Kingdom of the Netherlands
Netherlands visa processing times
7 visa routes, each with the typical decision window as published by Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND). Click through for the source URL, priority-service notes, and the eligibility criteria that drive the timeline.
| Route | Typical window | Last checked |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) Primary sponsored work route for high-skill workers hired by IND-recognised sponsors. | 2 weeks – 3 months | 2026-04-20 |
| Orientation year (Zoekjaar) Unrestricted 1-year residence permit for recent graduates of Dutch or top-ranked international universities. | 2 weeks – 3 months | 2026-04-20 |
| EU Blue Card (Netherlands) Dutch implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU workers. | 2 weeks – 3 months | 2026-04-20 |
| Dutch Student residence permit Study residence for international students enrolled at Dutch higher-education institutions. | 2 weeks – 2 months | 2026-04-20 |
| Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur Treaty-based self-employment residence for US nationals starting a business in the Netherlands. | 4 weeks – 3 months | 2026-04-20 |
| Startup Visa (Netherlands) 1-year residence permit for founders working with a recognised Dutch startup facilitator. | 4 weeks – 3 months | 2026-04-20 |
| Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor) Residence permit for partners, spouses, and registered partners of Dutch residents and citizens. | 2 months – 6 months | 2026-04-20 |
Source authority: Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).