Article
14 min read
How to Get a Visa and Work Permit in the Netherlands (2025)
Immigration
Author
Ellie Merryweather
Last Update
July 29, 2025
Table of Contents
How easy is it to get a work visa in the Netherlands?
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in the Netherlands?
Netherlands visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Netherlands visa and work‑permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Netherlands work‑permit application process
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in the Netherlands?
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in the Netherlands?
Hire employees in the Netherlands faster with Deel Immigration
Key takeaways
- The Netherlands offers strong opportunities for businesses and professionals, with its prime location and thriving tech and finance sectors attracting top global talent.
- Strict sponsorship rules, varied visa types, and complex labor law requirements make Dutch work permits challenging, causing delays, rejections, and compliance risks.
- Deel simplifies Dutch visa processes with recognized sponsorship, automated filings, real-time tracking, and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions—helping companies hire faster and stay compliant.
With its strategic location and vibrant tech and finance sectors, the Netherlands offers huge potential for companies and professionals alike. However, securing the right visa or work permit can be challenging amid strict sponsorship rules, varied permit types, and complex labor law compliance demands.
These hurdles often cause costly delays, risk application rejections, and create uncertainty around timelines. Companies without local entities face sponsorship burdens, and international candidates struggle with required documents and meeting eligibility criteria.
That’s where Deel Immigration steps in. By simplifying sponsor registration, automating visa applications and work permit filings, and providing real-time tracking across the entire Dutch visa application process, Deel removes bottlenecks and eases compliance. With Deel, employers in the Netherlands tap into expert guidance, digital workflows, and trusted Employer of Record solutions.
The result? Faster approvals, lower legal risks, and a seamless path to bringing the right talent into the Netherlands—helping you build and scale your team confidently in 2025 and beyond.
How easy is it to get a work visa in the Netherlands?
Obtaining a work permit in the Netherlands is moderately challenging for foreign nationals. The difficulty often depends on factors such as the skills and education level of the applicant, and whether there is high local demand for the applicant's potential job title and scope.
| Factors affecting difficulty in obtaining a work permit | |
|---|---|
| Skills & education level of applicant | Generally, highly skilled foreign workers have a higher chance of obtaining a work permit. |
| Employer sponsorship requirements | Employers must be registered with the Dutch Immigration Authority in order to sponsor a work permit for foreign nationals. They may also be required to conduct labor market tests to demonstrate that the job position cannot be filled by a local employee. |
| Legalization/Apostille & translation requirements | Visa applications must meet documentation requirements, including legalization/apostille and translation into Dutch by a certified translator in the Netherlands. |
See also: Moving to the Netherlands: A Guide for Expats and Digital Nomads
Deel gives us the peace of mind of knowing that in these visa situations, the employee will get the support they need.
—Leanne Schofield,
Head of People at Form3
Are there different types of entry visas and work permits in the Netherlands?
The main types of entry visas and work permits in the Netherlands include:
- Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa (Kennismigrant): The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) Visa is for highly qualified foreign professionals who have been offered a job by a recognized sponsor in the Netherlands. This visa is popular among employers looking to attract skilled talent from outside the EU. There are minimum salary requirements, and the process is relatively fast and streamlined for both the employer and the employee
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly educated non-EU nationals who have a job offer in the Netherlands that meets specific criteria. The main requirements include holding a higher education diploma and a job offer with a salary above a certain threshold. The Blue Card allows the holder to live and work in the Netherlands and provides easier mobility within the EU for work purposes
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: The Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit is designed for employees (managers, specialists, or trainees) who are transferred within a multinational company from a branch outside the EU to a branch in the Netherlands. The employee must have been working for the company for a certain period before the transfer, and specific conditions must be met regarding the role and salary
- Dependent Visa: A Dependent Visa allows family members (such as spouses, registered partners, or children under 18) of a primary visa holder (such as someone on an HSM, EU Blue Card, or ICT Permit) to join them in the Netherlands. Dependents are usually allowed to live, study, and (in most cases) work in the Netherlands, provided the main visa holder maintains their residence status
See also: Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work: The Complete 2025 List
Deel helps me get things done quicker, easier and more cost effectively. We can offer unparalleled worker mobility and flexibility which our team values.
