Hi Going Expat People,
It has been a long while since last time I wrote a blog post, and especially on moving to the Netherlands.
There is so much going on in life and business that sometimes it is really hard for me to sit down and write. But I won’t stop doing it, even if with less consistency, because this blog is from where I have started in 2019, the first step to my now job as Expat Consultant and business owner.
The blog of today focuses on Moving to the Netherlands on a Sponsored Visa. And why I want to start talking about it? Because it is maybe the one less discussed online. In fact moving within Europe doesn’t require Visa, and in the last year especially I feel like the attention was all on the DAFT, which applies only to Americans who wants to start or move a business in the Netherlands.
Among the other videos on my YouTube channel, you find one also on Moving to the Netherlands on a Sponsored Visa, but if you prefer to read trough things, here all the most relevant info.
Finding a sponsor and job
First thing first, the Netherlands has an employer driven immigration system which means no jobs=no Visa or at least in the 90% of the cases.
The first step is to secure a job with a recognized sponsor in the Netherlands. The company will need to be on the IND’s (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) Public Register of Recognised Sponsors. If it is not can require to be, it takes a few month and a small investment but it is doable.
Once you have a job offer from a recognized sponsor, they will typically handle the application for your MVV(Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf – Provisional Residence Permit). This is an entry visa that allows you to travel to the Netherlands to await your residence permit, not all nationalities will need this, but many.
Let’s break down what it would happen:
- Application Process: The sponsor initiates the application with the IND on your behalf.
- Documents: You will likely need to provide documents such as your passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and educational diplomas. The IND will specify exact requirements.
- Costs: The IND charges a fee for the MVV and residence permit application. These costs are usually borne by the employer, but it’s important to clarify this during your job offer negotiation.
- Processing Time: Processing times can vary, so it’s essential to start this process well in advance.
Stamping Your Passport and Residence Permit
Upon arrival in the Netherlands with your MVV, you will typically need to collect your residence permit. You can do so scheduling already, an appointment with the IND to collect your residence permit card. This card will state your purpose of stay and whether you are allowed to work.
It goes without saying that with a valid residence permit based on employment, you are generally allowed to work for the employer who sponsored you. There isn’t a separate “stamp on the passport to be able to work already” as your residence permit indicates your work authorization.
Permanent Residency
After 5 consecutive years you are eligible to apply for the permanent residency (EU long-term resident permit or a regular permanent residence permit). Of course you need to have been living in the country respecting the law and on a sponsored visa, for example through your employer. In fact you will also need to show you are making enough income to provide for yourself and need to pass a civic integration exam, language test – level B1 (soon to be, right now it is still A2).
Why you’d like to do so? Because a permanent residency allows you to live and work in the Netherlands indefinitely, without needing a sponsor.
What are the 2 Visa options to come to NL with a job?
There are 2 options and one is more common than the other, for obvious reason that you’d understand while reading.
High Skilled Migrant Visa (HSM)– which is the one for the people who have a certain level of education and than salary. In fact there are some thresholder to get it and being therefore eligible for the tax ruling.
GVVA – It combines work and residence permit and it is released to the people who come to the Netherlands with a job but it is not high skilled one. They won’t get the tax ruling, but it is also very hard to get in the country this way, because the employer must show proof that there were no people in the Netherlands and in Europe who could do the job, among the applicants.
Zoekjaar Visa if you have studied in the Netherlands, or you have completed abroad our master or PhD you can request this Visa for 12 months, to have the time to look for a job which would still need to sponsor you.
Family reunification Visa – Whether you are married or not, or you have kids (until 18 y.o.) you can apply for a family reunification Visa. It means that if your partner who lives in NL and is registered at the BRP, can show they can sustain you and is willing to take the responsability to sponsor you, they can. You must show proves of your relationships (unless you have a marriage certification) and live under the same roof.
How Going Expat can help you?
We have partnership with legal and Visa experts that can guide you through all steps and make sure you make no mistakes.
If you are looking for a job and want to make sure your profile fits and matches with the research, we’ll help you in that direction as well: Cv and Motivation letter rewriting, LinkedIn optimization and relevant knowledge and connection in the market.
Are you looking also for a support in finding housing, your spouse future and kids? We are here for you
Check all the service we can help with Your Dutch Move – Going Expat
And do not esitate to send us an email
We are looking forward to hearing from you
Cheers!
Written by Rossella Davì
