English-friendly workplaces and a fast employer-sponsored route, the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme. This guide covers every main route to live and work in Netherlands, what each one asks of you, what it costs and how long until you can settle for good.
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can live and work in Netherlands without a visa. The routes below are for everyone else.
Do you need a visa for Netherlands?
Up to 90 days in any 180 inside the Schengen Area. Many nationalities need a Schengen visa for this; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens never do.
The main routes at a glance
| Route | Type | Valid for | Fee | Leads to residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly skilled migrant | Work | Length of contract, up to 5 years | — | Yes |
| EU Blue Card | Work | Up to 4 years | — | Yes |
| Orientation year | Job search | 1 year | — | No |
| Start-up visa | Business | 1 year | — | No |
Each route in detail
Highly skilled migrant
Employer-sponsored permit; the employer must be a recognised sponsor with the IND. No degree required, only a salary above the threshold.
- Valid for: Length of contract, up to 5 years
- What it asks for: Job offer from an employer there and salary above the yearly threshold
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
A lower salary threshold applies under age 30 and for recent graduates.
Official page for the Highly skilled migrant
EU Blue Card
For graduates with a job offer of at least 12 months above the Blue Card threshold; any employer can hire.
- Valid for: Up to 4 years
- What it asks for: University degree, job offer from an employer there and salary above the yearly threshold
- Counts toward permanent residence: yes
Official page for the EU Blue Card
Orientation year
One year to find work, for graduates of Dutch universities or top-ranked universities abroad within 3 years of graduating.
- Valid for: 1 year
- What it asks for: University degree and recent degree from an eligible university
- Counts toward permanent residence: no
Official page for the Orientation year
Start-up visa
One year to launch an innovative business with a recognised Dutch facilitator.
- Valid for: 1 year
- What it asks for: Business plan or startup backing and savings to support yourself
- Counts toward permanent residence: no
Official page for the Start-up visa
How to apply
- Pick the route. Match your purpose (work, study, remote work, business) to one route. Each route has its own conditions.
- Gather documents. Collect the documents for that route. Translations and certified copies can take weeks, so start early.
- Apply. Submit online or book an appointment at the embassy, consulate or visa centre that covers where you live.
- Give biometrics. Most long-stay visas need fingerprints and a photo taken in person.
- Wait for a decision. Processing times vary by route and embassy. Don't book non-refundable travel until you have the decision.
- Register after arrival. Many countries ask you to register your address and collect a residence card within a few weeks of arriving.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Passport valid for the whole stay, with blank pages
- Completed application form
- Recent biometric photos
- Proof of the purpose: job contract, admission letter or proof of income
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof you can support yourself
Permanent residence and citizenship
Permanent residence: 5 years. Permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence and a civic integration exam.
Citizenship: 5 years. Naturalisation after 5 years; you usually have to give up your other nationality.
Dual citizenship: allowed in some cases.
For employers: hiring someone on these routes
Highly skilled migrant
- Sponsor licence needed: yes — Only employers recognised as a sponsor by the IND can hire on this route. If you aren't one yet, you apply once; the fee is lower for small companies.
- What usually happens: For recognised sponsors the IND aims to decide in about 2 weeks.
- Employer costs: The IND application is submitted by the employer; recognition as a sponsor is a one-off cost.
- Costs the candidate may cover: flights and moving costs, document translations and certification and their own immigration adviser, if needed
EU Blue Card
- Sponsor licence needed: no
- What usually happens: Decisions usually take a few weeks. Being a recognised sponsor isn't required for this route.
- Employer costs: No recognised-sponsor status needed for the EU Blue Card.
- Costs the candidate may cover: their own visa application fee, flights and moving costs, document translations and certification and their own immigration adviser, if needed
Official sources
Checked against official sources in June 2026. Visa rules change — always confirm with the official source before you apply. This is general information, not legal advice.
See which of these routes fit your passport, experience and education on the Netherlands visa page, and browse live jobs from company career pages — filter for visa sponsorship to see employers that say they sponsor.