Wonder whether you need a work permit to be eligible to work in The Netherlands? Check out the info below!
EU/EER citizens
EU citizens don’t need to obtain a work permit and can work freely throughout the EU including The Netherlands. After arriving in The Netherlands, EU citizens have to register at the municipality. Furthermore you will need the following:
- BSN-number – can be obtained through the municipality. Without this number you cannot work.
- A fixed address for the coming three months in The Netherlands which can be registered at the municipality.
Non- EU citizens
Every non-EU citizen who wishes to work in the Netherlands has to obtain a work permit (TWV), according to the Labour Act for Aliens or (WAV). In general, employers who wish to bring in a non-EU employee, are responsible for their work permit application.
The employer should hand in a copy of the work permit application, on behalf of the employee, to the UWV, which is responsible for informing the IND (Immigration and Naturalization Service) about the status of the application.
Every non-EU employee must have a TWV (where applicable) in order to obtain an MVV and/or a residence permit. If an MVV is not required then you can apply for the work permit after entering the Netherlands. Once the application for a Dutch work permit has been submitted, it takes 5 to 14 months, depending on the complexity of each case, for the work permit to be approved and issued.