A Immigration Toolkit to the Netherlands
This handy guide provides easy-to-understand tips to make your transition easier. It's chock-full of useful information to help you handle the move without worry. So, let's get your bags packed. Your adventure in the Netherlands awaits!
This is what we will talk about in this blog:
Understanding the Dutch immigration process
The documents you need for visa application
Learning the language
Highly skilled migrant program (Kennismigrant)
Understanding the Dutch immigration process
If you're considering a move to the Netherlands, understanding the immigration process is a crucial first step. To start, you'll need key documents which are named at the end of this article. Additionally, the specific visa you'll need will depend on your reasons for moving - whether it's for work, study, or joining a family member.
Examples of different Dutch visas can be seen below:
Schengen visa: Short-stay visa allowing entry into the Netherlands and other Schengen Area countries for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
Work visa (Highly Skilled Migrant): For individuals with specialized skills and qualifications intending to work in the Netherlands.
Researcher visa: Designed for researchers or academics coming to the Netherlands for research purposes. It involves collaboration with a Dutch institution.
The documents you need for visa application
Here’s a list of the documents you need (some are only applicable in particular situations) when applying for a visa in the Netherlands:
Completed Visa Application Form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. This form is usually available on the official website of the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country.
Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in the Schengen area.
Passport-Sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photos that meet the Schengen visa photo requirements.
Proof of Travel Itinerary:Round-trip flight reservation or travel itinerary. This should demonstrate your intended entry and exit dates from the Schengen area.
Proof of Accommodation: Hotel reservation or proof of other accommodation arrangements for the entire duration of your stay.
Travel Insurance: Valid travel insurance covering at least €30,000 of medical expenses and repatriation for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen area.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements or a letter from your employer indicating your monthly income. This is to demonstrate that you have the financial means to cover your stay and return.
Employment Verification (if applicable): A letter from your employer stating your position, salary, and approved leave of absence (if applicable).
Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Payment receipt for the visa application fee. The fee amount and payment methods can vary.
Proof of Residence: Proof of legal residence in your home country (e.g., residence permit or long-term visa).
Additional Documents: Depending on the type of visa, additional documents may be required. For example:
For business trips: Invitation letter from the Dutch company, conference registration, etc.
For students: Letter of enrollment from the educational institution, proof of payment of tuition fees, etc.
Learning the language
In the Netherlands, Dutch is the official language, spoken and understood by the majority. There are numerous resources available for language learners, including language schools, online courses, and language exchange platforms. Moreover, daily practice, such as conversing with locals or watching Dutch films, can accelerate language acquisition.
Highly skilled migrant program (Kennismigrant)
For expats we will elaborate more on the highly skilled migrant program.
The Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) program in the Netherlands is designed to attract and facilitate the relocation of highly skilled professionals from outside the European Union or European Economic Area. This program aims to streamline the immigration process for individuals with specific expertise and qualifications, making it an appealing pathway for professionals seeking employment opportunities in the Netherlands.
To qualify for the Highly Skilled Migrant program, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria:
Job offer from a recognized employer: Applicants must have a job offer from a Dutch employer who is registered as a recognized sponsor with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
Salary requirements: The offered salary must meet the minimum income thresholds set by the Dutch authorities. The threshold varies based on factors such as age and whether the employee is a recent graduate.
Educational and professional background: Applicants typically need to hold a relevant higher education degree and possess specialized skills or expertise in their field.
Benefits: The highly skilled migrant program offers several advantages to both employees and employers:
Simplified application process: The program provides a streamlined and simplified application process, reducing administrative burdens for both the employee and the employer.
Shorter processing times: Applications under this program often benefit from shorter processing times, allowing skilled professionals to start their employment in the Netherlands more quickly.
Residence permit for extended duration: Successful applicants receive a residence permit, initially granted for a maximum of five years. This permit can be extended as long as the conditions continue to be met.
Spouse and dependent benefits: The program facilitates the relocation of family members, allowing spouses and dependent children to apply for residence permits based on family reunification.
The most important benefit for expats is that you might not have to pay taxes over 30% (maximum) of your income. The government does this because the costs in the Netherlands might be higher than the country of origin where the expat comes from. Be aware that there are certain checks that must be done, which you can see in this link.
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