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4 ways to enter

Netherlands visas

Netherlands work visa

European Union single market citizens can work in the Netherlands without a visa. Visa-free visitors are also listed as able to work during their short stay, but detailed Dutch work conditions are not given.

Ways to get a Netherlands work visa

  2. Work during a visa-free short stay

    No visa needed

    Ordinary passport holders from the short-stay visa-waiver list, including Kosovo.

    Stay
    Within the visa-free limit of 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  3. Long-stay visa or residence permit for work

    Other permit

    Workers from outside the European Union single market who need longer-stay permission.

    Stay
    Generally a long-stay visa for stays of more than 90 days but less than a year, or a residence permit for longer periods.

  4. Van Der Elst temporary work rule

    Other permit

    People from outside the European Union single market who are employed within it and temporarily work in another member country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

    Stay
    Temporary work; no specific length is given.

Who needs it

Travellers without a qualifying exemption may need work-related permission. Stays of more than 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for people from outside the European Union single market.

Who doesn't

European Union single market citizens do not need a visa to work. All short-stay visa-waiver nationalities are listed as permitted to work during a visa-free stay in the Netherlands.

Good to know

  • Permission to enter without a visa does not explain every employment or work-permit condition.
  • The Van Der Elst rule applies only under certain conditions and involves temporary work for the same employer.
  • Detailed Dutch work visa classes, fees and application requirements are not specified.
  • A working holiday is a separate option for eligible young travellers.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for the Netherlands?

Travellers without a qualifying exemption may need work-related permission. Stays of more than 90 days generally require a long-stay visa or residence permit for people from outside the European Union single market. European Union single market citizens do not need a visa to work. All short-stay visa-waiver nationalities are listed as permitted to work during a visa-free stay in the Netherlands.

What are the ways to get a work visa for the Netherlands?

There are 4 options: Work through freedom of movement (no visa at all); Work during a visa-free short stay (no visa at all); Long-stay visa or residence permit for work (a special permit); Van Der Elst temporary work rule (a special permit).

Who can go to the Netherlands without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Ordinary passport holders from the short-stay visa-waiver list, including Kosovo.

What rules do I have to follow on a the Netherlands work visa?

Permission to enter without a visa does not explain every employment or work-permit condition. The Van Der Elst rule applies only under certain conditions and involves temporary work for the same employer.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for the Netherlands?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Netherlands visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for the Netherlands be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest the Netherlands work visa rules?

On the Netherlands's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in the Netherlands?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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