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Work permit for The Netherlands
If you are looking to hire a non‑EU employee in the Netherlands, you will often need to apply for a Dutch work permit before they can start working. Without the correct permit, a non‑EU national is not legally allowed to work in the Netherlands, whether for short-term or long-term roles. This includes TWV Netherlands, GVVA Netherlands, or other types of Dutch work permits for non-EU employees.
What is a Dutch work permit and when is it required?
Employers must apply for a work permit when hiring a non‑EU employee in the Netherlands:
- TWV: required for employment up to 90 days. This is the standard TWV work permit in the Netherlands.
- GVVA: required for employment longer than 90 days.
- Highly Skilled Migrants and certain other categories do not require a TWV or GVVA before employment.
When is a GVVA or TWV granted?
A work permit (TWV) or combined permit (GVVA) is only issued after an employer shows that they could not find a suitable candidate within the Netherlands and the EU. The job vacancy must have been posted with the UWV for a specified period (usually at least 3 months) without success, a requirement known as the labour market test.
This labour market test makes TWVs and GVVAs difficult to obtain for many regular positions, which is why alternative routes are often more successful.
Other options to bring non-EU talent to the Netherlands
Because TWV and GVVA applications are rarely granted in standard cases, employers frequently choose alternatives that are faster and more viable:
Our experts assess your situation and recommend the best option for your business.
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