Blog Single

A detailed guide on the Netherlands work visa for Indian citizens in 2025, covering types of work visas, tenure, minimum wages, working hours, mandatory health and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) requirements, and required documents. The information is based on the latest available data from official sources and immigration guidelines.

Types of Netherlands Work Visas for Indians and Tenure

The Netherlands offers several work visa types for Indian citizens, each tailored to specific employment purposes and durations. Below are the primary work visa categories:

1. Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

• Purpose: For highly skilled professionals with a job offer from an IND-recognized sponsor (Dutch employer). Targets roles in technology, engineering, health, or academia.
• Tenure: Valid for up to 5 years, tied to the employment contract. Renewable if employment continues.
• Eligibility: Requires a job offer with a minimum salary (see below) and a recognized sponsor.

1. EU Blue Card

• Purpose: For highly qualified non-EU professionals working in high-level positions across EU/EEA countries.
• Tenure: Valid for 4 years, renewable.
• Eligibility: Requires a job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold and a higher education degree (minimum 3 years).

1. Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa

• Purpose: For employees of multinational companies transferred to a Dutch branch (e.g., managers, specialists, or trainees).
• Tenure: Up to 3 years for managers/specialists, 1 year for trainees. Extendable under specific conditions.
• Eligibility: Minimum 3 months of prior employment with the company and a salary meeting Dutch standards.

1. Single Permit (GVVA – Combined Residence and Work Permit)

• Purpose: For non-EEA nationals working in the Netherlands for more than 3 months in roles not covered by other visa types (e.g., regular employment).
• Tenure: Typically valid for the duration of the employment contract, up to 1 year, renewable.
• Eligibility: Employer must prove no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available and apply for the permit.

1. Work Permit (TWV – Tewerkstellingsvergunning)

• Purpose: For short-term work (less than 3 months) or specific roles not requiring a residence permit.
• Tenure: Valid for up to 90 days.
• Eligibility: Employer applies to the UWV, proving no suitable EU/EEA candidate.

1. Orientation Year Visa (Job Seeker Visa)

• Purpose: Allows graduates from Dutch universities or top 200 global universities (per QS/Times rankings) to stay and search for employment.
• Tenure: Valid for 1 year, non-renewable. Must secure a job and apply for another visa afterward.
• Eligibility: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD completed within the last 3 years.

1. Entrepreneur/Self-Employment Visa

• Purpose: For individuals starting a business in the Netherlands that benefits the Dutch economy.
• Tenure: Up to 2 years, renewable if the business is successful.
• Eligibility: Requires a business plan approved by a recognized facilitator and proof of sufficient funds.

Minimum Wages for Work Visas

The minimum salary requirements for work visas in 2025 vary by visa type and applicant’s age, as set by the Dutch government. These are updated periodically, and the figures below are based on 2024/2025 data from official sources:

• Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (gross monthly salary, excluding 8% holiday allowance):
• Under 30 years: €3,770 (~₹3,30,000)
• 30 years and older: €5,180 (~₹4,53,000)
• Recent graduates (Orientation Year): €2,770 (~₹2,42,000)
• EU Blue Card:
• Minimum €6,100 (~₹5,34,000) per month (gross, excluding holiday allowance).
• Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa:
• Must meet the Highly Skilled Migrant salary thresholds or market-conforming wages for the role.
• Single Permit (GVVA):
• Must meet the Dutch statutory minimum wage for regular roles, which is €2,030.30 per month (gross, as of January 2025 for workers aged 21+ for a 36–40-hour workweek). Higher for skilled roles.
• General Minimum Wage:
• The statutory minimum wage in the Netherlands for 2025 is €14.09 per hour for workers aged 21+ (based on a 36–40-hour workweek).

Note: Employers must provide proof of salary via the employment contract, and failure to meet these thresholds can lead to visa rejection.

