Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is a TWV and when do I need one?

A TWV is a work permit in the Netherlands that employers must apply for when hiring a non‑EU national for a job lasting up to 90 days.

What is a GVVA and when do I need one?

A GVVA is a combined residence and work permit, typically required when employment exceeds 90 days.

Who has to apply for the work permit?

Kroes Advocaten prepares the application and guides the employer throughout the entire process. The employer submits the work permit application officially themselves.

Why are TWVs and GVVAs rarely granted?

TWVs and GVVAs are rarely granted because the employer must first demonstrate that no suitable candidates are available within the EU. In many cases, this is not possible. If no EU candidate is available, the employer must show that a candidate can be trained for the role within six months, which is often difficult in practice.

Are there alternatives if a TWV or GVVA is unlikely?

Yes. Alternatives include the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme, EU Blue Card, Intra-Company Transfer, permits for recent graduates, or for specific work like software implementation or goods inspection. We advise which option best fits your employee and organisation.

How long does a work permit application take?

The processing time depends on the type of permit and the specific situation. On average, it takes about 2 weeks for a Highly Skilled Migrant permit, 30 days for an EU Blue Card, and up to 3 months for other applications. We always provide a realistic estimate in advance so you know what to expect.

Can Kroes Advocaten apply for the work permit on my behalf?

Yes, we can submit the application on your behalf. In addition, we provide full guidance and advice to ensure the application is submitted correctly and has the best chance of approval.

What are the risks if an employee works without the proper permit?

Working without a valid permit can result in high fines, reputational damage, and difficulties with future applications. That’s why it’s essential to choose the correct route in advance and have the process carefully managed.

Contact us

Do you want to hire a non‑EU employee quickly and without risks? Contact Kroes Advocaten. We guide you through the entire process: from the initial assessment of your situation to the final decision on the application.

Testimonials
Be in Good Company. Our clients appreciate our excellent and client-oriented service.
10
I came to Sander with an extremely urgent and complicated immigration case. I was only days away from losing my right to work, which would have put my job at risk and could ultimately have meant having to leave the Netherlands, where I have...
10
Irem Telci
25 September 2026
Working with Sander Groen / Kroes Advocaten was the best decision we made during our immigration process. From day one, they proved to be extremely professional, deeply knowledgeable, and completely on top of every deadline.What truly sets them...
10
Maria Alejandra Leone
23 September 2026
I cannot thank [Agata and the all company but Agata] enough for her outstanding support throughout our case. She is truly one of the best lawyers you could ever work with. Her dedication, brilliant expertise, and hard work are second to none....
10
Andreas
23 September 2026
Inge at Kroes Advocaten was instrumental in filing my application for citizenship through the option procedure and seeing the process through to the very end! In comparison to another "highly rated" immigration lawyer I used to work with, Kroes...
10
Nick
23 September 2026
I had an excellent experience with Kroes Advocaten during my Dutch residence permit application process. I would particularly like to thank Sander for his professionalism, responsiveness and practical guidance throughout the process....
10
Kristina
22 September 2026
Kroes Advocaten assisted in obtaining a work permit/sports visa for my son - aged 22.
10
Mark
22 September 2026
We were very pleased with the results and the process. After searching online for a law firm to help us obtain a visa, we found Kroes, and we are so glad we did. They were able to guide us through the process and were very knowledgeable and...
10
Denisse
21 September 2026
Navigating the immigration process can be really stressful, but working with Sander Groen made a huge difference. From the very beginning, he was clear about what to expect, explained potential outcomes, and guided us through every step. He was...
10
Irmak
18 September 2026
We are highly satisfied with the service we received throughout the entire process and had a very positive experience with Esther. From beginning to end, the information and guidance provided were always clear, precise, and reassuring, which...
10
Chuhan
18 September 2026
We work for the following clients
Tiange Gao, HR Operations Western Europe

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to Kroes Advocaten for the outstanding service that is provided in the work permit and residence applications, specifically the ICT visa process. Our dedicated lawyer Mr. Sander Groen, whose professionalism and attention to detail makes the entire experience seamless and stress-free. Their ability to tackle extremely difficult cases with a positive outcome reflects the high standards of excellence at Kroes Advocaten.”

Marek Macek, Consulting Director

“We have not had a single instance where Kroes Advocaten did not deliver what was promised to us. They are typically very specific about the process, costs and timelines. This is a great value-add to us, as it simply takes away another risk item and allows us to successfully live up to our commitments to our customers.”

Vera Hoffmann, Global Mobility Manager

"They are great to work with, responsiveness, knowledgeable and great communication to our foreigners. "

Parag Deshpande, Sr. Director

“All expectations met. They also helped set a process for audit from IND in Netherlands for us which is really handy. They maintain a copy of each case in electronic and physical format at their office. Also reminders on expiring visas and application to renew the same in time is handy.”

Marios Stangonis, Legal Department

“The team of KROES Advocaten leaves us always satisfied with the quality of the services they provide us with. They know very well the technicalities of Dutch immigration law and legal procedures and are able to give us precise direction within short deadlines. We feel confident that every issue we assign them is under control.”

