Can I work in the Netherlands on a visiting visa?

Who can obtain a Dutch Work Visa?

The Netherlands will require a visa. This depends on the nationality of your country.
If you are an EU, EEA, or Switzerland citizen, you do not require a residence permit or work visa to enter the Netherlands. However, suppose you intend to stay in the Netherlands longer than four months. In that case, you must register with your local personal records database and obtain a Citizen Service Number.
A Dutch residence permit is not required if you are a relative of an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen. However, you must obtain a Verification against EU Law (certificate de lawful residence).
All other foreign nationals must have a Dutch residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. A Single Permit, which combines residence and work permits, is available to some.
A few nationals may also have to apply for an MVV visa (type C visa, or “provisional residency permit”) in addition to their Dutch residence permit. You may be required to pass a civic integration test to assess your knowledge and understanding of Dutch culture and language.

What are the requirements to obtain a Netherlands Work Visa

The requirements for a Netherlands Work Visa vary depending on the Dutch residency permits you have. There are a few requirements that all Dutch visa applicants must meet. The following sections will detail additional requirements depending on which type of work visa you need.

Types of Netherlands Work Visas

Each type of Netherlands work visa comes with its set conditions and requirements.

Regularly paid work (as an employer)

A Netherlands Work Visa is required to be able to work as a regular employee or labor migrant in the Netherlands.

These are the requirements for a Dutch work visa for regular employees:

• A contract of employment with a Dutch employer is required
• Minimum wage is required for employees aged 23 and over.
• Your employer must prove that the position was not filled by a Dutch national or another EU/EEA national

Seasonal labor

Individuals planning to work in the Netherlands as seasonal workers in the agricultural sector can apply for a Netherlands work visa. A Dutch seasonal work visa is valid for 24 weeks.

These are the requirements for a Dutch seasonal worker visa

• An employment contract with a Dutch employer
• A Single Permit is a combination permit for residence and work.
• You must earn at least the minimum wage or a certain percentage.
• Intra corporate transfer

A Netherlands work visa is required if you work for a company in a country other than the European Union (EU).

These are the requirements for intra-corporate transfers to the Netherlands

• It is impossible to be a citizen of the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
• You must be a non-EU resident to apply
• You should be working as a manager, specialist, or trainee.
• Before transferring, you must have worked at your company for at least three months.
• You have the experience and qualifications required for your job
• Your salary must be in line with the requirements for a highly skilled migrant.
• The Netherlands will be your home most of the time you are there.

Your employer and the Netherlands branch to which you have been transferred must be engaged in economic activity.
It is impossible to have received a transfer to the company before your application.
You cannot transfer to a branch that has been fined for violating article 2 of the Aliens Employment Act or not paying or insufficiently paying wage tax or employer premiums in the past five years.
Trainee employees must follow a trainee program, not the average employee.

A highly skilled migrant

Sometimes, highly skilled migrants are called “knowledge workers.” These are foreign nationals who can contribute to the Dutch knowledge-based economy. You must have a minimum income to be considered a skilled migrant. You must earn at least EUR3,299 if you’re under 30 and at least EUR4,500 if you’re over 30.

The following conditions apply to highly skilled migrants:

• A contract is required with a Dutch employer or research institute.
• Employer must be a recognized sponsor by the IND
• For scientists and researchers: Your employment contract is signed for the institution
• For scientific researchers, the contract must contain the job description and the code according to the University Job Classification system.

An orientation year for highly educated people

You can apply for an extension of one year if you have finished your Dutch studies and your Dutch study visa is expired. After completing your studies, you can apply for a Netherlands orientation work visa. You must have completed one of these courses to be eligible for the orientation year.

• Completion of a Netherlands-accredited MA or BA program
• At least one year of postgraduate study in the Netherlands
• A Dutch visa has been granted previously for scientific research in the Netherlands
• Awarded an MA degree in an Erasmus Mundus Masters Course
• Completed a program of higher education that the Ministerial Decree designated
• A study was completed about the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation policy
• A study was completed in the Netherlands as part of the Cultural Policy Act
• A Ph.D. or MA was earned at an international educational institution.

Entrepreneurs and freelancers are good options for self-employed people.
If you plan to work in the Netherlands as a freelancer or start your own business, you can apply for a self-employment visa (residence permit).
The requirements for a Netherlands work visa are more stringent for self-employed people than for other types. You will need to complete certain conditions, and depending on your case, you might also be eligible for a “startup” visa to the Netherlands.

How do I apply for a Netherlands Work Visa?

Your nationality and the nature of your work will determine which type of visa you need to apply for in the Netherlands.
To work in the Netherlands, you will need both a residency permit to stay and a separate work permit. Some applicants may be eligible for a Single Permit, which combines residence and work permits. This is a GVVA and can be issued for up to three years.
In most cases, your employer will need to apply for your Single Permit or work permit. After obtaining all required documents, your employer can apply directly to the IND. After receiving the documents, the IND will forward the application to UWV, the Dutch employment agency. UWV will evaluate the application and inform the IND about the outcome.

Who requires a separate work permit (TWV) and a residence permit (SRP)?

Your employer must apply for a separate permit if you cannot apply for a single license. Either you or your employer may apply for a Dutch residence permit. You can apply for a Dutch residence permit at the Dutch consulate or embassy in your country.

The Single Permit excludes:

• Short-term visa for labor migrants
• Seasonal workers
• Students
• Asylum seekers
• Transferees within a company
• Refugees
• Workers in an orientation year
• Single permit holders’ family members
• Service providers
• Croatian nationals
• Seafarers