Residence permits in the Netherlands – complete overview and quick application
Whether you are a highly skilled migrant, start-up founder, researcher, or partner, here you will find at a glance the right residence permit, the conditions, and what the next step is.
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Choose your destination
Select the situation that applies to you and proceed directly to the appropriate residence permit.
Work and knowledge
Applying for a residence permit for highly skilled migrants
Have you received a job offer from a Dutch employer? This is often the fastest route to living and working here; we will check whether everything is in order and what you need.
European Blue Card residence permit
Do you have a university degree and a contract in the Netherlands? With this card, you can work here and later transfer to another EU Member State more easily.
Residence permit for intra-corporate transferees (ICT)
Are you being temporarily transferred to the Netherlands by your international employer? This route is for managers, specialists and trainees within the same company.
Residence permit for researchers (Directive 2016/801)
Are you going to conduct research or pursue a doctorate at a Dutch university or research institution? This permit is suitable for that purpose; we will coordinate the application with your institution.
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs
Would you like to start an innovative business in the Netherlands? With this permit, you will have one year to develop your idea; we will help you with your plan, provide guidance and assist with the application.
Residence permit for essential personnel at start-up
Do you work in the core team of a young, innovative start-up in the Netherlands? With this permit, you can come and work here; we will arrange the application together with the company.
Study, career start and family
Residence permit for highly skilled workers during their search year
Just graduated or obtained your PhD? With the search year, you can stay in the Netherlands for 12 months to find work and apply for a work permit.
Residence permit for partner (family reunification/formation)
Would you like to live in the Netherlands with your partner? We will guide you through the application process and tell you exactly which documents you need.
How we arrange your residence permit in 4 steps
1) Route check & strategy — we assess your goal (work, family, start-up) and choose the fastest, most feasible route.
2) Documents & conditions — clear checklist, income requirements, diplomas, antecedents and MVV/TEV where necessary.
3) IND application & guidance — we submit the complete application, maintain contact with the employer/institution and monitor deadlines.
4) Decision & next step — after approval, we help with BRP registration, BSN, partner/accompanying family members and follow-up steps (extension or transfer).
Result: you know exactly what is needed and when, and you avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
Why customers choose Joinwise
“Within one conversation, I knew exactly which documents I needed. No stress, everything was clear.”
“Joinwise gave me the confidence that my application would be approved on the first try. And they were right.”
“Fast, clear and friendly. They knew exactly how to handle my situation.”
Frequently asked questions about applying for residence permits in the Netherlands
Do I need an MVV or can I use the TEV procedure/without an MVV?
That depends on your nationality and purpose of stay. Often, you apply for an MVV + residence permit at the same time via TEV; some nationalities are exempt. We will check your situation and immediately map out the correct route for you.
What is the difference between a highly skilled migrant and an EU Blue Card — which route is more advantageous for me?
Highly skilled migrant is usually the fastest option (recognised sponsor required). The EU Blue Card requires, among other things, a relevant higher education degree and offers additional EU mobility. We will calculate both options and advise you on which one suits your profile and job.
For more detailed information, see the links below:
Highly skilled migrant residence permit
European Blue Card residence permit
Does my employer have to be an approved sponsor – and what if they are not (yet)?
Recognition is mandatory for routes such as highly skilled migrant/researcher; it is not required for the EU Blue Card. If your employer has not yet been recognised, we will assist with the recognition process or choose a suitable alternative route.
What are the current salary criteria (highly skilled migrant/European Blue Card/ICT) and do bonuses or holiday pay count towards this?
The thresholds vary depending on the permit and age/position. As a rule, only the fixed, structural salary counts; variable bonuses usually do not. We assess your contract/offer against the current requirements.
What is the difference between the highly skilled migrant permit, the EU Blue Card and the search year for highly skilled migrants?
Highly skilled migrant: for international employees who have an employment contract with a recognised employer in the Netherlands.
EU Blue Card: European residence permit with higher salary and education requirements, but also broader mobility within the EU.
Search year for highly educated people: 1-year residence permit to look for work in the Netherlands after graduating or obtaining a doctorate.
Joinwise advises you on the route that best suits your situation.
How long does the IND procedure take and how much does it cost? Can I work or travel in the meantime?
Decision periods and fees vary per category; roughly speaking, you can expect a maximum of 90 days for most regular applications. Travel/return is sometimes possible with a return visa; your (temporary) right to work is based on the note on your document or sticker. We assess this on a case-by-case basis.
What do I need to arrange when changing employer or job?
There is an obligation to provide information/report: changes (such as leaving or starting employment) must generally be reported to the IND within four weeks. If you lose your job as a highly skilled migrant, you usually have a maximum of three months to find a new job. We will prepare the correct notifications and/or new application for you.
When will I be eligible for permanent residence or naturalisation?
Many applicants can move on after five years of continuous legal residence, provided that they have fulfilled integration requirements, among other things; there are exceptions to the five-year rule. We draw up a roadmap with timing, supporting documents and the best sequence (e.g. EU long-term resident vs. regular indefinite period).
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