Highly-Skilled Migrant Residence Permit to Work in the Netherlands
A residency permit is required if you want to work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled immigrant. Even before you arrive in the Netherlands, your company can apply for your fast-track residence.
It is believed that advanced degree-holding foreign nationals, also known as knowledge workers, contribute to the knowledge-based economy of the Netherlands. You must earn a certain amount of money in the Netherlands to be regarded as a highly-skilled immigrant. Additionally, the IND must have authorized your employer as a sponsor.
To enter the Netherlands and stay there for a period longer than three months, you could need an entry visa and a residence permit, depending on your nationality. Your company may use the Entry and Residence Procedure (TEV) to apply for either permit (your sponsor). If you want to know if you can enter the Netherlands with merely a Dutch residence permit application, keep reading: Dutch interim residence permits (MVV).
Requirements for the Highly-Skilled Migrant Residence Permits in the Netherlands
To be eligible for the highly skilled Dutch permit, you must also meet the following conditions in addition to the general ones for the MVV and residence permits:
- Have a written agreement (or employment contract) with a sponsor (employer) that has been approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). The IND keeps a list of recognized sponsors and employers;
- Having a Competitive Income: As of January 1, 2016, if you are older than 30, you must earn at least €4,240 per month; if you are younger than 30, the threshold is €3,108 per month. Prices are evaluated twice a year. This level drops to €2,228 per month if you've had a graduates' orientation year permit in the Netherlands.
How to Apply
The application process for the highly skilled migrant permit will depend on whether or not the applicant requires a provisional residence permit (MVV) to travel to the Netherlands. We will be giving a detailed explanation of each circumstance below. Keep in mind that your employer will apply on your behalf.
Required documents
To find the documents you must submit to your employer to support your application, check with them. Any documents you send must be in Dutch, English, French, or German and authenticated (legalized).
Fees
If your application is rejected, the processing fee is non-refundable; therefore, you won't get your money back. Although costs are changed at the start and middle of the year, the current fee is €881. Check the latest fees here.
Furthermore, the IND will process your application in two weeks.
Application Process When an MVV is Required
Here's the application process for a Highly-Skilled Migrant Residence Permit when an MVV is required.
The employer applies on behalf of the employee.
The employer must simultaneously apply for the MVV and residence permit if the applicant requires an MVV to enter the Netherlands. The necessary application forms must be completed and sent to the IND. The IND will send a letter to the employer with advice on how to pay the required payments when they have received the application. The price is €320 for the highly skilled immigrant residency visa. They can be sent via mail or online.
IND checks for completeness
The IND notifies the employer in writing that the application has been received, the date it was received, and the timeframe for a decision. The IND will examine the application to determine whether it is complete and whether the payments have been paid. The IND will guide the employer on how to finish the applications if any portion of the application is incomplete or wrong. The IND would use the My IND portal to send notifications if the application was filed online.
IND makes a decision
The IND will check to determine if the applicant satisfies the requirements after confirming that the application is complete. Within ninety days, they must make a decision. The candidate will receive an MVV and a residence permit if they and their employer satisfy all requirements. The IND will inform the employer of their choice. Additionally, the IND updates the Dutch representation.
The IND will inform the employer if the application for an MVV and residence permit is granted. They will also inform the Dutch ambassador. The IND will write to the applicant and employer to inform them of their decision if the MVV and residence permit application is rejected. It is feasible to challenge the IND's judgment.
Applicant collects MVV
The applicant may pick up the MVV from the Dutch embassy in the applicant's place of residence once the application has been accepted. When completing the application, the employer will indicate the location. The applicant must schedule a meeting with the relevant Dutch embassy to pick up the MVV. It must be picked up within three months. The applicant must present their biometric data at the embassy on the day of the appointment and have a passport that is still valid for at least six months.
Applicant arrives in the Netherlands.
