Travel to the Netherlands for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

Entry requirements

If you're going to the Netherlands to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

On the day you travel, you'll need your passport to both:

• have at least 6 months left
• be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

If you're travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-related things without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings.

These are usually covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

If you're going for other types of work you may need a visa, work permit or residence permit.

The Dutch authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with the Dutch government before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you're working in more than one country you will need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in the Netherlands. It includes a checklist of documents that you'll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with the Dutch embassy or immigration authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

• translated
• 'legalised' (apostillised) or notarised
• originals, or if copies are acceptable
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in the Netherlands, so you know which ones to use when speaking to the Dutch authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You do not need a visa or permit for the following activities if their combined duration is no more than 13 weeks in a 52-week period:

• attending job interviews
• attending trade fairs
• board meetings
• business meetings with clients or customers (including entertainment such as eating at a restaurant)
• meeting contractors or sellers of products or services you're reviewing or fact-finding
• negotiating, signing or executing deals or contracts
• team building activities to get to know the company's culture
• attending, speaking or presenting at a conference if you're not being paid
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family

You do not need a visa or permit for these activities if they're for no more than 12 consecutive weeks in a 36-week period:

• receiving classroom-based training in the same company or company group, or in a clear training environment
• assembling or repairing hardware, machinery, or equipment on site, as long as the UK employer delivered the hardware to the customer
• installing, implementing or adjusting software, as long as the UK employer delivered the software to the customer
• providing end-user training for operating hardware or software, as long as the UK employer delivered the hardware or software
• receiving training or instructions on how to use goods manufactured in the Netherlands, or services to be performed in the Netherlands

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

You do not need a visa or permit for the following activities if they're for no more than 90 days in a 180-day period:

• sales and commercial transactions
• after-sales or after-lease services
• market research

These activities must not involve the sale of goods or services to the general public. As a business visitor for a short stay you must not receive a financial reward in your own name from a source within the Netherlands.

These activities are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
• health insurance that covers your stay
• proof of accommodation for your entire stay
• enough money for the duration of your trip
• an invitation letter explaining your trip, or a plan for any training you'll be doing

Check exemptions for the Netherlands

Certain types of work and activities do not require a visa or permit because they're exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country's authorities.

These do not require a visa or permit in the Netherlands:

These exemptions are covered by the visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you're exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

• an assignment letter
• employment confirmation
• a contract
• proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificates
• CV

Further checks

If you're not sure if you need a visa or permit check with the Dutch immigration authorities or embassy before you travel.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit, but you'll need to check the exact rules and processes with the Dutch embassy or immigration authorities.

Taking your family

You may be able to apply for dependant permits if you have a family and want them to join you. It depends on the type of permit you have. Find out more about taking your family with you.

If you're working in the Netherlands for less than 90 days, your Dutch employer or the host company in the Netherlands will need to apply for a work permit for you. A residence permit is not required if your stay is for less than 90 days.

If you work in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, you will need both a residence and work permit or a combined residence and work permit (single permit). The combined residence and work permits can be valid for up to 5 years depending on which one you need.

You must apply for a permit if you're in the Netherlands because you're:

Transferring to a Dutch branch of a UK-based company

You need one of these permits if your UK-based company moves you to a Dutch branch to work:

EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT)

You need an [intra-company transfer permit (ICT) if your UK-based company moves you to a branch in the Netherlands to work for:

• up to 3 years
• 1 year if you're a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• earn a salary in line with the Dutch labour market
• have the appropriate educational qualifications for the role - trainees must have a Dutch master's degree or an equivalent one from a university outside of the Netherlands
• have the required experience for the role
• have worked for the company abroad for at least 3 months (or 1 month for trainees)
• prove that you're allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you're a doctor or architect
• have employment terms and conditions at the level expected for your industry
• not have been previously transferred to the Netherlands on an EU ICT in the 6 months before you apply
• keep your UK employment contract

The branch in the Netherlands must not have been:

• created for the purpose of facilitating the transfer of employees into the EU
• fined for employing someone illegally or for not paying social security contributions 5 years before submitting the application

It can take 2 to 12 weeks to get an EU ICT. You can't extend it beyond the 3 years, or 1 year if you're a trainee.

