Visa Types
The Netherlands Work Visa Essentials
Find out what documents you need to work in The Netherlands.
Key Points for The Netherlands Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to The Netherlands?
To visit The Netherlands, Indians will need a Schengen visa.
The Netherlands visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application form can be filled out online, but the submission of documents is done in person at the visa application center or Dutch embassy/consulate in India.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain the Netherlands visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a The Netherlands visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a Work visa?
On a work visa, you can stay for up to 3 years and Varies based on the job offer and duration of employment
What kind of visa will we acquire from the Netherlands?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 01-11-2024)
|
Visa |
EUR |
|
Schengen visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Schengen visa child (6 - 11) |
45,00 |
|
Schengen visa normal fee |
90,00 |
|
Schengen visa, low fee** |
35,00 |
|
Airport transit visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Airport transit visa child (6 - 11) |
45,00 |
|
Airport transit visa |
90,00 |
|
Caribbean visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Caribbean visa child (6 - 11) |
40,00 |
|
Caribbean visa |
80,00 |
|
MVV (Authorisation for temporary stay), different fees, depending on purpose of stay |
-- |
|
Entry visa child (under 6) |
Free of charge |
|
Entry visa child (6-11) |
45,00 |
|
Entry visa |
90,00 |
To obtain more information, click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to the Netherlands as a Schengen State, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or family visit, to choose the appropriate visa type.
- Consult the official website of the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country for detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures for Schengen visas to the Netherlands.
- Ensure you meet the specific documentation, financial, and eligibility criteria for the chosen visa category to increase the chances of a successful visa application for the Netherlands as a Schengen State.
Get started with your visa application
To start the visa application process, the first step is to complete the online application form, which should be printed and signed. In the application form, you should also provide your full name, as well as the surnames of your father and spouse (if applicable).
It is important to ensure that all required documents are provided as per the checklist. Failure to provide all necessary documents may result in a delay or rejection of your visa application. To ensure that you have all required documents, download the relevant checklist for your visa category and review the "documents required" tab.
Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment
To apply for a visa to the Netherlands, you need to schedule an appointment with the VFS Visa Application Centre. It's important to note that all applicants, including babies and children, need to submit their application in person, unless there are exceptions, which can be confirmed by contacting the Visa Application Centre.
Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email that includes a confirmation letter. If you are applying as a group or a family, please let them know, but keep in mind that each member of the group needs to book an individual appointment.
Attend your scheduled appointment
During your appointment at the Visa Application Centre, you will need to submit your completed application form along with all the required documents as per the checklist. You will also need to pay the VFS service fee and the visa fee (if applicable) at this time.
It is important to note that all applicants must appear in person for their appointment, including babies and children. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, so it is best to contact the Visa Application Centre for more information.
During the appointment, your biometric information, which includes your fingerprints and a digital photograph, will be collected. This information will be used for identity verification and to create your visa.
Stay informed about the progress of your application
Once you have submitted your visa application and provided all the required documents and biometrics, you will receive an email notification when a decision has been made on your application. If you prefer, you can also opt for SMS updates for an additional fee if you do not have easy or regular access to email.
Additionally, you can track the status of your visa application online using the reference number on the invoice or receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your last name. This service allows you to see the progress of your application and estimate when a decision will be made.
Receive your passport from the Visa Application Centre
Once your visa application is processed, you can either collect your passport from the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you for an extra fee.
When collecting it yourself, bring a valid ID and the receipt from the Centre. If someone else is collecting it, they will need a letter of authorization from you, a copy of your ID, their own valid ID, and the Centre's receipt.
If your visa is approved, you can travel to the Netherlands, but you must meet certain requirements. If your application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the decision.
If you disagree with the decision, you can object in writing within four weeks, and if successful, you can apply for a "visa after appeal."
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
To apply for a work visa to the Netherlands from India after receiving a job confirmation, the required documents and forms may vary depending on your chosen pathway. Here are the general documents and forms you may need for different pathways:
1. Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Program:
- Employment contract or job offer from a recognized sponsor in the Netherlands.
- Valid MVV (Machtiging to Voorlopig Verblijf) or provisional residence permit.
- IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Netherlands.
2. Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit:
- Employment contract or assignment letter from an affiliated company in the Netherlands.
- Valid MVV or provisional residence permit.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Netherlands.
3. European Blue Card:
- Employment contract or job offer from a recognized sponsor in the Netherlands.
- Valid MVV or provisional residence permit.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Netherlands.
4. Orientation Year for Graduates:
- Proof of completion of a higher education program from a recognized institution in the Netherlands.
- Valid MVV or provisional residence permit.
- IND application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Passport with a validity of at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Netherlands.
5. Other Work Visa Pathways: The specific requirements for other work visa pathways, such as work visas for self-employed individuals, scientific researchers, or seasonal workers, may vary. It is recommended to consult the official website of the Dutch embassy or consulate in India or the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) for detailed information and application forms specific to your chosen pathway.
