Moving to the Netherlands can be an exciting opportunity, whether you are relocating for a new job, joining your partner, pursuing higher education, or building a business in Europe. But before planning your move, it is important to understand which immigration route applies to your circumstances. One of the first questions many people ask is whether they need a visa or residence permit. Others want to know whether they can move with their family, continue working for an overseas employer, or establish themselves as self-employed professionals. The answers depend on several factors, including your nationality, employment situation, family circumstances, and long-term plans. This guide explains the main immigration routes to the Netherlands, what to consider before applying, and how to approach your relocation in a structured way.
Your nationality is one of the most important factors in determining your immigration options. Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland generally have the right to live and work in the Netherlands without a regular Dutch residence permit. Citizens of other countries usually need to obtain the appropriate residence status for a long-term stay. The requirements differ depending on whether you are moving for employment, education, self-employment or family reasons. If you are relocating with a partner or children, it is important to consider the immigration status of each family member. Different nationalities within one household can affect which procedures apply. Before making major decisions, check the official requirements published by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
One of the main routes for international professionals is the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) residence permit. This route allows eligible professionals to live and work in the Netherlands when they are employed by a Dutch employer that is recognised by the IND as a sponsor. The main requirements include:
The salary threshold depends on factors such as age and the specific category under which the application is submitted. The amounts change periodically, so it is important to check the current requirements before applying. Not every job offer qualifies for this route. Even if you have found a position in a high-demand profession, you should confirm that both the employer and the proposed employment meet the relevant conditions. You can find the official requirements on the IND Highly Skilled Migrant page.
You do not always need to find a traditional Dutch employer to explore relocation options. In certain circumstances, an Employer of Record (EOR) can employ you locally in the Netherlands while you continue working for the business that originally hired you, including a company based abroad. An EOR manages the formal employment relationship in the Netherlands. Depending on its structure and the applicable immigration route, an EOR may also be able to act as a recognised sponsor and support an application for the appropriate residence and work authorisation. This can be worth exploring if you want to relocate to the Netherlands while continuing to work for an employer based in another country.I work in partnership with ThisWorks, a company that helps professionals explore employment and immigration solutions in the Netherlands. Through this collaboration, you can assess whether an EOR arrangement may be suitable for your situation, including when your original employer is based outside the Netherlands. Eligibility depends on the applicable immigration route, the employment arrangement and the relevant conditions. An EOR arrangement does not automatically guarantee a residence permit or work authorisation.
Eligible employees recruited from abroad may also qualify for the Dutch 30% ruling, a tax facility designed to compensate qualifying employees for certain additional costs associated with working in the Netherlands.ThisWorks can also assist with submitting an application for the 30% ruling for employees who meet the eligibility requirements. The benefit is not automatic, and approval depends on the applicable tax rules and the individual's circumstances. As part of my partnership with ThisWorks, clients who contact the company through me are eligible for a discount on its services.
If you are considering a move but want to keep your current overseas employer, this may be an option worth investigating before ruling out the Netherlands.
If you plan to establish a business or work as a self-employed professional in the Netherlands, you may be eligible to apply for a residence permit for self-employed persons. This route has specific requirements. Depending on your circumstances, the authorities may assess the economic value of your activities, your business plan, your expected income and your registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Applicants must also meet the other requirements relevant to their profession and proposed business activities. It is important to distinguish between establishing a business in the Netherlands and simply working remotely for clients or an employer in another country. Being able to work online does not, by itself, give you the right to live in the Netherlands. Some entrepreneurs may qualify for special arrangements. For example, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) provides a specific route for eligible US citizens. It is not a general self-employment route available to every nationality. Read more on the IND residence permit for self-employed persons page.
The Netherlands is an attractive destination for international students, with universities and higher education institutions offering programmes in a wide range of subjects.If you intend to study in the Netherlands, you will generally need to be admitted to an eligible educational institution that is recognised by the IND as a sponsor. You must also meet the applicable study, financial and other residence requirements. In many cases, the educational institution submits the residence permit application on behalf of the student.
