The complete guide to visas, residence permits, and administrative procedures for EU and non-EU nationals looking to settle in the Netherlands.
5
Visas covered
2–8 wks
Average timeline
Jun. 2026
Updated
Free · Results in 3 minutes
Overview
Netherlands — IND, kennismigrant, 30% ruling.
The Netherlands applies free movement for EU/EEA citizens. Non-EU nationals must obtain an MVV (entry visa) and then a residence permit from the IND.
EU / EEA
Free movement
254€+
Non-EU IND fees
IND
Competent authority
The Netherlands is a member of the Schengen Area. The IND handles all permit applications. The Netherlands is particularly attractive for qualified profiles thanks to the 30% ruling — a tax exemption for 5 years.
Which visa for your situation in the Netherlands?
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Available visas and permits
The main visas we support.
Click a permit to see the requirements, required documents, timelines, and practical tips. Each of these visas comes with full guidance in your nomadpass space.
KEN
Kennismigrant — Highly skilled migrant
Highly qualified profiles · non-EU
Non-EUAccessible
›
Timeline
2 to 4 weeks
Cost
~€405 (paid by the employer)
Duration
3 years, renewable
Min. salary
€5,942 gross / month (2026) · under 30: €4,357
Fast-track procedure — no TWV (work permit) required. Eligible for the 30% ruling (5-year tax exemption). The preferred route for international profiles.
ETU
Student visa (MVV + VVR)
Higher education · non-EU
Non-EUAccessible
›
Timeline
3 to 6 weeks
Cost
€254 (IND fee)
Min. funds
~€1,100 / month
Work allowed
16 hrs / week
The Dutch university often handles the MVV application — check with your host institution.
ZZP
Self-employment visa (zelfstandige)
Self-employed activity · non-EU
Non-EUModerate
›
Timeline
Up to 90 days (RVO evaluation included)
Cost
~€1,446 (MVV + self-employment permit)
Duration
1 to 2 years, renewable
Documents
Business plan · Client contracts · Passport · Funds
The activity must serve an "essential interest" of the Dutch economy. The Netherlands has a freelancer-friendly ecosystem.
CB
EU Blue Card
Highly qualified graduate · non-EU
Non-EUSalary threshold
›
Timeline
~2 weeks to 90 days
Cost
~€405 (IND fee)
Min. salary
~€6,245/month (2026 threshold)
Degree
Recognized bachelor's degree required
An alternative to the kennismigrant with easier mobility to other EU countries.
ZJ
Orientation year (zoekjaar)
Post-study job search · 12 months
Post-studyAccessible
›
Timeline
~2 weeks to 90 days
Cost
€210 (IND fee)
Duration
12 months, non-renewable
Window
Within 3 years of graduation
Free access to work (no TWV permit). Then opens the kennismigrant route at a reduced threshold.
This list presents the main residence permits, which cover the vast majority of relocation situations. It is not exhaustive: other specific visas exist for particular situations, available from the country's official authorities.
Not sure which permit to choose?
Our assessment identifies the right visa in 3 minutes
Competent authorities
The official bodies for your procedure.
The competent authorities vary depending on your nationality and your project.
Mandatory registration in the municipal register (BRP) upon arrival in the Netherlands.
Regulatory news
Recent changes to the Netherlands' immigration rules.
Sep 2026
Netherlands — Kennismigrant reform announced (under-30 threshold sharply raised, strengthened salary-conformity checks): no effective date set — the 2026 thresholds remain applicable.
5 visas and permits are covered for the Netherlands, including Kennismigrant — Highly skilled migrant · EU Blue Card · Student visa (MVV + VVR, TEV procedure). The free assessment identifies the one that fits your situation in 3 minutes.
How long does it take to get a visa for the Netherlands?
From 10 days to about 4 months depending on the visa. For example, Kennismigrant — Highly skilled migrant: ~2 weeks (recognized sponsor); 90-day legal limit.
How much does a visa for the Netherlands cost?
Official fees depend on the visa. For example, Kennismigrant — Highly skilled migrant: ~€405 (IND fee, paid by the sponsor employer).
Is the information on the Netherlands up to date?
Yes: every sheet cites its official sources (IND — Required amounts (salary thresholds), IND — Residence permit highly skilled migrant, Government.nl — Coming to work in the Netherlands) and carries a verification date. Last verified: 2026-10-06.
