Netherlands work permit (TWV and GVVA) in 2026: who needs one and how the employer applies

Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland never need one, and several residence permits already include the right to work. People in the groups below still need a residence permit or visa (Government.nl).

• People whose residence permit says ‘arbeid is vrij toegestaan’, such as asylum permit holders
• Holders of a self-employment or start-up residence permit
• Highly skilled migrants; our highly skilled migrant visa guide explains the route
• Employees transferred within an international company
• Workers based abroad doing short jobs, such as business negotiations or repairing equipment their employer supplied
• Refugees from Ukraine covered by temporary protection, if the employer notifies UWV in advance (Business.gov.nl)

An employer may hire someone from outside the EEA and Switzerland only if it cannot find a suitable candidate within those countries.

• Vacancy open long enough. At least 5 weeks, or at least 3 months if UWV decides the vacancy is hard to fill, and the employer must make every effort to recruit in the Netherlands, the EEA or Switzerland (Government.nl). In practice it usually registers the job with UWV.
• Dutch employment terms. A salary that fits the job, paid monthly into the worker’s bank account, and a safe and healthy workplace.
• A clean record. No fine for breaking labour law in the 5 years before the application (UWV).
• Housing. The employer tells UWV where the worker will live, and it must be safe and clean (Business.gov.nl).

The rules are less strict for, among others, students working at most 16 hours a week, interns, trainees (praktikanten), asylum seekers and religious workers.

Outside the highly skilled migrant route, permits are hardest for ordinary jobs and easiest in sectors with their own rules.

• Seasonal work in agriculture. Up to 24 weeks (IND). Stays over 90 days need a single permit for seasonal work, and shorter stays a TWV (Business.gov.nl). The IND fee is €254, and returning workers get a decision within 60 days.
• The Asian restaurant sector. Since 1 July 2024, the same rules as other sectors: at least 3 months of searching in the EU, EEA and Switzerland, a vacancy on the UWV support centre for 5 weeks, an employee over 18, regular employment and safe, clean housing (UWV).
• Interns and trainees. Less strict rules apply, as they do for students and asylum seekers.

Looking for an employer that already sponsors workers? Our guide to visa sponsorship jobs shows how to use the IND register, and our Netherlands visa guide lists every other route.