Work authorisation
Single permit (GVVA, combined residence and work permit) for paid employment. It is a residence document plus an extra document that names the employer and the work conditions. A separate work permit (TWV) is needed only where a GVVA is not possible. This does not apply to a typical welder hired by a Dutch employer.
The IND advises that the employer applies in the Netherlands, for the MVV and the single permit at the same time. The application goes to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service). The IND asks UWV for advice on the labour market. The employer does not apply to UWV separately. The worker can also apply alone, at a Dutch embassy or to the IND. Conditions: the employer first looks for staff in the Netherlands and EU/EEA and registers the vacancy with UWV, pays a normal wage under the collective agreement, and arranges suitable housing. The company must be in the Commercial Register (KvK) where required.
How you enter the country
Most nationalities (including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, India, Philippines and Bangladesh) need an MVV, which is a type D entry visa sticker. After a positive decision, the worker books an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate within 3 months and collects the MVV in person. The MVV is valid for 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least 6 more months. If biometrics were not taken abroad, the IND takes fingerprints and a photo at an IND desk in the Netherlands. If the worker applies alone at an embassy, the embassy takes fingerprints and a signature.
Processing times
The IND must decide within 90 days. Shorter periods apply in some cases. The period can be extended, for example if the file is incomplete. UWV has a legal limit of 5 weeks for its advice. The IND aims to have the residence document ready within 2 weeks after biometrics.
Documents you usually provide
- Application form (the employer form depends on recognised sponsor status. The worker's own form is 9532 in English)
- Valid passport, valid at least 6 more months when the MVV sticker is placed
- Passport photo
- Official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German
- Signed employment contract under normal Dutch wage terms
- TB test referral form (7604) where required. The TB test is at the GGD within 3 months of receiving the permit
- Legalised and translated birth certificate (needed later to register with the municipality)
After arrival
Collect the residence document at an IND desk by appointment after receiving a letter. The worker may not start work until they have the residence document and the extra document. Register at the municipality where they will live (BRP). Take out Dutch health insurance. Do the TB test at the GGD if it applies.
How Worrki helps
We confirm the job with the employer, coordinate the employer documents and check your package before you apply. You submit the application yourself and the authorities make the decision. See jobs and conditions in Netherlands.
This summary was checked against the official pages listed below on 2 November 2026. Fees are set by the authorities and change often, so we do not quote them here. Always confirm the current requirements and fees with the consulate that serves your country of residence.