TOOL
Personalized Netherlands Visa Application Plan
Answer a few questions to generate a practical step-by-step visa application plan for your route, including timeline, documents, costs, and next actions before you move to the Netherlands.
You need a sensible order of tasks—route, documents, application, travel, housing, and arrival admin—not only the permit type.
Generate a step-by-step plan from your route, timing, and readiness. Confirm every step with official sources or an adviser.
Before you start
Planning guidance only — always confirm exact requirements with official sources.
Build your visa application plan
Visa route
Which route best matches your move?
Click "Use this scenario" to prefill the tool with that scenario, then generate your plan.
Indian engineer moving on Highly Skilled Migrant route
Non-EU professional with a Dutch job offer from a recognized sponsor; early preparation stage.
Use this scenario →US entrepreneur comparing DAFT planning
American planning to work as self-employed in the Netherlands under DAFT.
Use this scenario →UK student planning for Dutch university
Non-EU student with admission; planning visa and move timeline.
Use this scenario →South African partner–family move
Joining a partner in the Netherlands; gathering relationship and sponsor docs.
Use this scenario →Solo self-employed consultant move
Non-DAFT self-employed professional preparing business and viability docs.
Use this scenario →Family move with work sponsor
HSM or Blue Card move with partner and children; school and housing planning.
Use this scenario →Recommended immigration lawyers
For complex cases or tailored advice, these Dutch immigration law firms specialise in residence permits, work visas, DAFT, family reunification, and related matters. Fees and services vary; contact them directly for quotes.
Everaert Advocaten Immigration Lawyers
Full-service immigration practice: work visas (HSM, EU Blue Card), DAFT, self-employed permits, family reunification, naturalisation, and residence permit extensions. English-speaking team in Amsterdam.
Typical costs
Consultation €150–350; full application support by hourly rate (typically €150–300/hr). Confirm current fees with the firm.
+31 (0)20 752 32 00 · lawyers@everaert.nl
Orion Immigration Law
Specialist in Dutch immigration and nationality law. Advice and representation for private clients and businesses: residence permits, extensions, and complex cases.
Typical costs
Initial consultation typically €150–250; full applications from c. €1,000. Quote provided on request.
Contact via website form.
Franssen Advocaten
Amsterdam-based firm focused on immigration and international family law. Work visas, DAFT, partner and family reunification, and residence permit applications.
Typical costs
Consultation typically €150–300; residence permit applications from c. €750. Fees confirmed before engagement.
+31 (0)20 66 319 66
Pathway Partners
Immigration and legal services for residence permits, visa extensions, objections (bezwaar) and appeals. Family reunification, employment and self-employment permits, naturalisation. Free eligibility assessments available.
Typical costs
Free eligibility check. Residence permit applications typically €750–1,500; objections/appeals from c. €900. Fixed or hourly by service.
Amsterdam; contact via website.
Fragomen (Amsterdam)
Global immigration consultancy with an Amsterdam office. Suited to corporate relocations and high-volume work-permit programmes, as well as individual cases.
Typical costs
Corporate and individual; typical range €1,000–2,500+ depending on case. Quote on request.
Contact via website.
Recommended services
These services may help with different parts of your visa and relocation plan. Suitability and pricing vary by provider and route.
Fragomen
Global immigration law firm with a Netherlands practice. Handles corporate immigration, work permits, and relocations for employers and individuals.
From ~€175–300/hr; corporate packages on request
Visit site →Pathway Partners
Amsterdam-based immigration and legal services for individuals and businesses. Employment visas (HSM, Blue Card, ICT), self-employment permits, family reunification, naturalisation, objections (bezwaar), and humanitarian residence. Free eligibility assessment and consultation.
Free initial assessment; service fees vary. Family reunification from ~€500 per additional family member
Visit site →
bunq
Digital bank with expat-friendly signup and multi-currency options. Often used for quick account setup and international use.
From ~€2.99/mo
Visit site →Funda
Major Dutch platform for homes for sale and rent. Listings from estate agents and landlords across the Netherlands.
Free to browse; agent or landlord fees may apply.