Working Hours in the Netherlands

• Standard Working Hours: Employees typically work 32–40 hours per week, averaging 32.2 hours per week across industries.
• Maximum Limits:
• Maximum 12 hours per shift.
• Maximum 60 hours per week, but no more than 55 hours per week on average over 4 weeks or 45 hours per week over 16 weeks.
• Breaks:
• A 30-minute break is mandatory for shifts longer than 5.5 hours.
• A 45-minute break for shifts longer than 10 hours.
• Holiday Leave: Employees are entitled to at least 4 times their weekly working hours in paid leave annually (e.g., 20 days for a 5-day workweek).

The Netherlands is known for its work-life balance, with many employees opting for part-time work or flexible hours.

Mandatory Health and PCC Requirements

1. Health Insurance:

• Mandatory: All residents in the Netherlands, including work visa holders, must have Dutch health insurance within 4 months of arrival.
• Coverage: Must include medical expenses, hospitalization, and general practitioner visits, meeting Dutch healthcare standards.
• Cost: Approximately €100–150 per month (~₹8,500–12,500), depending on the provider and coverage.
• Application Process: Proof of health insurance is required during visa application (for Orientation Year or Entrepreneur visas) or upon arrival for other visas. Temporary international health insurance may be needed for the initial period.
• Note: Employers may arrange health insurance for employees, especially for Highly Skilled Migrant or ICT visas.

1. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):

• Requirement: A PCC (Certificate of Good Conduct) is often required to prove a clean criminal record, especially for long-term visas like Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, or GVVA.
• Details:
  • Must be issued by Indian authorities (e.g., Regional Passport Office or local police) or from any country where the applicant resided for the past 5 years.
  • Should confirm no criminal convictions or pending cases.
  • Typically valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
• When Required: Submitted during the visa application process or as requested by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Not always mandatory for short-term TWV permits.
• Process: Apply through the Indian Passport Seva portal or local police station. Takes 1–4 weeks to obtain.

1. Tuberculosis (TB) Test:

• Requirement: Applicants from India (a high-risk TB country) must undergo a TB test within 3 months of arrival if applying for a residence permit (e.g., Highly Skilled Migrant, GVVA).
• Exemptions: Not required for short-term visas (e.g., TWV for less than 3 months) or if the applicant has lived in a low-risk TB country for 6 months prior.
• Process: Conducted at a designated Dutch public health service (GGD) after arrival. Proof of appointment may be required during visa application.

Documents Sent by the Client (Employer)

The employer plays a critical role in the visa process, especially for Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, ICT, or GVVA visas. The following documents are typically prepared and submitted by the employer to the IND or UWV:

1. Employment Contract: Signed contract detailing job role, salary (meeting minimum wage thresholds), working hours, and duration.
2. Job Offer Letter: Formal offer specifying the position and terms of employment.
3. Employer Sponsorship Form: Proof that the employer is a recognized sponsor by the IND (for Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, or ICT).
4. Proof of Recruitment Efforts (for GVVA/TWV): Evidence that no suitable EU/EEA candidate was found (e.g., job vacancy advertised for 5 weeks, or 3 weeks for hard-to-fill roles).
5. Company Registration Documents: Proof of the employer’s registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
6. Salary Proof: Documentation ensuring the salary meets the visa-specific minimum wage requirements.
7. Work Permit Application (TWV): If applying for a short-term TWV, the employer submits the application to the UWV.

For ICT visas, additional documents include:

• Proof of economic activity between the foreign company and Dutch branch.
• Evidence of the employee’s prior employment (minimum 3 months) with the company.

Note: The employer typically submits these documents directly to the IND or UWV. The applicant may need to provide personal documents to the employer for inclusion.

Documents to Be Submitted at the Embassy/Consulate

Indian applicants must submit documents at the Dutch Embassy in New Delhi, Consulate-General in Mumbai or Bangalore, or a VFS Global Visa Application Centre (VAC) in India. The required documents depend on the visa type but generally include:

1. Valid Passport:

• Valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
• Must have at least 2 blank pages for visa stickers.
• Copies of the bio-data page (first and last page) and previous visas.

