Visa application procedure for Highly Skilled Migrants

The Netherlands has a special immigration visa for highly skilled migrants. This applies only to knowledge migrants who are working for a company or organisation that is recognised as a sponsor by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The Municipality of The Hague, in partnership with the IND, has introduced a Dutch residency procedure for highly skilled migrants at The Hague International Centre. This is for migrants who are, or will be, living and/or working in The Hague, Delft, Leidschendam-Voorburg and Rijswijk.

Residence Permits for Highly Skilled Migrants

You can apply for a residence permit as a highly skilled migrant or knowledge migrant if:

You come to the Netherlands on an employment contract.
You earn a sufficient long-term income. Salary requirements depend on your age.
Your employer is recognised by the IND.

There are certain conditions that everyone applying for a residence permit must meet. In addition, you and your employer have to meet other specific conditions. If you are a citizen of an EU or EAA country or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands.

Residence Permits for Other Groups

As well as the highly skilled migrant scheme, the IND has specific residence permits for certain groups of people. Each of these permits has different requirements, which are explained in detail on the IND website. These permits are for:

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands.

How to Apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

Before applying, check if you need a provisional residence permit (machtiging voorlopig verblijf or MVV). This visa lets you stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. Citizens of certain countries do not need an MVV – check the list of exemptions on the IND site.

How to Apply if You Do Not Need an MVV

You can travel to The Hague region and apply for a residence permit within three months of arriving. Your recognised employer submits your application to the IND, along with all the necessary documentation. When the application has been received, the IND sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.

You will also need to submit biometric information to the IND. You can do this at The Hague International Centre at the same time as your appointment for municipal registration. You will need to come back to pick up your residence permit. If you want to submit your biometrics or collect your residence permit from the IND, you need to make an online appointment.

How to Apply if You Need an MVV

Your recognised employer files for your MVV and residence permit at the same time. When the application has been received, the IND sends a letter stating how the fees are to be paid.

You collect the MVV from the Dutch embassy, consulate or other representation that your employer filled in on the application form. You will need to submit biometric information at the Dutch representation abroad. Once you are in the Netherlands, you can collect your residence permit at The Hague International Centre at the same time as your appointment for municipal registration. If you want to collect it from the IND, you need to make an online appointment.

Collect your Permit and Register

When you move to The Hague, you will need to collect your residence permit and register in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at your municipality. As a highly skilled migrant, you qualify for the Dutch residence procedure at The Hague International Centre. Your employer will arrange an appointment for you. If you prefer, you can also make an appointment with the centre yourself.

You and your family members must come to the appointment in person. At the appointment, you must have the following documents for each person:

Valid identification (passport or EU identity card).
Proof of occupancy: rental/tenancy agreement, home purchase deed, or, if you’re subletting, a signed statement by the main occupant of the house. In the last case, please use the following statement and please bring a copy of the ID of the main occupant of the house and a copy of the signed rental/tenancy agreement or purchase deed of the house.
Legalised birth, marriage, and/or divorce certificate (if available). Read more about legalising your documents with an apostille.

The Hague International Centre

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our city. Here at The Hague International Centre, we will make sure you get everything you need to start your new life in the Netherlands:

You will be registered in the Personal Records Database of the municipality (BRP).
You will receive your Dutch citizen service number (BSN).
You will receive your residence permit.

Once you have taken care of all the formalities, it is time to start discovering what The Hague has to offer. Check out our information about getting around and day-to-day life in The Hague region. We also have plenty of insider tips on getting to know your new neighbours and leisure activities for your free time.