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Coronavirus (COVID-19): this information may not be up-to-date. Please always read the latest information about the effects of the corona measures on your application or stay.


Other work in paid employment

You wish to work in paid employment in the Netherlands. You need a residence permit for this. What are the conditions for this residence permit? And how does the application procedure work?

Single Permit

Most of the times you can apply for a Single Permit. The Single Permit combines the residence permit and the TWV. You thus only apply for one permit. You do this at the IND. 

The IND asks advice from the Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency (UWV) about the labour market aspect. UWV assesses the request for advice based on the criteria of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wav). The Single Permit consists of a residence document and an additional document. The additional document states for which employer the foreign national may work and under which conditions. 

Do you want to apply for a Single Permit? Please use a form 'Aanvraag voor een gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA)'.

Conditions

There are certain conditions that apply to everyone. In addition, the following conditions apply:

  • You are going to earn sufficient income. 

  • The organisation of your employer is entered in the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce (if required by the Commercial Registers Act 2007).

You have to apply for a residence permit to work on a self-employed basis if you, as director and majority shareholder, meet the following conditions:

  • You have an interest of more than 25% in the company.
  • You run an entrepreneurial risk.
  • You can influence the amount of your income yourself.

Other work in paid employment without a Single Permit

For the following residence permits it is not possible to apply for a Single Permit. You or your employer only apply/applies for a residence permit at the IND.

Next to certain general conditions, the following specific conditions apply:

Work on a seagoing vessel or mining installation

  • You have worked for 7 years or more on board a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation on the continental shelf.

  • Your labour contract is still valid for a minimum of 1 year to work on a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation.

  • You are going to earn a sufficient independent long-term income.

Spending leave in the Netherlands after work on a seagoing vessel or mining installation

  • You have worked for 7 years or more on board a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation on the continental shelf.
  • During these 7 years you have spent all your leave in the Netherlands.

  • Your labour contract is still valid for a minimum of 1 year to work on a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation.

Looking for work on a seagoing vessel or mining installation

  • You have worked for 7 years or more on board a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation on the continental shelf.
  • On the basis of these years you can claim unemployment benefits (WW-uitkering).

  • With this WW-uitkering you have a  sufficient independent long-term income.

Recovering from illness in the Netherlands as employee on board a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation

  • You have worked for 7 years or more on board a Dutch seagoing vessel or mining installation on the shelf.

  • On the basis of these years you can claim sick leave benefits (Ziektewet-uitkering).

  • With this Ziektewet-uitkering you have a  sufficient independent long-term income.

Work in paid employment as non-privileged military or civilian personnel

  • You are a non-privileged soldier or non-privileged civilian staff member of armed forces stationed in the Netherlands or of armed forces that are passing through.
  • You are aligned to an international military headquarters in the Netherlands.

Work in paid employment based on a Headquarters Agreement

  • You work for the International Criminal Court in The Hague or work for the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 

Free on the labour market

You or your employer do not need a Single Permit or a TWV when you are free on the labour market. You are e.g. free on the labour market when you have worked in the Netherlands for 5 years. You or your employer only have to apply for a residence permit at the IND.

Do you or your employer not apply for a Single Permit? Or are you free on the labour market? Please use a form 'for the purpose of residence of 'paid employment'.

Your employer can choose to become a recognised sponsor. This is not obligatory. Recognition as sponsor has various advantages.

Other conditions may apply for Turkish nationals and their family members.

Costs

This application costs € 320. 

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you must enclose with the application.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

 

Steps in the application procedure

1. Submit application and payment

To travel to the Netherlands, you need a provisional residence permit (mvv). The mvv is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in the passport. In some cases, you do not need an mvv.

Do you not need an mvv? Please click the tab Without mvv.

You apply for the mvv and the residence permit at the same time. This can be done in 2 ways:

  • Your employer applies to the IND in the Netherlands.
    The forms are at the bottom of this page for your employer. Your employer sends the application form together with the required documents to the IND. After the application has been received, the IND sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.
      
    Are you only allowed to work with a work permit? And is it not possible to apply for a Single Permit? Your employer has to apply for the TWV to UWV. Your employer has to do this at the same time as the application for your residence permit. You cannot do this yourself.

  • You apply to the Dutch representation in your own country or the country of continuous residence.
    You submit the application in person to the Dutch representation in your own country or the country of continuous residence. This is possible by appointment only. During the appointment, your biometrics will be taken. From the Dutch representation, you will receive a confirmation letter with your alien registration number (V-number).

    After the appointment, you yourself send your application to the IND in the Netherlands and pay the fees. You most do both within 3 weeks from the date of application at the Dutch representation. In the application form, it says what documents to send along with your application. In the form, you will also find how to pay the fees for the application.

