Tip: The IND website has a handy tool which you can use to check the requirements for different permit types according to your nationality.
Highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) permit
Who is eligible for this permit?
To be eligible for this permit, you need to have an employment contract with an employer or research institution that is an IND recognized sponsor. The public register for all recognized sponsors in the Netherlands can be found here.
You also need to meet various other requirements.
In certain cases, the visa regulations are less strict for Turkish citizens. See the IND website for more information.
How do I apply for the permit?
Your employer submits the application for you. The IND will send you or your sponsor a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
Researcher under Directive (EU) 2016/801
Who is eligible for this permit?
To be eligible for this permit, you need to have an employment contract or hosting agreement with a research institution that is an IND recognized sponsor. The public register for all recognized sponsors in the Netherlands can be found here.
You also need to meet various other requirements.
How do I apply for the permit?
Your employer can submit the application for you. The IND will send you or your sponsor a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
Intra-corporate transferee
Who is eligible for this permit?
This permit is a work and residence permit for managers, specialists and trainees who are nationals of countries outside the EU / EEA / Switzerland and who are being transferred to a branch in the Netherlands.
Your employer (sponsor) does not need to be a recognized sponsor to apply for this permit, but the process is quicker and easier if they are. The public register for all recognized sponsors in the Netherlands can be found here. An employer can apply to the IND to become a recognised sponsor.
You also need to meet various other requirements.
How do I apply for the permit?
Your employer submits the application for you. The IND will send you or your sponsor a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
Start-up
Who is eligible for this permit?
To be eligible for this permit you need to work together a reliable facilitator and meet various requirements.
How do I apply for the permit?
Your facilitator can submit the application online or you can submit the application yourself in writing by post. The IND will send you or your facilitator a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
Essential start-up personnel
Who is eligible for this permit?
This permit is for foreign employees who are essential to a start-up. To be eligible for this permit you need to meet various requirements.
How do I apply for the permit?
You or your employer can submit the application in writing by post. The IND will send you or your employer a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
Orientation Year (zoekjaar) for highly educated persons
Who is eligible for this permit?
This one-year visa is for highly educated persons who are looking for work in the Netherlands within 3 years of graduating, obtaining their doctorate or conducting research (specific conditions apply).
To be eligible for this permit you need to meet various requirements.
How do I apply for the permit?
You can submit the application online or in writing by post. The IND will send you a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
European blue card
Who is eligible for this permit?
A European blue card is a European work and residence permit for highly educated employees. Your employer (sponsor) does not need to be a recognized sponsor to apply for this permit, but the process is quicker and easier if they are. The public register for all recognized sponsors in the Netherlands can be found here. An employer can apply to the IND to become a recognised sponsor.
To be eligible for this permit you need to meet various requirements.
How do I apply for the permit?
You or your employer submits the application in writing by post. The IND will send you or your employer a letter when your residence permit is ready for collection.
Dependents of the above
Dependents of persons who have one of the types of residence and work permit listed above can also collect their permits from Holland Expat Center South.
Note: This does not apply to non-EU dependents of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.