Netherlands Work Visa – Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about working in the Netherlands? The country is a great place for skilled Canadians due to its strong economy, presence of global companies, and excellent living conditions. If you want to get a work visa for the Netherlands in 2025, here's what you should know.

• In 2024, the Netherlands took in over 450,000 foreign workers, up 15% from the year before (CBS Statistics).
• About 47% of companies in the Netherlands hire people from other countries to fill job openings in IT, healthcare, and engineering.
• The average yearly salary in the Netherlands is €63,000 for skilled workers.
• It is ranked #5 in the world for work-life balance and how well employees are treated (OECD 2025).
• More than 90% of workers in the Netherlands speak English, which is great for Canadians.

*Want guidance to apply for the Netherlands Work Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for comprehensive support with the process.

What is a Netherlands Work Visa?

A Netherlands Work Visa enables non-EU/EEA citizens, such as Canadians, to reside and be employed in the Netherlands legally. Needed for stays over 90 days, it typically comes with a residence permit. Applicants need a job offer from a Dutch employer that the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) recognizes as a sponsor.

• In 2024, Dutch employers hired more than 450,000 foreign workers (CBS Statistics), and the need keeps expanding.
• IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, logistics, and renewable energy are sought-after fields for international workers.
• The Netherlands hosts multinational firms like Philips, Shell, and ASML, which are known to hire international staff.

Why Consider Working in the Netherlands?

International professionals prefer working Netherlands for the reasons given below.

• The job market is strong, with a need for skilled workers.
• It is easy for English speakers to work due to the multicultural setting.
• Employees can access top-tier healthcare and social security benefits.
• Good work-life balance and employee protections are in place.
• There are paths to becoming a permanent resident and citizen.

*Looking for assistance to apply for work overseas? Y-Axis is here to guide you with the process.

Benefits of a Netherlands Work Visa

The benefits of a Netherlands Work Visa are given below.

• Permission to live and be employed in the Netherlands is required.
• Family members like spouses and children may be able to join you.
• You can access schooling, medical care, and other services open to the public.
• Travel is allowed in the Schengen Zone.
• After five years, you might be able to apply for permanent residency.

Types of Netherlands Work Visas

Netherlands offers multiple types of Netherlands Work Visas. Some of the popular Dutch work visas are:

• Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
• Regular Paid Employment Visa
• Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT)
• Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa for Graduates
• Seasonal Labour Visa
• Entrepreneur and Self-Employment Visa

Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is for professionals from outside the EU/EEA, like Canadians, who have a job offer from a Dutch employer. This employer must be recognized as a sponsor by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The visa enables skilled workers to reside and be employed in the Netherlands for jobs that need special skills.

Salary requirements for 2026:

• Those over 30 need to make €5,331 per month before taxes.
• Those under 30 need to make €3,909 per month before taxes.
• Graduates from Dutch schools need to make €2,801 per month before taxes.
• Common job areas include IT, engineering, healthcare, finance, and new tech companies.
• Quick processing: Applications usually get a response in 2–4 weeks.

*Need guidance to search for suitable jobs overseas? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.

Regular Paid Employment Visa

The Netherlands Regular Paid Employment Visa is designed for people from outside the EU/EEA, such as Canadians, who want to work in the Netherlands in jobs that don't meet the requirements for the Highly Skilled Migrant program. This visa lets you live and be employed in the country if you have a job offer from a Dutch company.

• Your employer needs to apply for a Single Permit (a combined residence and work permit) for you.
• A Labour Market Test is often needed to show that there isn't a qualified candidate for the job within the EU/EEA.
• Common jobs for this visa involve technical staff, hospitality, and logistics.
• It usually takes 8–12 weeks to process.

Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT)

The Netherlands Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit allows people from outside the EU/EEA, such as Canadians, to move from a branch of a multinational company in another country to the company's office in the Netherlands. This permit is intended for managers, specialists, or trainees who are temporarily assigned to work in the Netherlands.

• You need to have worked for the company for a minimum of 3 months before the transfer.
• The permit is valid for up to 3 years for managers and specialists, and for 1 year for trainees.
• A labor market test is not needed since the transfer occurs within the same corporate group.
• This permit is commonly used in industries like technology, finance, logistics, and consulting with international operations.

Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa for Graduates

The Netherlands Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar) is a residence permit that allows international graduates and highly educated people, including Canadians, to stay in the Netherlands for up to 12 months to seek work or begin a business.

• Graduates of Dutch universities or internationally recognized top 200 universities are eligible.
• During this year, you can work at any job without needing a separate work permit.
• It is well-known among recent graduates in STEM, business, and design who want to enter the Dutch job market.

