Frequently Asked Questions

Residence Permits in the Netherlands

Relocating talent to the Netherlands involves more than finding the right candidate—it means navigating IND rules, permit types, and relocation timelines.. Here you will find answers for common questions from HR professionals and hiring teams managing residence permits for international hires.

All residence and work permits are handled by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).

If they’re still abroad, the process usually starts at the Dutch embassy in their home country—or via your company if you’re a Recognised Sponsor.

If your candidate is already in the Netherlands, you can submit the application directly to the IND.

The MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) is a provisional residence visa required for many non-EU hires staying longer than 90 days.

Nationals from certain countries are exempt—EMG can advise based on the candidate’s profile.

It allows entry into the Netherlands while the full residence permit is being processed.

No. Nationals from EU/EEA countries or Switzerland can live and work freely in the Netherlands.

However, if staying longer than 4 months, they must register at the local municipality (gemeente) and obtain a BSN (citizen service number).

If your company is a Recognised Sponsor, IND decisions typically take around two weeks.

If an MVV (provisional residence permit) is also required, allow an additional two weeks—though local embassy timelines may vary.

Tip: Start early. Delays in visa approval can affect onboarding timelines and employee confidence.

Once the residence permit is approved and collected, employees can:

  • Travel within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • Travel freely for business or personal reasons without applying for extra visas.

Note: Leaving the Netherlands before the permit is issued can disrupt the process.

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Over 15 years of supporting international professionals as they build their lives and careers in the Netherlands.

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Monika was exceptionally helpful, professional and friendly. She was really responsive and clarified things when we had questions or concerns. She really made a difference making sure my partner and I are set up for success in our new home country!
I know people moving without support from a relocation company and I know how challenging it can be. Thanks to Monika my process was so easy and smooth.
Big "Thank you" to Susan van Haperen for professional approach and constant support!
It was one of the most challenging stage of my life; and both Indri and Lea supported me a lot. All things went smooth!
Great support and collaborative way of working! Very convenient to access all the documents and steps. Thank you for job done!
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to the Executive Mobility Service team for their exceptional assistance during our recent relocation.
An amazing team of professionals. Well coordinated, always on point with their communication and able to provide clarity to their clients also in fast-paced and last-minute situations.
I had Joyce as my consultant and she was one of the most helpful I have encountered - always readily available and a great resource for information.
From the very beginning, they were accommodating, attentive to our needs, and always quick to respond to any inquiries. The staff were consistently friendly and approachable, making the entire experience smoother. Additionally, their system was user-friendly, which made everything easy to manage.
Thanks a lot, it was a very smooth process, with a lot of support and being managed very professionally by Joyce.
Indri always helped me a lot, she explained everything very clear and made quick solutions!! Thanks so much!
I wanted to thank Nathalie once again for your supporting my wife during her visa process, your guidance was incredibly helpful.

I want to thank my relocation consultant, Joyce Hofman, for her support and professionalism during my entire relocation process. Thanks to her I had a hassle and stress-free relocation in the Netherlands. After my wonderful experience recommend EMG's services to other expats in a heartbeat.