    In order to schedule an appointment to submit your application, please contact the Dutch representation.
         
    Are you only allowed to work with a work permit? And is it not possible to apply for a Single Permit? Your employer has to apply for the TWV to UWV. Your employer has to do this at the same time as the application for your residence permit. You cannot do this yourself.

The IND recommends that your employer starts the application for you. This saves you the travel costs for the journey to the Dutch representation. And the IND can usually decide faster on applications made in the Netherlands.

2. Receipt and check application

After your application has been received, the IND sends a confirmation letter to your sponsor in the Netherlands. The confirmation letter states the date the IND has received the application. It also states the period within which the IND makes a decision.

The IND will then check to see if your application is complete and if the fees have been paid. Are documents missing, or are documents not correct? In that case, the IND will send a letter: a request to rectify the omission. This letter lists the documents that still need to be sent. Send the requested documents before the mentioned date to the IND.

My IND en Message Box (Berichtenbox)

Follow your application in My IND. Did you register with the Message Box (Berichtenbox) for mail from IND? And did you enter you e-mail address? Than you will receive an e-mail from the Berichtenbox when you have new mail from IND.

3. Decision

The IND checks whether you and your employer meet all the conditions and if UWV has issued an additional document or a TWV (if required). The IND has to make a decision within a period of 90 days.

  • Negative decision

    If you or your employer do not meet the conditions, you will not get an mvv and a residence permit. This decision is given in the formal decision. You can apply for a review of this decision.

  • Positive decision

    If you and your employer meet all the conditions, you will get an mvv and a residence permit. You or your employer will be notified by the IND about the decision. The IND also informs the Dutch representation.​

4. Collect mvv

​You collect the mvv from the Dutch representation that your employer filled in on the application form, or where you have submitted the application form.

You have 3 months to collect the mvv. Please make an appointment for this with the representation. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months on the day you get the mvv.

Did your employer apply in the Netherlands? You then have to give your biometric information upon collecting the mvv.

5. Travel to the Netherlands

​Once you have collected your mvv, you can travel to the Netherlands. The mvv is valid for 90 days. The validity is shown on the mvv sticker. The mvv sticker shows 2 dates:

  • Effective date: as of this date the mvv is valid.
  • End date: as of this date the mvv is no longer valid.
The mvv allows you to travel within the Schengen Area.

Steps in the application procedure

1. Submit application and payment

You do not have an mvv-required nationality. You are travelling to the Netherlands in your permit-exempt term. This means that you do not need a visa to travel to the Netherlands. You then have 3 months to apply for the residence permit in the Netherlands.

Submitting the application can be done in 2 ways:

  • Your employer applies to the IND. This is also possible if you are still abroad.
    The forms are at the bottom of this page for your employer. Your employer sends the application form together with the required documents to the IND. After the application has been received, the IND sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.

    Are you only allowed to work with a work permit? And is it not possible to apply for a Single Permit? Your employer has to apply for this to UWV. Your employer has to do this at the same time as the application for your residence permit. You cannot do this yourself.

  • You apply in the Netherlands.
    You submit the application to the IND. The form is at the bottom of this page. Send the application form together with the required documents to the IND. The IND then sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.

    Are you only allowed to work with a work permit? And is it not possible to apply for a Single Permit? Your employer has to apply for this to UWV. Your employer has to do this at the same time as the application for your residence permit. You cannot do this yourself.
    After the IND has received your application, you must visit an IND Desk within 2 weeks to provide your biometric information. Make an appointment online to visit an IND Desk.

2. Receipt and check application

After your application has been received, the IND sends a confirmation letter. The confirmation letter states the date the IND has received the application. It also states the period within which the IND makes a decision.

The IND will then check to see if your application is complete and if the fees have been paid. Are documents missing, or are documents not correct? In that case, the IND will send a letter: a request to rectify the omission. This letter lists the documents that still need to be sent. Send the requested documents before the mentioned date to the IND.

My IND en Message Box (Berichtenbox)

Follow your application in My IND. Did you register with the Message Box (Berichtenbox) for mail from IND? And did you enter you e-mail address? Than you will receive an e-mail from the Berichtenbox when you have new mail from IND.

3. Decision

The IND checks whether you and your employer meet all the conditions and if UWV has issued an additional document or a work permit (if required). The IND has to make a decision within a period of 90 days.

  • Negative decision

    If you or your employer do not meet the conditions, you will not get a residence permit. This decision is given in the formal decision. You can apply for a review of this decision.

  • Positive decision

    If you and your employer meet all the conditions, you will get a residence permit.

Are you still abroad? Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you then go to an IND desk to give the biometric information.​

Application forms

Aanvraag voor een gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA) (erkend referent)7042

Your employer recognised as sponsor uses this form to start your application. This form is only available in Dutch.