The MVV is effective for 90 days. The applicant can go to the Netherlands after it is picked up. They may also move around the Schengen region. The candidate will receive an MVV and a residence permit if they and their employer satisfy all requirements. The decision will be communicated to the employer by the IND. Additionally, they will update the Dutch delegation.
Applicant collects residence permit.
The applicant will be able to pick up their residence permit about two weeks after arriving in the Netherlands. When it's ready to be picked up, the IND will notify them through the mail. The applicant will need to schedule an online appointment at the IND desk to do this. Instructions are outlined in the letter.
Application Process When an MVV is not Required
Here's the application process for a Highly-Skilled Migrant Residence Permit when an MVV is not required.
The employer applies on behalf of the employee.
If the applicant is excluded from needing to submit an MVV application, they may depart for the Netherlands right away. The acknowledged employer will have 90 days after arrival to apply for a residence visa on their behalf. These are the forms that the employer must complete. They should be sent to the IND together with any necessary supporting documentation. The IND will send a letter to the employer with advice on how to pay the required payments when they have received the application. The price is €320 for the highly skilled immigrant residency visa.
IND checks for completeness
The IND notifies the employer in writing that the application has been received, the date it was received, and the timeframe for a decision. The IND will examine the application to determine whether it is complete and whether the payments have been paid. The IND will guide the employer on how to finish the applications if any portion of the application is incomplete or wrong. The IND would use the My IND portal to send notifications if the application was filed online.
IND makes a decision
The IND will check to determine if the applicant satisfies the requirements after confirming that the application is complete. Within ninety days, they must make a decision. The candidate will receive an MVV and a residence permit if they and their employer satisfy all requirements. The IND will inform the employer of their choice. Additionally, the IND updates the Dutch representation. The IND will inform the employer if the MVV and residence permit application is granted. They will also inform the Dutch ambassador. The IND will write to the applicant and employer to inform them of their decision if the MVV and resident permit application is rejected. It is feasible to challenge the IND's judgment.
Applicant collects residence permit.
The applicant will be able to pick up their residence permit about two weeks after arriving in the Netherlands. When it's ready to be picked up, the IND will notify them through the mail. The applicant will need to schedule an online appointment at the IND desk to do this. The letter contains instructions.
What Happens When You Get Your Permit
As soon as you receive a residence permit, you can start working. If an MVV is required for entry into the Netherlands, you can pick up your residence permit once you are there. Suppose your residence permit is not yet ready. In that case, your MVV sticker should state that you are authorized to work in the Netherlands as a highly-skilled immigrant or a scientific researcher so that you can begin earning a living as soon as feasible. You can get one from an IND or ex-pat office if there isn't an employment status.
Your company will use the same TEV process to apply for your residence permit if you don't require an MVV so that you can start working right away. You can visit an IND desk and receive a residence endorsement sticker added to your passport if the processing of your residence permit is delayed. Thanks to this sticker, you can work while waiting for your residency permit. Moreover, no separate work permit for you needs to be obtained by your employer. As soon as your family members receive their residence permits, they can begin working without needing a work permit.
Unemployment
The visa holder is qualified for a search period of up to three months to locate new employment as a highly-skilled immigrant if they become unemployed. The day the employment contract is ended is the start of the search period. The search period is decreased if the residency permit expires in less time than three months. The permit holder must look for an employer approved by the IND as a sponsor when looking for work.
Extension of Residence Permit
Three months before the expiration of their current permit, holders may apply to have it renewed with the assistance of their employer. The extension request can be submitted online or by mail by the employer. The application forms are available here. Permit holders must continue to adhere to the requirements of the highly skilled migrant permit to be granted an extension.
How long does the permit last?
The permit is valid for five years or as long as your job contract is in effect. It may be prolonged. Learn how to renew your Dutch residency card. Permits for family members are suitable for the same amount of time.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Your sponsor must notify the IND if you move employers. You will need to apply for a new residence permit if you quit all of your jobs and want to stay in the Netherlands for another reason—say, to study there.
