How to Move to Netherlands
The Netherlands is English-friendly with a strong economy and a simple, employer-led system. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) is the authority. The Highly Skilled Migrant route is fast because a "recognised sponsor" employer does most of the paperwork. Graduates can use the "orientation year" to look for work.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Netherlands embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
The Netherlands processes African visas through VFS Global centres and its embassies (e.g. Abuja, Accra, Nairobi, Pretoria, Cairo, Rabat, Addis Ababa). Use the locator to find where to give biometrics.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
EU Common Embassy Complex, 21st Crescent off Constitution Avenue, Abuja
+234 94 61 12 00 Open in Google MapsBlock B, Keystone Park, 95 Riverside Drive, Nairobi
+254 20 428 8000 Open in Google Maps210 Florence Ribeiro (Queen Wilhelmina) Avenue, New Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 425 4500 Open in Google Maps89 Liberation Road, Ako Adjei Interchange, Accra
+233 302 214 350 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Netherlands has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Often within 2–4 weeks once the recognised sponsor applies.
IND fee (employer usually pays) ~€380 + you meet the salary threshold.
Up to 5 years; pathway to permanent residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from an employer that is an IND "recognised sponsor".
- Gross salary meeting the age-based highly skilled migrant threshold.
- Valid passport.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get hired by a recognised sponsor
Apply to companies on the IND public register of recognised sponsors.
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2
Employer files the application
The recognised sponsor submits the combined residence/work permit (GVVA/MVV) to the IND for you.
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3
Collect your MVV (entry visa)
If required, collect the MVV entry sticker at the Dutch embassy in your country.
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4
Travel to the Netherlands
Enter within the MVV validity window.
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5
Register & collect residence permit
Register with the municipality (BSN) and collect your residence card from the IND.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Always confirm the employer is a "recognised sponsor" — it makes the process fast and legitimate.
- The 30% ruling tax benefit may apply to incoming skilled migrants.
- Much business is done in English, but learning Dutch helps long term.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your My IND (mijnIND) account first
Most Dutch applications are submitted by your employer or university (your "recognised sponsor"), not by you directly. Once submitted, log in to My IND with DigiD to track your application status and upload documents.
Create accountStart your Highly Skilled Migrant visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationIND processing: usually within a few weeks.
IND fee ~€210.
1 year (non-renewable) to find a job; reduced salary threshold applies if hired.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You graduated (Master's/PhD or top-ranked university bachelor) within the last 3 years, OR completed a Dutch degree.
- Your qualification meets the IND list/criteria.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check qualification eligibility
Confirm your degree/university qualifies (Dutch graduates and top global universities qualify).
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2
Apply to the IND
Submit the orientation-year application with your diploma evidence.
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3
Enter & job hunt
Move to the Netherlands and search for skilled work (you can work freely during this year).
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4
Switch to a work permit
Once hired, switch to the Highly Skilled Migrant permit (with a lower salary threshold).
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- During the orientation year you can work without a separate permit.
- The reduced salary threshold makes it easier for employers to hire you afterwards.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your My IND (mijnIND) account first
Most Dutch applications are submitted by your employer or university (your "recognised sponsor"), not by you directly. Once submitted, log in to My IND with DigiD to track your application status and upload documents.
Create accountStart your Orientation year (zoekjaar) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks; the university (recognised sponsor) applies for you.
IND fee ~€380 + tuition + proof of living funds.
Course length; orientation year available after graduation.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to a recognised Dutch institution (your sponsor).
- Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living.
- Valid passport.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Apply and receive an offer from a recognised Dutch institution.
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2
University applies for your permit
As your recognised sponsor, the school files the MVV/residence permit with the IND.
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3
Pay & show funds
Transfer tuition and prove living funds as requested.
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4
Collect MVV & travel
Collect the entry visa at the embassy and travel.
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5
Register & collect permit
Register locally and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Many programmes are taught fully in English.
- Holland Scholarship and university grants reduce costs — apply early.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your My IND (mijnIND) account first
Most Dutch applications are submitted by your employer or university (your "recognised sponsor"), not by you directly. Once submitted, log in to My IND with DigiD to track your application status and upload documents.
Create accountStart your Student visa (MVV + residence permit) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationUsually within 90 days.
IND fee ~€210.
Tied to sponsor; renewable; pathway to permanent residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your partner/relative is a Dutch citizen or legal resident with sufficient, stable income.
- A genuine, registered relationship.
- A basic civic integration exam may be required before arrival.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm sponsor income
The Dutch sponsor must show sufficient, stable, long-term income.
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2
Pass the basic integration exam
Many spouses take the "basisexamen inburgering" at a Dutch embassy before applying.
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3
Sponsor applies to the IND
Your partner files the MVV/residence application in the Netherlands.
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4
Collect MVV & travel
Collect the entry visa and travel.
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5
Register & collect permit
Register locally and receive your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Prepare for the integration exam in advance — it tests basic Dutch and society knowledge.
- Legalise civil documents early.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your My IND (mijnIND) account first
Most Dutch applications are submitted by your employer or university (your "recognised sponsor"), not by you directly. Once submitted, log in to My IND with DigiD to track your application status and upload documents.
Create accountStart your Family / partner permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Netherlands work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Netherlands — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Netherlands visas
How much does the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa cost?
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa costs: IND fee (employer usually pays) ~€380 + you meet the salary threshold. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa take?
Processing for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa takes often within 2–4 weeks once the recognised sponsor applies. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa is valid for up to 5 years; pathway to permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Netherlands Orientation year (zoekjaar) cost?
The Netherlands Orientation year (zoekjaar) costs: IND fee ~€210. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Netherlands Orientation year (zoekjaar) take?
Processing for the Netherlands Orientation year (zoekjaar) takes iND processing: usually within a few weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Netherlands Orientation year (zoekjaar) valid for?
The Netherlands Orientation year (zoekjaar) is valid for 1 year (non-renewable) to find a job; reduced salary threshold applies if hired. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Netherlands Student visa (MVV + residence permit) cost?
The Netherlands Student visa (MVV + residence permit) costs: IND fee ~€380 + tuition + proof of living funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Netherlands Student visa (MVV + residence permit) take?
Processing for the Netherlands Student visa (MVV + residence permit) takes a few weeks; the university (recognised sponsor) applies for you. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Netherlands Student visa (MVV + residence permit) valid for?
The Netherlands Student visa (MVV + residence permit) is valid for course length; orientation year available after graduation. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Netherlands Family / partner permit cost?
The Netherlands Family / partner permit costs: IND fee ~€210. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Netherlands Family / partner permit take?
Processing for the Netherlands Family / partner permit takes usually within 90 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Netherlands Family / partner permit valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Netherlands Family / partner permit is valid for tied to sponsor; renewable; pathway to permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.