Visit site →
Simyo
Dutch SIM-only mobile brand (KPN network). Often used for straightforward prepaid or monthly plans and quick local number setup.
~€7–25/mo depending on data bundle
Visit site →
Zilveren Kruis
One of the largest Dutch health insurers (Achmea). Broad care network, basic and supplementary packages; widely recognised by expats.
~€145–162/mo
Visit site →Expat2Holland
Relocation and settling-in support for internationals, including housing, registration, and practical onboarding.
Full package from ~€1,500–3,000; à la carte from ~€200–500 per service. Employer packages often higher.
Visit site →
Independer
Compare Dutch basic health and other insurance when you are choosing a policy.
Free comparison; insurer premiums vary.
Visit site →How to use it
What this tool does
Builds a personalized step-by-step visa and relocation action plan.
What it uses
Visa route, timing, country, household, document readiness, and move planning inputs.
What you get
A timeline, task list, cost checkpoints, bottleneck warnings, and links to the right guides and tools.
How to plan a Netherlands visa application step by step
Start documents early—civil records, translations, and apostille often take longer than the IND clock. Employer-, school-, and sponsor-driven routes follow their submission timeline; align your travel and housing plans with them.
Families usually need more layers (extra documents, schools, housing). Use the Visa Checker and Document Readiness Checker alongside this plan; budget with the cost tools before you book flights.
What happens next
Highly Skilled Migrant
Salary, sponsor, documents, and process.
EU Blue Card
Salary thresholds and process for the EU Blue Card route.
DAFT
US entrepreneur route: documents and process.
Self-Employed Visa
Business documents and requirements.
Student Visa
Admission and proof of funds.
Partner & Family Visa
Relationship and sponsor documents.
Documents needed
Core records to gather.
Moving to the Netherlands
Pillar guide with planning context.
Official sources
Confirm exact requirements and procedures with these official resources.
Frequently asked questions
The exact process depends on your visa route (e.g. Highly Skilled Migrant, student, partner, DAFT). In general: confirm your route and eligibility, gather the required documents, have your sponsor or institution submit the application where applicable, pay the fee, and wait for the IND to process. Use this tool to get a step-by-step plan tailored to your situation, then confirm every step with the IND or official sources.
Confirm which visa or residence route fits your situation (use the Visa Checker if unsure), then check what documents that route requires and how ready you are (Document Readiness Checker). Start gathering identity and route-specific documents early; many people need apostille, legalization, or certified translations, which can add weeks.
As early as possible. Document preparation (especially civil documents, translations, apostille) often takes weeks or months. Work and study routes depend on employer or institution timelines. A common sequence is: choose route → gather documents → submit → plan move and housing. Starting 3–6 months before your desired move date is often realistic; for complex or family moves, earlier is better.
No. Work routes (e.g. HSM, EU Blue Card) are usually employer-sponsored; the employer submits the application. Student routes are often coordinated by the institution. Partner and family routes require sponsor documents and relationship proof. DAFT and self-employed routes involve business and viability evidence. This tool adapts the plan to your chosen route.
Temporary housing is often needed for arrival and registration; plan it before or as you get approval. Long-term housing can be searched once you know your timeline; many people secure something after approval or shortly before arrival. Registration at the municipality usually requires an address, so housing and admin are linked.
Only after key milestones where appropriate—for example, after you have approval or a clear timeline from the IND or your sponsor. Processing times vary; booking too early can create risk if dates shift.
Yes. You can choose “Not sure yet” and get a general plan. For a better result, use the Visa Checker first to find your likely route, then return here to build a step-by-step application plan for that route.
No. This tool gives planning guidance only, not legal advice. It does not replace official IND or government requirements. Always confirm exact steps, documents, and timelines with official sources or a qualified adviser.
Plan travel, temporary housing, and municipality registration. After arrival, complete registration (BSN), set up banking and health insurance, and work through the First 90 Days Planner and Arrival Planner for a smooth first period.
After building your visa plan: use the Document Readiness Checker to see what you still need, the Relocation Cost Estimator to budget, the Moving Checklist to turn the plan into tasks, and the First 90 Days Planner and Arrival Planner for post-arrival steps.