Working in the Netherlands: Visa and Work Permit Requirements
Articles for candidates
In the Netherlands, there are various job opportunities, particularly in the logistics and fulfillment industries. However, before you can fully benefit from these opportunities, you need some paperwork to avoid legal issues.
This article provides information about the visas required to work in the Netherlands. You will understand the details of the Dutch immigration system and have the information you need to settle smoothly in this welcoming country.
Which Permits Are Required for Foreign Workers in the Netherlands?
People from other countries who wish to work in the Netherlands must meet various requirements. Those coming from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland usually require a work permit, of which there are two main types: an “employment permit” (TWV) , which is a work permit, and a “combined residence and work permit” (GVVA) , a combined residence and work permit.
Dutch nationals and EEA citizens do not need a work permit.
Local residents and people from other EEA countries or Switzerland can work in the Netherlands without needing a work permit (TWV) or residence permit (GVVA). Foreign nationals from other countries may also work in the Netherlands, provided they meet specific conditions.
A work permit is mandatory for foreign workers from outside the EEA.
As a general rule, foreign nationals from outside the EEA and Switzerland can only work in the Netherlands if their employer has obtained a work permit for them. The Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) will only issue a work permit if strict conditions are met.
For example, an employer must demonstrate that they could not find a suitable candidate within the EU. Less strict requirements apply to special groups of employees.
When a foreign national is hired through a company or employment agency, that organization must apply for a work permit and provide a copy of the employee’s identification together with the permit to the hiring company.
The hiring company verifies the copy against the employee’s original identification before they start work and keeps the copy in their records.
Types of Work Permits
There are two main types of permits:
– Employment permit (TWV) : A work permit.
– Combined residence and work permit (GVVA) : A combined residence and work permit.
The UWV applies the same rules when assessing applications for both TWVs and GVVA permits. The choice between the two depends on the duration of the foreign national’s employment in the Netherlands. Foreign national employees can apply for a GVVA themselves, but only employers can apply for a TWV.
GVVA
Foreign nationals from outside the EEA and Switzerland must apply for a GVVA if they plan to work in the Netherlands for longer than three months.
GVVA is not required, but TWV is required.
Some groups of foreign nationals do not need a GVVA, but their employers must still apply for a TWV at the UWV. These groups include:
– Employees coming to the Netherlands for less than three months.
– Students with a residence permit for study purposes.
– Asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their asylum application.
For more information about these and other categories of foreign civilian workers, you can refer to the websites of the UWV and the IND .