Additionally, as required by the Dutch authorities, you may need to provide supporting documents such as educational certificates, proof of work experience, financial statements, health insurance, and accommodation details.
It is important to note that the immigration rules and requirements may change, and it is advisable to check the official websites or consult with the Dutch embassy or consulate in India for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the documents and forms required for a work visa application to the Netherlands
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To apply for a work visa (also known as a residence permit for employment) to the Netherlands from India, you will generally need to complete the following forms:
MVV Application Form (Visa Application Form)-
You can apply for a residence permit and an MVV in 2 ways:
- through a host in the Netherlands (such as an employer, family member or educational institution)
- in person at a Netherlands embassy or consulate-general
Residence Permit Application Form:
Once you arrive in the Netherlands with your MVV visa, you will need to apply for a residence permit. The specific form for the residence permit application will be provided by the Dutch immigration authorities or your employer.
The MVV visa and residence permit application forms can be obtained from the official website of the Dutch immigration authorities or may be provided by your employer or an immigration lawyer assisting with your application.
It’s important to note that the work visa application process for the Netherlands may differ depending on factors such as the type of employment, duration of stay, and specific requirements. It is crucial to consult the official website of the Dutch immigration authorities or seek advice from your employer or immigration professional to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date application forms and instructions.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Once you have received a job confirmation in the Netherlands and have all the necessary documents ready, here are the steps to apply for a work visa (residence permit) to the Netherlands from India:
1. Research the Specific Work Visa Requirements:
- Understand the specific requirements for the work visa category you are applying for. This may depend on factors such as your job category, qualifications, and the duration of your stay.
2. Gather Required Documents:
- Collect all the necessary documents for your work visa application. These may include:
- Valid passport with at least three months of validity beyond your intended stay.
- Completed visa application form.
- Employment contract or job offer letter from the Dutch employer.
- Educational qualifications and professional certificates.
- Proof of relevant work experience.
- Proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Any additional documents specific to your work visa category.
3. Submit Your Application Online:
- Visit the official website of the Netherlands immigration authorities (IND) and create an account to submit your visa application online. Fill in the required information and upload the necessary documents.
4. Pay the Application Fee:
- Pay the required visa application fee online as instructed during the application process. The fee amount may vary based on the type of work visa and other factors.
5. Schedule an Appointment at the VFS Global Office:
- Once your online application is submitted, schedule an appointment at the VFS Global Office in India for biometric data submission and document verification. VFS Global is the authorized service provider for visa applications.
6. Attend the Appointment:
- On the scheduled date, visit the VFS Global Office with your appointment confirmation, original documents, and photocopies as instructed. Provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
7. Track Your Application:
- After attending the appointment, you will receive a receipt with a tracking number. Use this number to track the status of your application online through the VFS Global website.
8. Wait for Processing:
- The processing time for a work visa can vary, but it typically takes several weeks. The IND will review your application and documents during this time.
9. Collect Your Visa:
- Once your work visa is approved, you will be notified by VFS Global. Visit the VFS Global Office to collect your passport with the visa affixed.
10. Travel to the Netherlands:
- Make necessary arrangements for your travel to the Netherlands, such as booking flights and arranging accommodation.
11. Register with the Local Authorities:
- Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register with the local municipality (gemeente) and complete the necessary procedures to obtain your residence permit.
Please note that the above steps provide a general guide, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary based on your job category, the Dutch immigration authorities’ regulations, and individual circumstances. It is advisable to visit the official websites of the Netherlands immigration authorities (IND) and VFS Global or consult with your employer or immigration professional for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the work visa application process.
There are several pathways to obtain a work visa (residence permit) for the Netherlands for Indians. Here are the main pathways:
This program is designed for highly skilled professionals with a job offer from a recognized Dutch employer. The employer serves as a sponsor and facilitates the work visa application process.
This pathway allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to a branch or subsidiary in the Netherlands. The applicant should have been employed with the company for a specified duration and meet certain criteria.
The European Blue Card is available to highly skilled workers with a job offer in a shortage occupation. It requires a valid employment contract and certain salary requirements.
This pathway is for entrepreneurs who plan to start an innovative business in the Netherlands. The start-up must be endorsed by a recognized facilitator and meet specific criteria.
Graduates from Dutch educational institutions or certain international institutions can apply for a residence permit for the Orientation Year. This allows them to search for employment or start a business in the Netherlands.
The Working Holiday Program enables young people (18-30 years) from certain countries, including India, to live and work in the Netherlands for a limited period. The program promotes cultural exchange and holiday experiences.
The DAFT allows self-employed individuals from the United States, including Indians living in the U.S., to start a business in the Netherlands without the need for a job offer.
It’s important to note that each pathway has specific eligibility criteria, requirements, and procedures. The Dutch immigration authorities (IND) and the official websites of the Netherlands embassy or consulate in India provide detailed information on each pathway. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with your prospective employer, an immigration lawyer, or an immigration professional to determine the most suitable pathway and navigate the application process successfully.