—Emma Leipold,
Senior Global Mobility and Total Rewards Partner at ZipCo
Deel Immigration
Netherlands visa and work permit eligibility requirements for candidates
Candidates must meet a range of eligibility requirements to obtain a Dutch work permit. Below is a comparison of the main Dutch work visa options:
| Visa Type | Target Industries | Target Candidate | Key Eligibility | Validity | Processing Time | Employer Must Cancel on Termination? | Can Start Before Visa? | Pathway to Permanent Residency? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa (Kennismigrant) | None specified | Highly skilled professionals from non-EU and non-EEA countries | Candidate: Non-EU national, age-dependent salary requirements. Minimum salary (2025): - ≥30 yrs: €6,143.04/month (€73,716.48/year) - <30 yrs: €4,504.75/month (€54,056.16/year) - Reduced criterion*: €3,228.12/month (€38,737.44/year) (For Dutch university graduates) Contract term: ≥6 months. | Up to 5 years (indefinite contract); fixed-term matches contract length (extensions possible). | 2–4 months (additional 2–8 weeks if chain authorization needed). | Yes | No | Yes |
| EU Blue Card | None specified | Highly skilled professionals from non-EU and non-EEA countries | Candidate: Non-EU national with recognized or Dutch university degree. Minimum salary (2025): - Standard: €5,688/month - Reduced criterion*: €4,551/month (For Dutch university graduates) Contract term: ≥6 months. | 4 years | 2–3 months (additional 2–8 weeks for chain authorization). | Yes | No | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit | Multi-national companies | Non-EU citizens working as managers/specialists for a non-Dutch company, transferring temporarily to a Dutch branch of the same group. | Candidate: Employed with same employer outside EU ≥3 months prior to application. Minimum salary: Must meet highly skilled migrant thresholds. Contract term: Max 3 years. | Up to 3 years, tied to contract. | Recognized sponsor: 2–4 weeks. Non-recognized: 10–12 weeks. Additional 2–8 weeks for chain authorization (if standalone client). | Yes | No | No |
| Dependent Visa | N/A | Dependents of HSM, EU Blue Card, or ICT Permit holders. Includes spouses (same or opposite sex, married or unmarried), children under 18, certain dependent adult children (case-by-case). Parents not eligible. | No minimum requirements. Proof of relationship required (extra documents for unregistered partners). | Same as main visa. | Processed together with main application. | N/A | No | Yes |
Deel’s 48-hour eligibility assessment delivers a personalized report outlining your best options, required documents, and likelihood of approval—making it easier than ever to plan your Dutch work move.
See also: Self-Verify Global Employee Visa Eligibility in Minutes
Because Deel makes the immigration process extremely straightforward, myself and the rest of the TalentQL team are able to focus on the core aspects of our operations, without expending too much time or resources. You simply upload everything to the dashboard, and Deel’s team takes it from there.
—Adewale Yusuf,
Co-founder at TalentQL and CEO of AltSchool Africa
Netherlands visa and work‑permit sponsorship criteria for employers
Dutch employers must meet stringent sponsorship criteria to support a foreign employee’s visa or work permit application. The employer in the Netherlands must be a legally registered entity, maintain a valid business registration, prove sufficient financial stability, and have a clean compliance record with Dutch labor law and tax regulations. Recognition as a sponsor with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) is essential, and only recognized sponsors may file visa applications for Highly Skilled Migrant, ICT, or EU Blue Card permits. For other permits, such as the work permit TWV, fulfilling the labor market test is also a key employer duty (Source: IND 2024).
Using an Employer of Record (EOR) enables companies to bypass the need to set up their own Dutch entity, as the EOR acts as the legal employer of record for immigration purposes. The EOR assumes all employer compliance responsibilities, from sponsorship registration and filing the work permit application to payroll, benefits, and ongoing legal compliance with Dutch and EU labor laws.
Deel Immigration, a G2-leading Employer of Record in over 150 countries, can sponsor employees for more than 200 permits in 40+ countries—including all key Dutch work permits. Deel’s team manages high caseloads with speed, submits compliant visa applications, and leverages a digital platform for real-time tracking and seamless document management. With Deel, you gain a trusted partner experienced in Dutch immigration and able to scale your workforce efficiently.
See also: Easy Visa Sponsorship for Exploring New International Markets
Deel's immigration experts guide us through critical decisions, especially in complex countries like the United States, always ensuring legal compliance in each applicable state.