1. Completed Visa Application Form:

• Available on the IND website or VFS Global portal.
• Must be filled accurately and signed.

1. Recent Passport-Sized Photographs:

• Two photos meeting Schengen visa photo specifications (35×45 mm, white background, recent within 6 months).

1. Employment Documents:

• Signed employment contract or job offer letter from the Dutch employer.
• Proof of salary meeting the minimum wage threshold.

1. Educational and Professional Qualifications:

• Degrees, diplomas, or certificates relevant to the job (e.g., bachelor’s/master’s for Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card).
• Work experience certificates, if required for the role.

1. Health Insurance Proof:

• Proof of valid health insurance (international or Dutch) covering the initial stay. For some visas (e.g., Orientation Year), this is mandatory at the application stage.
• Confirmation of intent to obtain Dutch health insurance within 4 months of arrival.

1. Police Clearance Certificate (PCC):

• As described above, required for long-term visas to prove a clean criminal record.

1. Financial Proof:

• Bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing sufficient funds to support yourself during the initial stay.
• Not always required if the employer guarantees financial support via the contract.

1. Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) Application (if applicable):

• For stays longer than 90 days, an MVV (entry visa) is required alongside the residence permit.
• Submitted at the embassy/consulate with the above documents.
• MVV sticker is affixed to the passport upon approval.

1. Biometric Data:
   • Fingerprints and a photograph are collected at the embassy/VFS Global during the visa appointment.
2. Additional Documents (Visa-Specific):
   • Entrepreneur Visa: Business plan, proof of funds, and agreement with a recognized facilitator.
   • Orientation Year Visa: Proof of graduation (degree certificate) from a Dutch or top 200 global university.
   • ICT Visa: Proof of prior employment and economic activity between company branches.
3. Visa Fee Payment Receipt:
   • Fees vary by visa type:
   • Highly Skilled Migrant: ~€285 (~₹24,000).
   • GVVA: ~€300 (~₹24,141).
   • Orientation Year: ~€207 (~₹17,500).
   • Fees are non-refundable and payable at the embassy/VFS Global.

Translation Requirement: All documents must be in English, Dutch, French, or Spanish. If in another language (e.g., Hindi), they must be translated by a certified translator and notarized.

Submission Process:

• Book an appointment at VFS Global or the Dutch Embassy/Consulate via their official website.
• Submit documents in person, provide biometrics, and pay the visa fee.
• Processing time: Typically 2–7 weeks, depending on the visa type and completeness of documents.

Additional Notes

• Embassy/Consulate Locations in India:
• Dutch Embassy: New Delhi (6/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi).
• Consulate-General: Mumbai and Bangalore.
• VFS Global Centres: Available in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and other cities for visa submission and biometrics.
• Processing Time:
• Standard: 15–90 days, depending on visa type and document verification.
• Delays may occur if additional documents or a TB test is required.
• Arrival Requirements:
• Register with the local municipality within 8 days of arrival to obtain a Citizen Service Number (BSN).
• Arrange Dutch health insurance within 4 months.
• Undergo a TB test (if required) within 3 months.
• Common Rejection Reasons:
• Incomplete or incorrect documents.
• Insufficient salary or financial proof.
• Lack of employer sponsorship or failure to meet recruitment criteria.
• Tips for Success:
• Apply early (up to 3 months before travel).
• Ensure all documents are accurate and translated.
• Stay in contact with your employer and the embassy for updates.

Sources

• Government.nl: Work permits and requirements.
• NetherlandsWorldwide: MVV visa sticker application.
• APRIL International: Working hours and workers’ rights.

Apply today at  Prime Global Visas 🌏✈️ 

📍 #507, Rivera Apartments, Dwarakapuri Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad
📍 #I/11 OFFICE NO 3, Morocco Cluster, International city, Dubai

📞 +91 9429693389, +971 562087551
📧 info@primeglobalvisas.com 
🌍 www.primeglobalvisas.com