UNDERSTANDING WORK PERMITS IN THE NETHERLANDS
1. The TWV (Tewerkstellingsvergunning) or GVVA (gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid)
The TWV is an employment permit issued by the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV). It is generally required when a non-EU/EEA national will be working in the Netherlands for a short period of time (less than 90 days).
For more than 90 days, a combined residence and work permit (GVVA) is required. The GVVA is issued by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). It is a residence permit with an additional document specifying which employer and under what conditions you may work.
Exceptions where TWV is applied instead of GVVA:
Some categories of foreign nationals do not have to apply for a GVVA. But the employer must apply to the UWV for a TWV. Examples include:
- students who have a residence permit for study;
- asylum seekers awaiting a decision on their asylum application.
Asylum Seekers (refugees) in the Netherlands without a residence permit may work if-
- The asylum application has been pending for at least 6 months, and
- The employer (or client, in the case of self-employment) must apply for a work permit (TWV) at the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).
The refugee must be paid the same wage as a Dutch employee, and UWV checks whether the employer pays enough wages.
Rights for TWV/GVVA holders-
- The right to work only for the employer specified on the permit and only in the job described.
- The employee receives a salary that suits the position. The employer deposits the salary into the employee’s bank account every month.
- The employer should ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
However, the TWV has limitations. It does not allow free movement within the Dutch labour market. If the employment ends or the worker wishes to change jobs, a new permit must be applied for by the new employer.
2. Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
To work in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, you need a residence permit. Only an employer recognised by the IND can apply for your permit. Firstly, you need a job offer from an employer recognised as a sponsor by the IND. The applicant must meet salary thresholds, which are updated annually. For 2025, the minimum monthly gross salary requirements are:
- €5,688 for workers aged 30 or older.
- €4,171 for workers under 30.
- €2,989 for graduates from Dutch universities or those using the “orientation year” permit.
- The employer must be able to demonstrate compliance with Dutch employment law, but no labour market test is required.
Rights of Highly Skilled Migrants
- The right to work for the recognised sponsor in the specified role.
- A three-month grace period to find a new job with another recognised sponsor if employment ends.
- Family members (spouse or partner and minor children) are granted residence rights.
- Potential eligibility for the 30% ruling, a tax advantage that allows employers to pay up to 30% of an employee’s salary tax-free if the employee relocated to the Netherlands from abroad.
In addition to the above the rights all workers have the right to:
- Paid holidays, sick leave, and parental leave.
- Protection against unfair dismissal.
- Access to public services and legal remedies in cases of workplace disputes.
These rights apply equally to non-EU/EEA nationals, provided they are legally employed through a valid permit or visa.
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