—David Holguín,
Benefits and Mobility Manager at FEMSA
Netherlands work‑permit application process
Follow this five-step roadmap to navigate the Dutch work permit application process successfully.
Step one: Prepare required documents
Prepare necessary documents, including a valid passport, employment contract, and proof of qualifications. Candidates and their sponsoring employer should gather essential records—such as diplomas, salary evidence, and insurance details—while Deel’s platform offers a self-serve portal to upload required compliance documents.
Step two: Employer files application
The employer must apply as a recognized sponsor by submitting the work permit application to the IND. The IND requires the employer to submit a bundled application, often through its online portal or by post, depending on the permit type. Deel’s EOR automates the form submission and ensures government deadlines are met.
Tip: Confirm recognized sponsor status or use Deel to avoid procedural errors.
Step three: IND review and labor market test
The Immigration and Naturalization Service reviews the application and may conduct a labor market test if applicable. For permits like the work permit TWV or Seasonal Labor Permit, the IND checks if suitable local/EEA candidates are available before approving the request. Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, and ICT applications typically bypass this test. Deel’s compliance monitoring flags any market test risks in advance.
Tip: For TWV filings, prepare robust evidence showing the post can’t be filled locally.
Step four: Processing time and tracking
The IND processes most work permit applications within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on permit type and application completeness. Deel’s real-time visa tracker keeps both employer and employee updated at every stage, reducing uncertainty and enabling proactive planning.
Tip: Submit a complete file up front to minimize IND requests for additional information, which can slow processing.
Step five: Receive the decision and begin work
Receive the decision; if approved, the applicant obtains the visa and work permit to begin employment in the Netherlands. Permits are typically picked up at a Dutch embassy/consulate or local IND office, with Deel offering end-to-end support, including dependent and relocation services.
Tip: Book your IND appointment early and use Deel’s partner discounts for relocation, travel, and family support.
I was still in China and Deel took care of everything. I sent in my documents and made the payment, and everything was done.
—Michael Li,
General Manager at AMB Digital Agency
Platform Tour
What is the cost of a visa and work permit in the Netherlands?
Filing fees for visas and work permits in the Netherlands depend on the permit category, applicant nationality, and whether dependents are included. Most permits for highly skilled professionals and ICT transferees incur higher application fees, while seasonal and regular labor permits are at the lower end. These fees are set annually by the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
| Visa Type | Government Fees | Documentation Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa (Kennismigrant) | - Residence/Work Permit: EUR 405- Expat Center Amsterdam Registration (excl. 21% VAT): EUR 312- Visa fee (if applicable): Varies by consulate | - USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process |
| EU Blue Card | - Residence/Work Permit: EUR 243 (if holder of long-term EU resident status in another EU state) or EUR 405 (all other applicants)- Expat Center Amsterdam Registration (excl. 21% VAT): EUR 312- Visa fee (if applicable): Varies by consulate | - USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit) | - ICT Permit: EUR 405- Expat Center Amsterdam Registration (excl. 21% VAT): EUR 312- Visa fee (if applicable): Varies by consulate | - USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process |
| HSM Visa Dependent | Dependent Permit: €243 per spouse; €81 per minor child Expat Center: €157/adult, €74/minor child | USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process |
| EU Blue Card Dependent | Dependent Permit: €243 per spouse; €81 per minor child Expat Center: €157/adult, €74/minor child | USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process |
| ICT Permit Dependent | Dependent Permit: €243 per spouse; €81 per minor child Expat Center: €157/adult, €74/minor child | USD 250 + expenses + government fees per process |
Deel provides transparent, flat pricing on all Netherlands immigration and sponsorship services, with no hidden fees. Clients receive a detailed, upfront breakdown—so budgeting for talent mobility in the Netherlands is easy and predictable.
Is Deel Immigration the best choice for hiring in the Netherlands?
Deel Immigration stands out as the premier partner for navigating the Netherlands’ complex immigration landscape, ensuring your hires meet all Dutch sponsor requirements smoothly and compliantly. With deep expertise in Dutch work permits and a tech-driven platform, Deel simplifies every step of the visa and work permit application process:
- End-to-end immigration management from application to renewal
- Fast, free visa assessments tailored to Dutch permit categories
- Personalized expert support guiding employers and candidates
- Accelerated processing through recognized sponsor status and Employer of Record model
- Self-serve document uploads and real-time application tracking
Partnering with Deel means faster approvals, fewer compliance risks, and complete transparency—helping you build your Dutch team with confidence. Let’s continue exploring how Deel can expedite your hiring in the Netherlands.
