With a thriving economy and a high standard of living, it is no surprise that many people want to work in the Netherlands. However, in order to work here legally as a non-EU national, you will need a valid work permit and/or residence permit. There are different types of work permits available in the Netherlands depending on your situation and qualifications. In this article, we discuss the different types of permits available and who they are meant for.

Residence Permits for Paid Employment

If you want to work in the Netherlands as an employee, you will need a residence permit for paid employment. There are two types of residence permits available:

Single Permit (Residence and Work Permit) – GVVA

This type of permit allows you to live and work in the Netherlands at the same time. It combines both the residence and work permits into one document. You can apply for this permit if you have a job offer from an employer who is recognized by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). This permit is for people who want to work in the Netherlands for longer than three months and are not from an EU country.

Residence Permit for Paid Employment Only

If you are looking to work in the Netherlands, but not reside here permanently, this type of permit is the one you need to apply for. You can apply for this permit if you already have a valid residence permit but need permission to work. If you only need a residence permit to be able to work, you can also submit a separate application for this to the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service).

Residence Permits Knowledge and Talent

The second category of work permits is for highly skilled professionals with specific knowledge and skills relevant to the Dutch economy. If you have specialized knowledge or talent, there are several options available to obtain a residence permit:

Residence Permit Intra-Corporate Transferee

If your employer has an office outside of Europe and wants to transfer you to their Dutch office, then this is the right option for you. This type of permit is meant for employees who have been transferred within their own company.

Residence Permit For Highly Skilled Migrant

As its name suggests, this type of residence permit is meant for highly skilled workers with specific expertise that is in demand in the Netherlands. These may include scientists, engineers or IT specialists, for example. You will need to have a job offer from a recognized employer (Public Register of Recognized Sponsors) and meet certain income requirements.

Residence Permit European Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is for highly skilled employees from outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, who wish to work in the Netherlands. This type of permit is similar to the highly skilled migrant permit but is only available for specific professions with high demand. You will have to earn a minimum salary threshold and have a recognized degree or professional experience.

Residence Permit For Researcher According To Directive (EU) 2016/801

If you are a researcher working on an approved research project in the Netherlands as a Paid Researcher, Unpaid Researcher, or Doctoral (Phd) candidate, this type of permit may be suitable for you. It is specifically designed to attract researchers from outside of Europe who are working on innovative projects.

Residence Permit For Essential Start-Up Personnel

If you are planning to start your own business in the Netherlands, this residence permit may be available for essential start-up employees who are critical to your business operations. As this permit is a pilot project, it only runs between 1 June 2012 to 1 June 2025.

Residence Permit for Orientation Year

If you have completed your studies at a Dutch university or vocational school and have obtained a master’s degree in the past 3 years in the context of an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course, then this residence permit allows you to stay in the country and look for work during an orientation year.

Residence Permits as Trainees or Apprentice in the Netherlands

If you want to come to the Netherlands as part of a trainee or apprentice program, then there are two types of permits available:

Residence Permit For Trainees At Secondary Vocational Education (MBO) Level

This type of permit is meant for students enrolled in secondary vocational education programs (MBO). It allows them to participate in internships and practical training programs that relate directly to their course of study. The permit is valid during the period of your internship and no longer than one year. This permit applies to you if you are from Surinam, Indonesia or South Africa and you have the nationality of one of these countries. Also, if you have a family member who lives in the Netherlands and has a residence permit or has Dutch nationality. You must also be able to speak and write in Dutch.

Residence For Trainees At University (WO)/University Of Applied Sciences (HBO) Level

This type of permit is meant for students enrolled in higher education programs such as universities or applied sciences schools. It allows them to participate in internships and practical training programs that relate directly to their course of study. The permit is valid during the period of your internship.

Other Residence Permits

Lastly, other types of work permits are available, such as the residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs and the residence permit under the International Trade Regulations.

Residence Permit Independent Contractor

If you are self-employed and plan to work in the Netherlands, then this permit may work for you. It allows you to work as a freelancer or independent contractor. The residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs is intended for foreigners who want to start their own business in the Netherlands. This permit does require that you are registered in the Trade Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. You must also meet certain financial requirements and have demonstrable knowledge of the field in which you want to work.

Residence Permit International Trade Regulation

This permit is designed to facilitate business activities between the Netherlands and other countries. This type of permit is meant for people who are involved in international trade and who are going to work in the Netherlands temporarily. 

In short, there are different types of work permits available in the Netherlands depending on your situation and qualifications.

Ready to apply to work in the Netherlands?

Applying for such a permit can be a complicated and time-consuming process, especially if you are not familiar with the regulations and procedures in the Netherlands. Fortunately, Dutch Employer of Record in the Netherlands can help you figure out which permit applies to you and how to go about the application process. If you are interested in learning more about our offerings, get in touch with us or create a profile to see what an Employer or Record can do for you.