Checklist documents

Your employer has a list of documents that you need.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for the purpose of residence of ‘paid employment’ (recognised sponsor)7510

Your employer recognised as sponsor uses this form to start your application.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Aanvraag voor een gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA) (referent) 7044

Your employer as sponsor uses this form to start your application. This form is only available in Dutch.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for the purpose of residence of ‘paid employment - regular’ (sponsor)7516

Your employer uses this form to submit your application.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for family members of your employee via recognised sponsor7514

Your recognised employer uses this form to apply for the residence permit of your family members. Your employer can also start the application online.

Checklist documents

Your employer has a list of documents that you need.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 192.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Apply online  Download  

Application for admission and residence for working purposes (foreign national)9532

​In order to schedule an appointment to submit your application, contact the Dutch representation.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Download  

Application forms

Aanvraag voor een gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA) (erkend referent) Single Permit7042

Your employer recognised as sponsor uses this form to start your application. This form is only available in Dutch.

Checklist documents

Your employer has a list of documents that you need.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for the purpose of residence of ‘paid employment’ (recognised sponsor)7510

Your employer recognised as sponsor uses this form to start your application. This form is only available in Dutch.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Aanvraag voor een gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA) (referent)7044

Your employer uses this form to start your application. This form is only available in Dutch.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for a residence permit with the purpose of residence being ‘paid employment (regular)’ (sponsor)7516

Your employer uses this form to submit your application.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Aanvraag voor een gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid (GVVA) (vreemdeling) Single Permit7046

Use this form to start your application. This form is only available in Dutch.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for a residence permit with the purpose of residence ‘working as an employee (regular)’ (foreign national)7522

Use this form to start your application.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application. 

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 320.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Download  

Application for a residence permit for a ‘long-term third country national from outside the EU’ (sponsor)7519

Use this form if you have the status 'long-term third country national' in another EU-country. Of if you are a family member of a person that has the status 'long-term third country national' in another EU-country and you already had a residence permit as a family member of your partner in that other country. Your partner (sponsor) submits the application.

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs [Langdurige ingezetene die deze status heeft gekregen in een ander EU-land$zondermvvbedrag].

Download  

Application for a residence permit for a ‘longterm third country national from outside the EU’ (foreign national)7528

Use this form if you have the status 'long-term third country national' in another EU-country. Of if you are a family member of a person that has the status 'long-term third country national' in another EU-country and you already had a residence permit as a family member of your partner in that other country. 

Checklist documents

The application form lists the documents that you have to enclose with the application.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs [Langdurige ingezetene die deze status heeft gekregen in een ander EU-land$zondermvvbedrag].

Download  

Application for family members of your employee via recognised sponsor7514

​Your recognised employer uses this form to apply for the residence permit of your family members. Your employer can also start the application online.

Checklist documents

Your employer has a list of documents that you need.

You have to have official foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

How to send documents to the IND:

  • You only send copies of your documents, single-sided and on A4 paper.
  • The copies must be complete and legible.
  • Write down your V-number or client number on each copy. If you do not know these numbers, then please write your name and date of birth on each copy.
  • Do not send USB sticks, CDs or DVDs.
  • You keep the original documents yourself. You have to show these documents to the Dutch representation abroad.

Costs application

This application costs € 192.

Sometimes other costs apply.

Apply online  Download  

After the application

Collect your residence permit

The IND aims to have your residence permit ready within 2 weeks following your arrival in the Netherlands. The IND will send you a letter indicating when you can collect your residence permit. For this, you have to make an appointment online at the IND desk stated in the letter. Keep in mind that it is not always possible to visit an IND desk at short notice. Therefore, please schedule an appointment in time.

Check to see if the information on your residence permit is correct while you are still at the IND desk. If something is incorrect, please inform the IND staff member at once.

Registration with the municipality

Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you must register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP)  in the municipality you are going to live.

To register with the municipality you need a legalised and translated  birth certificate. Take this therefore with you when you travel to the Netherlands.

Please contact your municipality in advance to check which (legalised and translated) documents/ certificates you need to take with you.

TB test

You have indicated your intent to undergo a tuberculosis test (TB test) when you applied. You have to make an appointment for this with the Area Health Authority (GGD). You do this within 3 months after having received your residence permit. Please take the 'TB test referral form' with you to the appointment.

In some cases you are exempt from taking a TB test.

Take out health insurance

Anyone living in the Netherlands must take out health insurance. You do this within 4 months following your arrival in the Netherlands.

Validity residence permit

The Single Permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year.

Is this your first residence permit? Or have you applied for extension? Then your residence permit is valid for the period for which the work permit (TWV, tewerkstellingsvergunning) was issued. 

