Work Visa in Netherlands: Requirements and Application Process

Netherlands has slowly and gradually become one of the most popular destinations among study abroad students. One of the best parts about working in the Netherlands is how the country respects individuals and promotes a work-life balance, which is essentially important these days. International students already reading from the 2100 internationally available programs, can very easily apply for the post study work visa in the Netherlands. Work visa in Netherlands is equally available for individuals willing to work and settle in the Netherlands coming from international boundaries.

Also Check: Working in the Netherlands after Graduation

Who can Apply for Work Visa in Netherlands?

International students can apply for residence permits in Netherlands. Given below are some other categories of individuals who are eligible to apply for a residence permit or a work permit to stay in Netherlands:

• Highly skilled migrant
• Work in paid employment
• Work experience as a trainee
• Students who have completed their bachelors degree or PhD in Netherlands

Work Visa in Netherlands: Application Process

1. The first step for individuals coming from international countries would be to apply for a job in Netherlands, or apply for a residence permit and then find a job.
2. In most cases, the employer in Netherlands is seen applying for a combined residence and work permit on behalf of their employees coming from other countries.
3. To start the process, the application for a work visa or residence permit has to be made by either the employer, employee or a student already residing in Netherlands.
4. The application can be made entirely online by submitting an online application form to the IND, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service. An application fee is also supposed to be submitted, which costs around 150 EUR.
5. After the application has been received, applicants receive a receipt, and the IND checks internally whether fee has been paid, and the application has been submitted appropriately.
6. Applicants are then supposed to submit the required documentation, in order to complete the work visa application process.

Work Visa in Netherlands: Requirements

Given below are the requirements in order to complete the work visa or residence permit application in Netherlands:

• Application form
• Application fee
• Sufficient means of support (2228 EUR or 3108 EUR per month for a job)
• Academic transcripts
• Birth certificate
• Passport which is valid
• Dutch proficiency certificate (if available)
• Job offer letter

Work Visa in Netherlands: Decision

The visa decision usually takes around 90 days for IND to complete. There are only two decisions that are made by the IND:

• Negative decision: applicants can get a negative decision if any of the requirements are not fulfilled by the individual or the employer. Applicants can also put an objection to this decision on a case by case basis.
• Positive decision: when all the requirements are fulfilled, IND approves the residence permit and notifies the employer, along with the Dutch Representation.

After receiving a positive decision, applicants can receive a temporary permit called the mvv from a nearby embassy of Netherland. Applicants usually get a time span of 3 months to collect the mvv, and it also takes weeks for applicants to do so. Applicants can then travel to Netherlands, after submitting all the relevant biometrics. After the collection of biometrics, the IND submits applicants the residence permit within 2 weeks to collect.

Work Visa in Netherlands: After the Application

There are some steps that are required to be carried once individuals reach Netherlands:

• Register in the Municipal Personal Records Database
• Undergo a TB test within 3 months of arrival
• Take out health insurance

After having a residence permit for 5 years, applicants can also apply for a Dutch citizenship.

Residence Permit Extension

Resident permits can be extended 3 months before the expiry dates. Given below are the steps for the same:

• Apply online through the DigiD application portal
• Submit the application form with an application fee of 174 EUR
• Submit all the requested documents
• Receive a confirmation letter from IND
• Receive the decision within 90 days

Conditions Associated with Netherlands Residence Permit

• It takes around 90 days for IND to process the residence permit decision
• The residence permit is valid for only 5 years, after which an extension is required
• Only employers registered with the TMV can accept international candidates as employees
• English proficiency and Dutch proficiency is required

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