We leave everything in Deel's hands ... but it is good to have transparency and a lot of visibility as to how the case is developing.
—Valeria Rosati,
HR Operations Lead at Taktile
See also: Deel's Work Visa Webinar Series: Canada Work Visa
Hire employees in the Netherlands faster with Deel Immigration
Hiring in the Netherlands demands precision and compliance with local labor law, and Deel Immigration is your trusted ally to speed up the process. Benefit from Deel’s end-to-end immigration management: from preparing accurate visa applications to submitting them as a recognized sponsor with the IND, Deel handles every detail to avoid costly delays. Our platform also offers automated renewal reminders to keep your workforce compliant without extra effort.
Book your free consultation today to receive a fast, no-obligation visa assessment and learn how Deel’s personalized expert support can guide your team through Dutch immigration complexities with ease. Whether you’re hiring a Highly Skilled Migrant or managing ICT transfers, Deel’s accelerated processing and seamless document management ensure your new hires start on time.
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FAQs
What are the typical government filing fees for Dutch work permits?
Government filing fees for Dutch work permits typically range from €243 for Orientation Year permits to €405 for most Highly Skilled Migrant, ICT, EU Blue Card, and self-employed permits, with dependents paying €243 (adults) or €81 (minors).
Can dependents apply for visas alongside the main applicant?
Yes, dependents can apply for family reunification visas and may be eligible for work permits or residence rights, with Deel providing full support for dependent visa applications.
Is a digital nomad visa available in the Netherlands?
No, the Netherlands does not currently offer a specific digital nomad visa; foreign employees must obtain traditional Netherlands work visas such as the Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card. The self-employed residence permit (MVV) is functionally equivalent.
What are the key differences between work visas and digital nomad visas?
Since the Netherlands lacks a digital-nomad visa, all foreign workers require employer-sponsored permits, which involve employer recognition and compliance with Dutch labor law.
Are there restrictions or conditions on Dutch work permits?
Yes, permits are tied to recognized sponsors, minimum salary thresholds, and job roles. Some permits require passing a labor market test, except for Highly Skilled Migrants and EU Blue Card holders.
Can visa holders change employers while on a Dutch work permit?
Changing employers requires a new permit application filed by the new recognized sponsor, which Deel can facilitate efficiently.
What happens if a visa application is denied?
Applicants can appeal or reapply, often with Deel’s expert guidance to strengthen subsequent submissions and avoid common pitfalls.
What are the tax and social security implications of Dutch work permits?
Work permit holders are generally subject to Dutch tax and social security laws; Deel offers compliance monitoring and advisory services to keep you informed.
Are there travel restrictions while holding a Dutch work permit?
Permit holders may travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days short stay visa periods, but must maintain residence and employment conditions in the Netherlands to retain permit validity.
What pathways exist to permanent residency in the Netherlands?
Continuous legal residence, typically five years, combined with integration requirements, can lead to permanent residency; Deel provides guidance on eligibility and application.
What immigration compliance and legal responsibilities do employers have?
Employers must be registered sponsors, maintain valid registrations, comply with labor law, and ensure timely permit renewals—tasks Deel automates and manages proactively.
Are language proficiency requirements mandatory?
While not always mandatory for work permits, Dutch language skills may be required for permanent residency or integration; Deel can advise on requirements.
Is health insurance required for visa applicants?
Yes, proof of valid health insurance coverage throughout the stay is mandatory for work permit issuance.
How does Deel support Dutch immigration processes?
Deel offers a digital platform for document upload and tracking, expert consultation, recognized sponsor filing, compliance monitoring, renewal alerts, and relocation assistance, making Dutch hiring hassle-free.
Ellie Merryweather is a content marketing manager with a decade of experience in tech, leadership, startups, and the creative industries. A long-time remote worker, she's passionate about WFH productivity hacks and fostering company culture across globally distributed teams. She also writes and speaks on the ethical implementation of AI, advocating for transparency, fairness, and human oversight in emerging technologies to ensure innovation benefits both businesses and society.
