Netherlands Work Visa for Indians: Types, Requirements, and Process
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Confused about the Netherlands work visa for Indians for your next career move? We've simplified the types, eligibility, requirements, application steps, and more for you. Scroll through to get started.
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Table of Contents
- Types of Work Visas in the Netherlands for Indians
- Documents Required for Netherlands Work Visa Application
- Step-by-Step Application Process for Netherlands Work Permit Visa
- Processing Times and Visa Fees for Netherlands Work Permit Visa
- Ready to Move for Work to the Netherlands? Let GetGIS Help You
The Netherlands has evolved from being more than a historical landmark into a powerhouse for international talent. With India now being the second-largest source of professionals for the Dutch economy, cities in the Netherlands like Amsterdam and Eindhoven are better career destinations. If you have been planning to work in the country, 2026 may be the best time, given the new updates, including higher salary benchmarks and a new digital-first application system for securing a work visa.
So, without further ado, start reading to learn everything you need to know about the Netherlands work visa for Indians, including its types, requirements and process.
Types of Work Visas in the Netherlands for Indians
Netherlands work visas offer options for Indians based on their skills, employment type, and duration. Here are the types of work visas in the Netherlands:
|
Visa Type |
Validity |
Key Requirements |
|
Highly Skilled Migrant |
Up to 5 Years |
Requires an IND-recognised sponsor No labor market test needed. Common for Indian IT expats. |
|
EU Blue Card |
Up to 4 Years |
Higher education degree of more than 3 years is required. Offers better mobility within the EU after 12 months. |
|
Intra-Corporate Transfer |
Up to 3 Years |
For transfers from an Indian branch to a Dutch branch. Does not lead to permanent residency. |
|
Orientation Year |
1 Year |
Open work permit. For graduates of Dutch unis or top Indian unis (like IITs/IIMs) within the last 3 years. |
|
Entrepreneur / Self-Employed |
2 Years |
Requires a solid business plan and "added value" to the Dutch economy. |
|
Regular Work Permit |
1 Year |
Employers must prove they could not find a candidate within the EU (Labour Market Test). |
|
Seasonal Work |
More than 6 Months |
Valid for one season only; non-renewable. |
If you are currently planning your academic journey first, ensure you understand the Netherlands student visa requirements before exploring the post-study work options below.
Documents Required for Netherlands Work Visa Application
To get a Netherlands work visa, you need:
- Employment contract/job offer must meet salary thresholds.
- Proof of qualifications (diplomas, CV, experience certificates).
- Criminal record certificate.
- Health insurance (EUR 30,000+ coverage).
- Proof of funds (bank statements).
- Passport photos and completed forms (GVVA/MVV)
- Employer sponsorship declaration
Step-by-Step Application Process for Netherlands Work Permit Visa
The Netherlands work visa application for Indians follows a structured process led by the employer sponsorship through IND, taking 2-7 weeks before MVV collection at VFS Global. Here is the step-by-step application process for a Netherlands work permit:
Step 1: Secure a Job with Sponsorship
You must have signed an employment agreement associated with a Dutch company. For a Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa, your employer must be on the IND Public Register of Recognised Sponsors.
Step 2: The Employer Begins Your Work Permit Application
Your employer applies for your work permit or a combined permit, with the IND, proving they couldn’t find the right candidate from the Netherlands
Step 3: MVV Collection in India
Once the IND approves your application, don’t forget to collect your MVV (Provisional Residence Permit) sticker in India. Further, book an appointment at VFS Global with all the supporting documents.
You will have to provide your fingerprints and a digital photo. Your passport will be held for a few days to affix the MVV sticker.
Step 4: Legalization of Documents
Before leaving India, ensure your vital documents are recognized by Dutch authorities:
These must be Apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India, and if not in English, Dutch, French, or German, documents must be translated by a translator.
Step 5: Travel & Final Registration Post-Arrival in the Netherlands
If approved, you get your MVV and the residence permit. Fly to the Netherlands. Register with your local municipality to get your BSN (Citizen Service Number) for taxes and healthcare.
Processing Times and Visa Fees for Netherlands Work Permit Visa
Netherlands work visa process times and fees vary according to the visa type. Most of the GVVA permits target 2-7 weeks through IND and EUR 243 - EUR 405 fees for Indians. For more details, refer to the table below:
|
Visa Category |
Processing Time |
Official Fees |
|
Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) |
2 - 4 Weeks |
405 |
|
EU Blue Card |
8 -12 Weeks (Target) |
405 |
|
Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) |
2 - 4 Weeks (with Sponsor) |
405 |
|
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) |
3 - 4 Weeks |
243 |
|
Regular Permit (GVVA) |
7 - 8 Weeks (Target: 90 days max) |
405 |
|
Entrepreneur / Startup Visa |
~12 Weeks (3 Months) |
405 |
|
Seasonal Work Permit |
3 - 5 Weeks |
243 |
|
Short-Stay Schengen |
15 - 45 Days |
90 |
For those travelling on shorter business trips or family visits before their work tenure understand the Netherlands tourist visa requirements to ensure no gaps in legal stay.
Ready to Move for Work to the Netherlands? Let GetGIS Help You
India ranks second in talent for Dutch jobs, yet visa success hinges on sponsorship and preparation. Explore Netherlands opportunities confidently. Need expert guidance on your Netherlands work visa? Let GetGIS handle your immigration journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is it hard to get a work permit in the Netherlands?
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