If you have a partner and any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

National intra-corporate transfer (ICT)

If your assignment does not meet the criteria for an EU ICT you can apply for a national ICT if your UK-based company transfers you to a Dutch branch to work for:

• up to 3 years
• 1 year if you're a trainee

To qualify you must:

• be a trainee, company representative or specialist
• hold the relevant educational or professional qualifications
• have specialist knowledge in your field
• prove that you're allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you're a doctor or architect
• have employment terms and conditions at the level expected for your industry
• earn a salary in line with the Dutch labour market
• be transferred to an organisation included in the Dutch commercial register (if required by law)
• not have been previously transferred to the Netherlands in the 6 months before you apply
• keep your UK employment contract The branch in the Netherlands must:
• not have been fined for employing someone illegally or for not paying social security contributions 5 years before submitting the application
• meet corporate conditions

It can take 8 to 12 weeks to get a national ICT. Its valid for up to 3 years, or up to 1 year if you're a trainee. You can extend it.

If you have a family they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Intra-corporate transfer (ICT) (UK only)

If your assignment does not meet the criteria for an EU ICT or a national ICT you can apply for an ICT based on the EU-UK Trade Agreement.

You can apply for this residence permit if your UK-based company transfers you to a Dutch branch to work in the Netherlands.

To qualify, you must:

• be a manager, specialist or trainee
• have been employed with your employer in the UK for no less than 1 year if you're a manager and specialist, and not less than 6 months if you're a trainee
• not live in the Netherlands when you apply
• be transferred to a Dutch branch of your UK employer
• hold a university degree and have at least 3 years of professional experience
• have specialist knowledge in your field
• be transferred to an organisation included in the Dutch commercial register (if required by law)
• receive a salary that is in line with the average salaries in the Dutch labour market for the position

It can take 4 to 12 weeks to get this ICT. It's valid for a up to 1 year and it cannot be extended.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, you will need:

Working for a Dutch company on a Dutch employment contract

You need a permit if you have an employment offer from a company in the Netherlands and you're:

Residence permit for highly skilled migrants

To qualify for this residence permit you must:

A residence permit for highly skilled migrants can take 2 to 12 weeks to get. It's valid for up to 5 years and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner or any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card residence permit you must be highly skilled and:

• have an offer of employment from a company in the Netherlands for at least 1 year

• have a 3-year university degree - if it's from outside the Netherlands it has to be evaluated by Nuffic

• have proof that you're allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you're a doctor or architect

• be on Dutch payroll

• meet income requirements

The Dutch branch must not have been fined 5 years before submitting your application for:

• employing someone illegally
• not paying social security contributions

An EU Blue Card can take 2 to 12 weeks to get. It's valid for 3 months longer than your employment contract, up to a maximum of 4 years. You can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner or any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit EU Blue Card application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

• completed permit application form
• passport for you and any dependants, valid for at least 6 months
• degree or qualification certificate - certified copy if you have a Dutch degree, or a copy plus the original degree evaluation from Nuffic if it's not Dutch
• CV
• employment contract with your Dutch employer
• antecedents certificate (declaration of no criminal record)
• payslips for the past 3 months (if available)
• proof that you're allowed to carry out your profession in the Netherlands if working in a regulated profession, for example if you're a doctor or architect
• legalised birth certificates for you and any dependants, if applying with family
• legalised marriage certificate, if married, or legalised certificate of non-impediment for non-married partners, if applying with family
• legalised evidence of termination of any previous marriages
• an employer's declaration
• declaration by your employment sponsor for non-recognised sponsors

Specific occupations in art and culture

To qualify for a residence permit for paid employment in specific occupations in art and culture you must:

You won't need a residence permit if you're staying for less than 6 consecutive weeks.

It takes up to 12 weeks to get. It's valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner or any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Work for an international non-profit organisation

You need to apply for a single permit if you want to work for an international non-profit organisation in the Netherlands. This is a combined work and residence permit.

To qualify you must:

• meet income requirements
• be an employee of an established company in the Netherlands or a Dutch branch of a non-Dutch company which is included in the Dutch commercial register (if required by law)
• work for an organisation that's established in multiple countries and has at least 50 full-time employees on permanent employment contracts
• have a managerial or specialist position that requires at least a university degree
• make sure the employment period is for no more than 3 years
• earn at least the minimum wage of a 21-year-old employee (this amount changes every 6 months)

This permit takes up to 12 weeks to get. It's valid for up to 1 year and you can extend it. It can't lead to permanent residency.

If you have a partner and any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a single permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

To qualify for a residence permit for mass media correspondents you must:

It takes up to 12 weeks to get. How long it's valid for is based on the length of your employment contract or assignment. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner and any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Providing services to a client in the Netherlands

If you work for a non-Dutch company and are providing services to a Dutch client you need one of these permits:

Permit for work covered by the international trade regulation

Under the international trade regulation a company can hire employees from other countries to work on a specific project temporarily in the Netherlands for more than 90 days.