Martijn Coeveld, Director of Operations

“We consider Kroes Advocaten as one of our key partners; they play an essential role in recruiting new talent for TBA. Kroes Advocaten provide clarity early-on, get to action promptly and are responsive throughout the entire visa application process.”

Anurag Nautiyal, Sales Director & Head – Continental Europe

“I would like to thank Kroes Advocaten  for the excellent job that all of you have done in managing these assignments. It was professionally handled, expertly managed, with timely updates and at no point did it seem that you are not in control. “

Nynke Doorenbos, Executive Vice President, HR, Legal and Operations

"We have been working with Kroes Advocaten for several years mainly in relation to Visa applications for expats. We value their efficiency, responsiveness and professionalism. Based on our experience in working with them, we have complete faith in their capabilities of getting the job done! On behalf of our organisation I take this opportunity to thank Sander Groen, Sarah Lindeboom and the rest of the team for always delivering excellence and organizing valuable seminars and events for knowledge sharing. Very much appreciated!"

Kailas Ugale, Manager – Visa & Immigration

“Kroes Advocaten  is a leader in the field of Dutch Immigration law, work permit and process and consistently provides us with outstanding value. Their service remains extremely client oriented, user friendly and highly efficient. Their fees are extremely competitive yet they offer solid legal strategic advice with consistently high service and results.” 

Venera Khairullina, Visa Strategy & Compliance Group

We  have been working with Kroes Advocaten for all our visa applications in Netherlands. They have been very efficient, responsive, and have a high-skilled team of immigration specialists. They also very good in finding smart solutions that are compliant with the local laws and regulations and they timely warn us about any changes in the local law. We are generally very pleased with their assistance.

Joe White, Regional Manager

"Kroes Advocaten have assisted us with the relocation of many staff in recent years. Their work has been exemplary - we've never had any issues, everything is completed on time and for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend them to anyone who needs to transfer staff from overseas to The Netherlands."

Henk Offermans, Finance & HR Manager

Kroes Advocaten have assisted us a few times now with expats coming from Japan and we can testify that they have a very straightforward approach. What really stands out is their way of communication. They are clear on every step, inform us immediately when there is new information and also help the expats, who are unfamiliar with the Netherlands, by showing them what to do in a clear way when their input is required. Our expats are very positive about the service delivered.

Teresa Vanderlaan, Global Humans Resources Manager 

Many times we are all rushing to get work completed and forget the simple words of “thank you”. I wanted to stop today and tell you I truly appreciate how responsive you and your team are, how you communicate and explain the world of immigration to myself and colleagues, and your availability to myself and anyone on my team. While I am half Dutch, I have heard generalizations made, that the Dutch are very slow in responding and working. That has not been the case with you and you have no idea how helpful it has been for me to work with you. So “thank you”. You help me make my job easier.

Barak Bar-Hen, CEO Elad Europe

"The Elad Europe group has started working with Mr. Sander Groen since 2007, and is using his good services for its employees. Mr. Groen has shown that he has vast knowledge, experience and good contacts within the authorities and always provided best results in minimum time."

Cristina Ruz, HR Director, Strategic Business Partner

"Sheryl Goldberg is one of the best Immigration professionals that I have worked with. She has a vast knowledge of the immigration system but her differentiator is the way she applies this to any business situation together with her direct and plain way to explain the solutions. In additional to this, Sheryl is great and positive person and we find her as an extension to our HR team. Thanks so much Sheryl for all your help!"

Amy Darling

“Jelle was a fantastic partner and advisor throughout the process of applying for nearly 20 work permits for our staff. He was always very transparent about the work that needed to be completed for the best results and was very upfront about the costs of that work. We never felt manipulated or neglected, and both Jelle and his team were very pleasant to work with. We would highly recommend hiring Jelle and his team for any US companies hoping to obtain permits for working in the Netherlands.”

Murat Alexandrovich Koedanetov, Directeur

"Kroes Advocaten has been assisting Arkoil Technologies Netherlands for many years with applications for visas and work permits for its staff, with legal issues and all our questions regarding the Aliens Act. We at Arkoil Technologies Netherlands believe that Kroes Advocaten offers excellent and client-oriented service. And points that we find very important are: flexibility, good communication, quick answers and of course solutions that are always found by Kroes Advocaten."

Rony Barbi, Director of HR

"Fornova started working with Mr. Sander Groen on January 2016 and is using his excellent services for its employees. Mr. Groen has shown that he has vast knowledge, experience and always available to give us the professional services we needed.“

Pieter Viljoen Sr, CEO and founder of Infomet

"I wish to express my satisfaction and extreme gratitude for the very competent and thorough work done by Sander Groen with respect to the handling of Pieter Viljoen Jr.'s immigration matters. He is a true professional and a truly pleasant individual to work with! He is knowledgeable, factual, and wise!"

Do you have a question about work permits?

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