Some graduates and researchers may qualify for a residence permit known as the Orientation Year, or Zoekjaar. This permit allows eligible individuals to stay in the Netherlands for up to one year to look for work or explore professional opportunities. Eligibility is limited to specified categories of graduates and researchers. It may include graduates of Dutch higher education institutions and certain graduates of designated foreign institutions, subject to the applicable conditions. Not every international graduate qualifies, so check the requirements before relying on this route as part of your relocation plan. Further details are available on the IND Orientation Year page.
Family circumstances can open additional immigration possibilities. If your spouse or partner is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, you may be eligible to apply for residence rights as a family member under EU law, depending on your relationship and the circumstances. One relevant procedure is known as Verification against EU law. It can apply to certain family members who are not themselves EU citizens. However, having an EU passport in the family does not automatically guarantee residence rights for everyone. The rules depend on the family relationship, the status of the EU citizen and the applicable legal framework. Different rules may apply when the EU citizen is Dutch, particularly depending on whether EU free-movement rules are relevant to the circumstances. It is therefore advisable to assess the situation of each family member before making relocation arrangements.
An MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is a provisional entry visa for people who intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days and are required to obtain one.It is not an immigration route in itself. Rather, it is part of the entry and residence procedure for certain applicants. Whether you need an MVV depends primarily on your nationality and circumstances. Some nationalities and categories of applicants are exempt.In cases where an MVV is required, the MVV and residence permit applications are often submitted together. Before booking travel or making commitments based on a planned arrival date, check which documents and approvals you need. The official IND website provides information about the MVV and relevant exemptions.
Choosing an immigration route is only one part of a successful relocation. It is also important to understand how your move will affect your employment, finances and family life.Start by considering the following questions:
Once you have identified a potentially suitable immigration route, you can begin reviewing the required documents and application process. You should also plan for the practical aspects of life in the Netherlands, including:
Planning these elements alongside your immigration application can help you make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary uncertainty.
Yes. There are several immigration routes for people who do not hold EU citizenship, including employment, study, self-employment and family-based routes. The appropriate option depends on your circumstances and eligibility.
Not necessarily. Some immigration routes require an eligible Dutch employer and an employment contract, while others have different requirements. In certain circumstances, an EOR arrangement may be worth exploring if you want to continue working for an overseas employer.
It may be possible, depending on the family's circumstances, the relationship to the EU citizen and the applicable residence rules. The immigration status of each family member should be assessed individually.
Remote work alone does not grant the right to reside in the Netherlands. You must have an appropriate legal basis for your stay. Depending on the circumstances, an EOR arrangement may be one option to investigate.
The 30% ruling is a tax facility that may allow eligible employees recruited from abroad to receive part of their remuneration tax-free, subject to the applicable rules and limits. Eligibility is not automatic. The employer must apply to the Dutch Tax Administration, and the employee must meet the relevant conditions. A specialist provider such as ThisWorks can assist with the application process.
Some graduates and researchers qualify for the Orientation Year residence permit, which allows eligible applicants to stay for up to one year to seek employment or explore professional opportunities. Eligibility depends on the programme, institution and other conditions.
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is the primary official source for residence permits, recognised sponsors and immigration procedures. You can find information at ind.nl.
Relocating to the Netherlands involves more than obtaining a visa or residence permit. Finding accommodation, choosing the right area, navigating local bureaucracy and arranging schooling for children can all affect how smoothly the transition goes. At MovingNL, I support individuals and families planning their move to the Netherlands. Depending on your needs, support can include relocation planning, guidance on immigration procedures and bureaucracy, property searches, neighbourhood selection, school-related guidance and practical arrangements for settling into your new home. Where appropriate, I can also connect clients with specialist providers through established partnerships, including ThisWorks for employment and immigration solutions. The aim is to help you understand the options available to you, identify the steps that need to be taken and plan your move with a clearer understanding of what to expect.
Planning a move to the Netherlands and unsure where to start? You can get in touch with MovingNL to discuss your plans and explore the next steps for your situation.MovingNL - Relocation guidance for your move to the Netherlands.MovingNL