Immigrating to Netherlands

Immigrating to Netherlands
If you have lived in the Netherlands for three years by virtue of a work permit, then it is already possible for you to acquire a permit for permanent residence. Once you have been granted this, you are then free to take up any lawful employment without having to depend on a work permit that is sponsored by an employer.

You can qualify for a work permit to Netherlands if you are a professional and have the skill set and qualifications that are needed to fill a certain position that is in short supply in the country. A legal requirement of a candidate being between the ages of 18 and 45 years is imposed in this one, although it is unlikely for those under the age of 23 to have the needed skills and experience for a professional position. Candidates from all EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechenstein, Switzerland, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and United States are exempted from getting a Netherlands residence visa (MVV). However, they should get a residence permit (VTV) if they intend to remain in the Netherlands for more than 6 months.

For those coming from countries other than those mentioned above, a residence permit should be applied at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in the country where they are residing before a work permit application can be made. Once the work permit has been granted, the MVV will then be given out within a period of several days to a number of months, depending on the country of origin. You have to take note that a Netherlands work permit is specific to one employer only and cannot be used if you want to work in another Netherlands company unless or until that new company has secured another work permit for you under its name.