Kingdom of the Netherlands visas
The Netherlands operates the IND-administered Highly Skilled Migrant scheme via recognised sponsors, the EU Blue Card, the orientation year for recent international graduates, and a self-employed route under various treaties including DAFT for US nationals.
Official portal
Primary source
Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND)
Link last verified:
Regulators of immigration advice
- Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten (NOvA) — Netherlands Bar — regulates advocaten authorised to give immigration advice.
Visa routes (7)
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)
Primary sponsored work route for high-skill workers hired by IND-recognised sponsors.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Orientation year (Zoekjaar)
Unrestricted 1-year residence permit for recent graduates of Dutch or top-ranked international universities.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
EU Blue Card (Netherlands)
Dutch implementation of the EU Blue Card for highly qualified non-EU workers.
Sponsor required · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) entrepreneur
Treaty-based self-employment residence for US nationals starting a business in the Netherlands.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Startup Visa (Netherlands)
1-year residence permit for founders working with a recognised Dutch startup facilitator.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Dutch Student residence permit
Study residence for international students enrolled at Dutch higher-education institutions.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Partner residence (Dutch national or resident sponsor)
Residence permit for partners, spouses, and registered partners of Dutch residents and citizens.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 18 April 2026
Recent Kingdom of the Netherlands policy changes
·material
Netherlands publishes 2026 Kennismigrant salary thresholds
IND confirmed the 2026 age-tiered Kennismigrant (highly skilled migrant) salary thresholds and reduced post-Zoekjaar thresholds.
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