Seasonal Labour Visa

The Netherlands Seasonal Labor Visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens, including Canadians, to take on temporary jobs in agriculture, horticulture, and floriculture. This visa allows stays of up to 24 weeks a year, fitting seasonal work like fruit picking, greenhouse work, and flower growing. Employers must get a work permit (TWV) first, showing they couldn't find suitable EU/EEA workers. Beginning in 2026, seasonal workers must make at least the Dutch minimum wage (€1,995 monthly for full-time hours).

Entrepreneur and Self-Employment Visa

The Netherlands Entrepreneur and Self-Employment Visa serves non-EU/EEA citizens, including Canadians, seeking to launch a business or freelance in the nation. This visa permits legal residence and business operations within the country.

Eligibility requires that the business idea offer a substantial benefit to the Dutch economy, evaluated on factors like innovation, job creation, and investment. A detailed business plan and proof of a minimum monthly income of €1,334 (2026) are necessary. The initial visa duration is two years, with extension options.
 

Eligibility Criteria for a Netherlands Work Visa

The eligibility criteria for a Netherland work visa are given below.

• Have a job offer from a Dutch employer that the government recognizes.
• Meet the minimum salary requirement (for instance, in 2026, highly skilled migrants aged 30 and older must make at least €5,331 per month).
• Have the needed education and job history.
• Have no criminal record
• Have health insurance that is valid.

Documents and Requirements for a Netherlands Work Visa

The documents required to apply for a Netherlands Work Visa are given below.

• A valid passport
• A signed work contract
• Proof of your skills and past work
• You need health insurance that works in the Netherlands.
• A police certificate
• Proof that you have enough money and a place to live in the Netherlands

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Netherlands Work Visa

The application process to apply for a Netherlands Work Visa is given below.

Step 1: To work in the Netherlands, first get a job offer from a Dutch employer that the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) recognizes as a sponsor.

Step 2: The employer then applies to the IND for your combined residence and work permit.

Step 3: You will get a decision within the standard time frame for your visa type.

Step 4: If needed, apply for a long-stay entry visa (MVV) at the Dutch embassy or consulate in Canada.

Step 5: After arriving in the Netherlands, register with your local municipality to get your residence permit card.

Netherlands Work Visa Fees

Detailed information about the fees for Netherlands Work Visas is given below.

Visa Type	Fee (EUR)
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa	€ 350
Regular Paid Employment Visa	€ 350
Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT)	€ 350
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa	€ 215
Entrepreneur and Self-Employment Visa	€ 1,557
Long-Stay Visa (MVV)	€ 174

 

Netherlands Work Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing times for Netherlands Work Visas is given below. 

Visa Type	Processing Time
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa	2–4 weeks
Regular Paid Employment Visa	8–12 weeks
Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT)	2–4 weeks
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Visa	2–4 weeks
Entrepreneur and Self-Employment Visa	90 days

Renewal and Extension of Netherlands Work Visas

Dutch work visas usually last from one to five years, varying with the visa and job contract. If you want to keep working after your current visa is done, you can ask for a renewal if you still qualify.

• When to Apply: It is best to apply to renew at least three months before your current visa runs out, so your residency isn't interrupted.
• Key Renewal Requirements:
  • A current job contract with either your current employer or a different, approved Dutch employer.
  • Evidence that you still make enough money for your visa type (like the Highly Skilled Migrant visa).
  • Current health insurance and city registration.
• How Long is the Renewed Visa Good For: Most renewed work visas are good for up to five years, unless the job is temporary or seasonal.
• How to Become a Permanent Resident: After living legally in the Netherlands for five years straight, you can apply to become a permanent resident (an EU long-term residence permit) or even a Dutch citizen if you meet what's needed.

Challenges and Tips for a Successful Application

The possible challenges and tips to have a successful Netherlands work visa are given below.

Challenge	Tip for a Successful Application
Strict salary thresholds for certain visa types	Apply for roles under the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme where salary criteria are clearly defined.
Incomplete or incorrect documentation	Double-check all documents and ensure translations meet IND requirements before submission.
Delays in the employer sponsorship process	Choose employers recognized as sponsors by the IND to fast-track your application.
Long processing times for regular permits	Submit your application well in advance and track progress through the IND portal.
Limited knowledge of Dutch immigration rules	Consult official IND resources or immigration experts to avoid mistakes and improve approval chances.

 

How Y-Axis Can Help You with Your Netherlands Work Visa

Y-Axis is a global immigration and career consultancy that has assisted many professionals in working and settling overseas. We provide expert advice and complete support to simplify the Netherlands work permit process for Canadians and reduce their stress.

Our services include:

• Individual assessment of profiles and work permit eligibility.
• Help with paperwork and submitting applications.
• Guidance on employer sponsorship and following the rules.
• Support for applications for family work permits.
• Services after arrival, like help registering residency in the Netherlands.