The project can be a collaboration, partnership or agreement for the delivery of goods or services between a non-Dutch company and Dutch company.

This permit takes up to 12 weeks to get. It's valid for the length of the project, up to 3 years.

Your family may not be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to visit you for up to 90 days under the visa waiver.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits the project to the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV) for approval.

2. Your employer submits a notification to the UWV.

3. You attend an appointment at the immigration office (IND) in the Netherlands to submit your residence permit application, the necessary documents and your biometric information.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Supply of goods by or to a non-Dutch ('foreign') company

You need a 'single permit' (work and residence permit) if your work in the Netherlands relates to the supply of goods by a non-Dutch company. This includes the assembling, or repairing of equipment for a non-Dutch company.

To qualify you must:

• meet income requirements, with a wage that's in line with Dutch market conditions and at least the minimum wage of a 21-year-old employee
• be part of an organisation included in the Dutch commercial register, if required by law
• be responsible for assembling and repairing tools, machines, equipment or software, supplied by your UK employer
• be working with goods manufactured in the UK
• have worked for your employer for more than 1 year
• have specific knowledge of the supply of goods This single permit takes 12 to 16 weeks to get. It's valid for up to 1 year and you can't extend it.

If you have a partner and any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer submits a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND).

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Self-employed work

If you're self-employed, you need one of these permits:

Residence permit for self-employed work

To qualify for a residence permit for self-employed work you must:

The residence permit for self-employment takes 12 to 16 weeks to get. It's valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it as long as you have enough income, or means from your self-employed work, to support yourself. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner or any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the immigration office (IND) by post or in person if you're already in the Netherlands.

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Residence permit for self-employed work (UK only)

If you do not qualify for the standard residence permit you may be able to apply for a residence permit based on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

To qualify you must:

• be established as self-employed in the UK
• have a contract for a period of no more than 12 months - the contract must not be agreed through a placement or personnel services agency
• have at least 6 years' professional experience in your professional area, have a university degree or a qualification showing that you have the equivalent knowledge and the professional qualifications legally required to do your job
• work in one of the sectors described in annex 22 (or 'SERVIN-4') of the TCA agreement

You must not have an establishment in the Netherlands.

The permit is valid for up to 1 year and it cannot be extended.

How it works

As this is a new work permit, the exact process has not yet been confirmed. You will need to check with the Dutch authorities.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Start-up entrepreneurs

You need a 'residence permit as start-up' if you want to start a business in the Netherlands as a start-up entrepreneur.

To qualify you must:

Your facilitator must:

• have knowledge and proven experience in supervising innovative start-ups
• be economically sound - must not be insolvent, bankrupt or have negative equity
• not have a substantial interest in the start-up company
• not be a family member up to 3 generations (for example, child, parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle)
• have a deputy within the start-up
• be approved by the Netherlands enterprise agency (RVO) - they assess whether facilitators meet the conditions and maintain the list of facilitators

This permit takes 12 to 16 weeks to get and is valid for up to 1 year.

If the start-up is considered to be economically viable by the RVO you can apply for a self-employment permit after a year. You must then meet the conditions of the self-employment permit.

If you have a partner or any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. You submit a residence permit application and the necessary documents to the Dutch embassy or consulate, or your facilitator submits it to the immigration office (IND) in the Netherlands, in person, by post or online.

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit your biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Scientific research work

You need a residence permit for scientific research if you want to work for a recognised research institution in the Netherlands. The Dutch employer can apply for it on your behalf.

To qualify you must:

• work as a paid scientific researcher or doctoral candidate, or as an unpaid researcher or doctoral candidate with a grant
• carry out research at a scientific research institution which is accredited by the IND and has approved your research project
• have a higher education degree required for PhD study
• have a Dutch employment contract or hosting agreement with the research organisation
• meet income requirements

The residence permit for scientific research takes 2 to 8 weeks to get.

It's valid for the same length of time as the employment contract up to 5 years. This permit can lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a partner or any children under 18 they can join you with this permit type.

How it works

You need to check with the Dutch authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

1. Your employer or you can submit a residence permit application and the necessary documents. Your employer submits it to the immigration office (IND). You need to submit it to the Dutch consulate or embassy.

2. You attend an appointment at the IND in the Netherlands to collect your work authorisation passport sticker and submit biometric information once your application has been approved.

3. You register yourself on the personal records database (BRP) in the municipality where you're living.

4. You collect your residence permit.

5. You get the required health insurance.

Application documents

Dutch authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

Dutch government guidance

Read official Dutch government information on visas, work permits and residence permits.

Check for travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for the Netherlands, for updates on issues such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

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