Did you earlier have a residence permit with another purpose than work in paid employment? Then your residence permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year.

Are you allowed to work without a work permit (TWV)? Then your residence permit is valid for the duration of your employment contract with a maximum validity of 5 years.

Right to work

The Single Permit consists of a residence permit and an additional document. The residence permit states 'Arbeid toegestaan conform aanvullend document' (work permitted according to additional document). The additional document states for which employer you may work and under which conditions. The residence document and additional document allow you to live and work for your employer in the Netherlands. Your employer receives a copy of the additional document.

Working during your application for extension of the Single Permit

For employees for whom, after 5 April 2017, a renewal application GVVA has been submitted, it is, under specific conditions and pending the decision of the application, possible for them to keep working for their employer.

They must have a residence sticker (VA sticker) with an indication of work status placed in their passport. With this VA-sticker in the passport, the employee can then show that he is staying legitimately in the Netherlands and is allowed to work. If the application for renewal can be granted, then the GVVA (including the supplementary document) will be linked, in principle, to the earlier GVVA.

Conditions
The worker may, pending the decision on the application for renewal, keep working if:

  • the application is submitted in time, that is, if the request is received by the IND before expiration of the period of validity of the previously granted GVVA;
  • the employee continues to do the same work for the same employer; and
  • there is a VA sticker placed in the passport, with which it can be demonstrated that he is allowed to keep working for his employer.

Requesting an extension on time
It is advisable to submit a renewal request for the GVVA for your employee on time, that is about 3 months before the expiration of the GVVA. The IND will then, in most cases, have ruled on the request before the period of validity of the previously granted GVVA has expired. In that case, the employee does not need to apply for a residence endorsement sticker. The IND needs a total of 90 days to process a GVVA request, the so-called 'statutory period.' The statutory period of 5 weeks, in which the UWV formulates an opinion, is part of this. The IND does strive to make a decision on a fully submitted GVVA application within 7 weeks.

Making an appointment
To request a residence endorsement sticker at the IND desk, the employee must make an appointment online. Please take into account that it may take some time before you are given an appointment at the IND desk.

Residence permit that is not a Single Permit

At the back of your residence permit is stated if you are allowed to work. You residence permit states 'work in employment only permitted when TWV is issued' (arbeid toegestaan mits tewerkstellingsvergunning (TWV) verleend). This means that you are only allowed to work with an employer that has a TWV for you.

Labour market notification 'work freely permitted'

Have you worked in the Netherlands for 5 years? Then you are free to work in the Netherlands. You do not need an TWV anymore.

Is your residence permit still valid for a least 4 months? You can replace your residence permit for a document with the labour market notification 'arbeid vrij toegestaan' (work freely permitted).

Does your permit expire within 3 months? Apply for extension. Write on the form that you wish to have the labour market notification 'arbeid vrij toegestaan' on your new residence permit.

Legal obligations

There are a number of legal obligations that apply to you and your employer.

The IND monitors your compliance with these legal obligations. Failure to meet these legal obligations may have consequences.

Further applications (extend or change) / return visa

Replace residence permit

Is your residence permit damaged, lost or stolen? In that case, have the residence permit replaced.

Extend residence permit

Is your residence permit due to expire soon? Apply for an extension.

Change residence permit

Has something changed in your situation that influences your residence permit? Please report this immediately to the IND. It may mean that the residence permit has to be changed.

Permanent stay

Having had a residence permit for a period of 5 years, you may apply for a permanent residence permit.

Becoming a Dutch citizen

Having had a residence permit for a period of 5 years, you may apply for Dutch citizenship.

Return visa

If you are awaiting a procedure, you do not have a valid residence document at present and you wish to travel outside the Netherlands, you may need a return visa to re-enter the Netherlands. This could be the case if your current residence permit is no longer valid or your current residence permit will expire during your stay outside of the Netherlands. To apply for a return visa you must meet certain conditions. ​

TWV

​A TWV is a work permit. The employer applies for a TWV with UWV (Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency). UWV examines among other things if there is no employee with the Dutch, EU/EEA or Swiss nationality that is qualified for the job.

Provisional residence permit (mvv)

​The provisional residence permit (mvv) is a visa you need if you wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. For more information, check Regular provisional residence permit (mvv).

Dutch representation

​This is the Dutch embassy or consulate.

country of continuous residence

​A country of continuous residence is a country (other than the country of origin) where you may lawfully live for more than 3 months. This means you have a valid residence permit for that country. Or that you are waiting for your application for a residence permit to be approved.

Are you in a country in your free term? Or with a visa for short stay (maximum of 3 months)? This is not continuous residence.

formal decision

​A formal letter with the decision on your application.