Work Permit

Foreigners with a valid Dutch Work Permit are allowed to work in the Netherlands. The work permit is known as a TeWerkstellingsVergunning (TWV). The prospective employer must apply for and obtain the work permit from the Employment Office before the foreigner may start working in the Netherlands. Employers that hire foreigners without work permits are punishable by law and may be fined considerably. In general a work permit will only be issued if no suitable Dutch or European candidate can be found. The employer has to prove that he has made a genuine effort to find and select a candidate from within Europe. There are exceptions to these rules, for instance for certain intra company employees or for highly specialized ICT specialists. Citizens from European Union (EU) countries, and Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland do not require a work permit. These citizens are free to take up employment in the Netherlands.

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Residence Permit

Foreigners who intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months need to apply for a Residence Permit with the Dutch Police Foreign Department. The residence permit is known as a VerblijfsVergunning (VV). Usually the residence permit is valid for a one year period. EU citizens can be issued a residence permit for a five year period. Residence permits are renewable if all conditions are met.

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Authorization for temporary residence

Before applying for a residence permit in the Netherlands, most foreigners need an authorization for temporary residence. This permit is known as a Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf (MVV). The authorization for temporary residence can only be obtained from the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country of origin. Foreigners are not allowed to enter the Netherlands during MVV application processing. Citizens from European Union countries and some other countries (for instance the United States of America, Canada, Japan and Switzerland) are exempt from the MVV requirement.

Foreigners who wish to settle in the Netherlands are required to register with the Residents Register in the municipality where they live. In order to register certain documents such as a (legalized) copy of a birth certificate are needed.

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This information is for informative purposes only, is general in nature, and is not intended to be a substitute for competent legal and professional advice. For specific questions and services we recommend you contact a specialized consultant.

Please feel free to contact Van Velzen C.S. The Netherlands B.V., Law Office at www.vviworld.net.

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