application is being processed. The sticker also states if you can work or not.
How to apply for a Dutch residence permit with an MVV (TEV procedure)
If you are applying for an MVV and a residence permit at the same time, you can follow the TEV procedure before you come to the Netherlands. In some situations, your sponsor needs to submit your application, whereas in others you can submit your own application.
Do I need to submit an application or does my sponsor apply?
Your sponsor should usually submit an application on your behalf if you are applying for any of the following residence permits (with or without the MVV):
- Partner permit
- Single permit
- Highly-skilled migrant permit
- EU Blue Card
- Intra-corporate transferee permit
- Student permit
- Researcher permit
You can apply by yourself for any of the following permits:
- Self-employed person permit
- Start-up visa
- Orientation year (zoekjaar) permit
Dutch residence permit application forms
You can find digital versions of most permit application forms via the IND website. You can also pick up forms from IND Desks (by appointment). It is highly advised to contact the IND in advance and to check with them about the requirements for your application.
If you submit an incorrect form or require an MVV but fail to apply for it then your ability to stay in the Netherlands may be affected.
Supporting documentation for a residence permit in the Netherlands
To support your residence permit application you will need to gather documents, such as your birth certificate, to submit with your application. Which documents you need to provide depends on which application form you are submitting. Each form lists the necessary documents.
Official foreign documents need to be legalised or receive an apostille stamp, depending on the relevant authorities in the country of issue. Documents must be in Dutch, English, French or German. Other languages will need to be translated by a sworn translator in the Netherlands.
Dutch residence permit cost
There are costs for applying for a Dutch residence permit or MVV. The amount depends on the type of application. You can check prices on the IND application costs page.
The IND will send a payment request after they receive your application. Payment is possible via cash or debit card. Credit cards and payments in instalments are not possible.
If your application is refused your fees will not be refunded.
IND response time
After submitting your form and paying the fee, the IND will assess your application. The assessment time can vary, as the IND is legally permitted to take up to 90 days to reach a decision on your application.
How to contact the IND about your application
You can check on the status of your application by calling the IND on 088 0430 430 (normal phone charges apply) between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. From abroad the number is: +31 88 0430 430.
Remember to have your V-number (file number) to hand and that the IND phone line sometimes has long waiting times.
How to collect your residence permit
If your application is approved, you or your sponsor will receive a letter of confirmation.
Applications without MVV
If you are already in the Netherlands, you can collect your residence permit from an IND Desk. At this appointment the IND will also gather your biometric details, such as your fingerprints, signature and passport photo.
Applications with TEV procedure
If you are following the TEV procedure and are outside the Netherlands, you will be able to collect your MVV from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Once you arrive in the Netherlands, you will have two weeks to pick up your residence document from an IND Desk. Highly skilled migrants can also collect their residence permit from an expat centre.
Note that you can only visit the above locations by appointment.
Rejection of a Dutch residence permit application
If your application is rejected, the IND will send a letter stating their reasons for not issuing a residence permit or MVV. The letter will also explain if and how you can lodge an objection.
Additional actions when you arrive in the Netherlands
Depending on the requirements of your permit, you may need to complete a few additional actions:
Registration at the town hall
All internationals who are staying in the Netherlands for more than three months need to register at their local municipality (gemeente) to be entered in the BRP (Personal Records Database) and receive their BSN number.
Tuberculosis test (tuberculose onderzoek)
Some people will be required to take a tuberculosis test (TB test) within three months of the permit approval. For such a test you must make an appointment at your closest Municipal Health Service (GGD).
Integration exams (inburgeringsexamen)
Some people will be required to integrate in the Netherlands by taking a test such as the Civic Integration Exam (inburgeringsexamen) or the Dutch as a Second Language State Exams (Staatsexamens NT2). To prepare they must attend courses on Dutch language and culture.
If this applies you will receive a letter from DUO (the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science) stating what requirements you need to fulfil and the time frame. To find out more, visit the Integration in the Netherlands website.
Renewing a residence permit in the Netherlands
The maximum duration of a Dutch residence permit is five years. Normally, you or your sponsor will receive a letter of notification (and extension application form) three months before your residency expires. If you do not receive this letter, you should contact the IND as soon as possible.
Can I extend my residence permit?
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to extend your residency if you meet the conditions for an extension, or if you have changed your purpose of stay. It is essential to resolve your residency status before the expiry of your permit to avoid an illegal stay or potential entry ban.
Permanent residence or Dutch citizenship
If you have spent sufficient time in the Netherlands and are eligible, then you may want to apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship.