How long does a Netherlands work visa take to process?

A decision on a Netherlands work visa typically takes around 14 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

What documents are required for a Netherlands work visa?

The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Antecedents certificate (declaration on criminal record), signed; Employment contract meeting the applicable salary threshold; Recognised sponsor details and IND reference number; Legalised and translated birth certificate where requested; Proof of UK immigration status; TB test appointment confirmation for applicable nationalities; Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Netherlands work visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Netherlands work visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Netherlands work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Netherlands consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€210

Typical decision

14 days

Appointments

Online booking

Where to apply for a Netherlands work visa

Most applicants use the employer-led TEV procedure: a recognised sponsor (erkend referent) files with the IND in the Netherlands, then you collect the visa (MVV) at the Dutch Embassy in London or VFS.

Required documents

Valid passport
Antecedents certificate (declaration on criminal record), signed
Employment contract meeting the applicable salary threshold
Recognised sponsor details and IND reference number
Legalised and translated birth certificate where requested
Proof of UK immigration status
TB test appointment confirmation for applicable nationalities
Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Highly skilled migrant / TEV application€405— IND fee, usually paid by the employer.
Regular employee (GVVA / single permit)€210
Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizenFree— Directive 2004/38/EC — fee waived with proof of relationship.
VFS service fee€30

The main cost is the IND application fee, which the sponsoring employer normally pays. The MVV sticker itself is covered by that fee. All IND fees rose by 4.4% on 1 January 2026 and are re-indexed every January, so confirm the exact amount on the IND fee page before paying. Recognised sponsors also face new administration obligations and higher government fees from 1 January 2026.

Booking an appointment

Once the IND approves, you book an MVV collection appointment with the embassy or VFS. No interview is normally required; the appointment is for biometrics and sticker collection.

Practical tips

Ask whether your employer is an IND recognised sponsor — if so, decisions typically arrive in about two weeks instead of the standard 90 days.

What is unusual about the Netherlands process

You apply for the visa and the residence permit together (TEV). After arrival you collect the residence card from an IND desk and register with the municipality.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – London
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Service fee applies on top of the consular fee. Business hours Mon–Fri 08:30–14:30; passport collection 16:00–17:30.
Birmingham — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Birmingham
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Manchester — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Manchester
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.
Edinburgh — Netherlands Visa Application Centre – Edinburgh
One of four Dutch centres in the UK.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Netherlands consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Netherlands work visa cost?: For a Netherlands work visa, the consular fee is €210. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Highly skilled migrant / TEV application — €405; Regular employee (GVVA / single permit) — €210; Family member of EU/EEA/CH citizen — free; VFS service fee — €30. The main cost is the IND application fee, which the sponsoring employer normally pays. The MVV sticker itself is covered by that fee. All IND fees rose by 4.4% on 1 January 2026 and are re-indexed every January, so confirm the exact amount on the IND fee page before paying. Recognised sponsors also face new administration obligations and higher government fees from 1 January 2026. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Netherlands work visa take to process?: A decision on a Netherlands work visa typically takes around 14 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Netherlands work visa?: Most applicants use the employer-led TEV procedure: a recognised sponsor (erkend referent) files with the IND in the Netherlands, then you collect the visa (MVV) at the Dutch Embassy in London or VFS. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Netherlands work visa?: The Netherlands consular network lists: Valid passport; Antecedents certificate (declaration on criminal record), signed; Employment contract meeting the applicable salary threshold; Recognised sponsor details and IND reference number; Legalised and translated birth certificate where requested; Proof of UK immigration status; TB test appointment confirmation for applicable nationalities; Passport photo meeting Dutch requirements. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Netherlands work visa?: Appointment model: Online booking. Once the IND approves, you book an MVV collection appointment with the embassy or VFS. No interview is normally required; the appointment is for biometrics and sticker collection.
Can I apply for a Netherlands work visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 4 submission points in the UK for Netherlands, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇳🇱 Netherlands work visa: requirements, fee and processing time