Netherlands (NL)
The Netherlands is a small, densely populated constitutional monarchy in Northwestern Europe, consistently ranked among the world's most liveable and progressive countries.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Netherlands.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa to live and work in the Netherlands. Upon establishing residence, they must register at their gemeente within 5 working days. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, UK, and most Western countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen rules). For stays over 90 days or to take up employment, an appropriate residence permit is required.
All immigration matters are handled by the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst — ind.nl). Non-EU nationals must register at the gemeente within 5 working days of arrival and obtaining an address. The IND offers a Fast Track service (2 weeks) for Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card applications. The Netherlands is a major hub for international companies — many multinationals use it as their European headquarters, making the HSM route well-established and efficient.
Highly Skilled Migrant permit
Employees with a Dutch employer who is a recognised IND sponsor, earning above the salary threshold (€5,942 gross/month for those aged 30+; €4,357 for under-30; €3,122 for recent graduates from Dutch or top international universities — 2026 figures, effective 1 January 2026; verify at ind.nl). No labour market test required.
2 weeks (IND Fast Track) or 90 days (standard)
- ✓Employment contract with recognised IND sponsor employer
- ✓Salary above the applicable threshold
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Passport photos
- ✓MVV entry visa (if required by nationality — check ind.nl)
EU Blue Card
Highly educated non-EU workers with a university degree (or 5 years equivalent experience) and a Dutch employment contract paying at least €5,942 gross/month (standard threshold, aged 30+) or €4,754 gross/month (reduced threshold for recent graduates — verify at ind.nl). Effective 1 January 2026.
90 days (standard) or 2 weeks (Fast Track)
- ✓University degree or 5 years equivalent professional experience
- ✓Employment contract with gross salary above threshold: €5,942/month (standard, 30+) or €4,754/month (reduced, recent graduates) — 2026 figures (verify at ind.nl)
- ✓Employer must be a recognised sponsor
- ✓Valid passport
Orientation year for graduates (Zoekjaar)
Recent graduates from Dutch universities or top-100 world universities (within 3 years of graduation). Allows job seeking without needing a work permit.
90 days
- ✓Diploma from Dutch university or top-100 university (Shanghai/THE/QS rankings)
- ✓Graduated within the last 3 years
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Proof of graduation
Start-up residence permit
Non-EU entrepreneurs starting an innovative business in the Netherlands, guided by a recognised facilitator (IND-approved business incubator or business support organisation).
90 days
- ✓Innovative product or service
- ✓Partnership with a recognised IND facilitator
- ✓Sufficient financial resources
- ✓Business plan
- ✓Valid passport
Self-employment permit (Zelfstandige)
Non-EU nationals wanting to run their own business in the Netherlands. Applications assessed on economic necessity, business viability, and personal experience.
90 days
- ✓Business plan
- ✓Proof of financial resources
- ✓KvK registration (Chamber of Commerce)
- ✓Assessment by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
- ✓Valid passport
Student residence permit
Non-EU students admitted to a Dutch higher education institution (HBO or WO). Language course students (MBO level or lower) have different rules.
90 days (typically 4–8 weeks in practice)
- ✓Admission letter from Dutch institution
- ✓Sufficient financial resources (€900/month in 2026)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓MVV entry visa (if required)
Family reunification permit
Family members (spouse/partner, minor children, dependent parents in some cases) of a Dutch resident who has a permit or Dutch nationality. Reference person must earn at least the minimum wage.
90 days (can be longer for family reunification)
- ✓Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- ✓Reference person's residence permit or Dutch passport
- ✓Sufficient income of reference person (minimum wage)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓MVV entry visa (if required)
- ✓Passing the Dutch civic integration exam abroad (inburgeringsexamen buitenland) — required for partners from certain countries
No dedicated digital nomad visa — self-employment route
Digital NomadRemote workers can explore the self-employment route. For EU citizens, no visa is needed — register at gemeente and pay Dutch taxes if working here regularly. Non-EU remote workers for foreign clients without Dutch income technically have limited options.
3–6 months
- ✓Business plan showing economic value to the Netherlands or self-sufficiency
- ✓KvK registration
- ✓Proof of international clients or contracts
- ✓Financial self-sufficiency
Visa & Immigration
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