Internships, traineeships or apprenticeship programs are all around the world. Also in the Netherlands and international students are more than welcome to apply. If you are looking to spend some time in this beautiful country while completing this part of your education, you will need a residence permit. There are three types of residence permits for trainees or apprentices in the Netherlands, which we tell you all about in this article.

Residence permit for trainees at secondary vocational education (MBO) level

If you are enrolled at a secondary vocational education institution (also known as MBO) outside of the Netherlands that includes a mandatory internship, and are looking to complete that internship in the Netherlands: this residence permit is the one for you. This permit is for students who have almost completed their study programme and an internship is compulsory to graduate. The internship must be at least 240 hours long and can last 6 months at most.

Residence permit for trainees at university (WO) / university of applied sciences (HBO) level

In the case that you are studying at a university (WO) or university of applied sciences (HBO) level outside of the Netherlands, you can apply for the residence permit for trainees at university (WO) /university of applied sciences.If you are enrolled in such a program and are looking to do an internship in the Netherlands, some requirements must be fulfilled. First off, the internship is mandatory for receiving your diploma. Second is that the internship or traineeship must be at least 480 hours long, 1 year at most and is related to the trainee’s studies. Depending on the traineeship, this permit also is applicable to those who obtained a diploma no more than 2 years ago.

Residence permit for student on work placement

Even though it might sound alike, this permit has a different approach. The residence permit for student on work placement is meant for students who are enrolled in a university (WO) or university of applied sciences (HBO) program, and they are doing a work placement as a part of their educational program. This work placement will take place at a Dutch company, so the student can gain some experience, which they can then apply to a job in the country of their origin. The experience gained is important for the foreign employer’s business operations and you have a return statement. In this statement, the foreign employer states that the student on work assignment will be re-employed, immediately after they return. As a requirement, the work placement has to be 60 days long at least and related to the studies of the scholar.

Process and requirements for these kinds of permits

When reading the information above and finding yourself in such a situation, you can start the application process. Below you can find the steps that there are to be taken and a small recap of the requirements.

The application process for a residence permit as a trainee or apprentice in the Netherlands is as follows:

1. You must find a sponsor who is willing to employ you as a trainee or apprentice.
2. Your sponsor must apply for a provisional residence permit for you.
3. Once the provisional residence permit is granted, you can apply for a single permit.
4. The single permit is valid for the duration of your internship or work placement.

The requirements for a residence permit as a trainee or apprentice in the Netherlands are:

• You must be enrolled in a recognized educational program.
• You must have a valid passport or identity card.
• You must have health insurance.
• You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your internship or work placement.

Young Workers Exchange Program

The Residence permit for Young Workers Exchange Program in the Netherlands is a permit that allows young people from other countries to come to the Netherlands to work and learn. The program is designed to give young people the opportunity to gain work experience in a different country and to learn about Dutch culture and society.

There are a few reasons why someone might need this residence permit. First, if you are from a country that is not part of the European Union (EU), you will need a permit to work in the Netherlands. Second, if you are interested in participating in a Young Workers Exchange Program, you will need a permit to stay in the Netherlands for the duration of the program.

To acquire a Residence permit for Young Workers Exchange Program in the Netherlands, you will need to apply to the Dutch Immigration Service (IND). The application process is relatively straightforward, but you will need to provide documentation that proves your identity, your nationality, and your eligibility for the program.

The following are the requirements for a Residence permit for Young Workers Exchange Program in the Netherlands:

• You must be between the ages of 18 and 30.
• You must be a citizen of a country that is not part of the EU.
• You must have a valid passport or identity card.
• You must have health insurance.
• You must have a letter of acceptance from a Young Workers Exchange Program organization.

Once you have submitted your application, the IND will review your application and make a decision within 90 days. So be sure to hand in your application in time. If your application is approved, you will be issued a Residence permit for Young Workers Exchange Program in the Netherlands. The Residence permit for Young Workers Exchange Program in the Netherlands is valid for the duration of the program. The length of the program varies depending on the organization that you are participating with, but it typically lasts for 6 months to 1 year.

Dutch Employer of Record in the Netherlands is here to help

If you are a student with a wish to study abroad in the Netherlands, at an educational institution based outside the country, know that realizing your dream is definitely possible. Applying for one of these permits will ensure that you can enjoy your time here to the fullest.

In the case that you are already a working professional looking to relocate and work here, you might need a different work visa for the Netherlands, which mostly requires a sponsorship. Or if you are an employer who is pondering whether to open up a department in the Netherlands or relocating here entirely, a lot has to be done. Dutch Employer of Record in the Netherlands can help you to set up shop. The Dutch working permit application process can be complicated and pretty time-consuming. When you are in need of help with applying for a working permit or a work visa sponsorship in the Netherlands, we are here to help. Dutch Employer of Record is the specialized Employer of Record in the Netherlands. If you would like to learn more about our services, contact us or set up a profile.