Immigration
IND-run residence, with a fast highly-skilled-migrant route for recognised sponsors
The Aliens Act 2000 governs entry and residence, administered by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Most long-stay migrants first need an MVV (provisional residence permit) obtained abroad, and the highly skilled migrant scheme lets recognised sponsor employers hire on a salary threshold rather than a labour-market test.
Key rules
- Non-EU nationals generally need an MVV to enter for stays over 90 days, applied for by the sponsor in the Netherlands.
- The highly skilled migrant route requires a recognised IND sponsor and a gross monthly salary at or above the annually set threshold.
- The GVVA (single permit) combines residence and work authorisation for employment not covered by an exemption.
- EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and their families enjoy free movement and need no residence permit.
Governing law
- Aliens Act 2000 (Vreemdelingenwet 2000) (2000)
- Civic Integration Act (Wet inburgering) (2021)
- Kingdom Act on Netherlands Nationality (1984)Naturalisation, generally after five years' lawful residence
In practice
The highly skilled migrant salary thresholds are indexed annually; using a recognised sponsor is what makes the route fast, as it removes the separate work-permit requirement. Integration and Dutch-language obligations apply to many permit categories.