TOOL
Find the Best Visa for Moving to the Netherlands
Answer a few questions to see which Dutch visa or residence routes may fit your situation, compare likely options, and get a practical plan for your move.
If you are not covered by EU/EEA free movement, you need a residence route that matches why you are moving—work, study, business, or family.
Answer a few questions to see which Dutch visa options may fit, with links to the right guides and planning tools. This is guidance only, not a legal decision.
Before you start
This tool gives planning guidance, not legal advice.
Build your checklist
Citizenship
What passport or citizenship do you hold?
Click "Use this example" to scroll to the tool. You can then adjust answers to see how recommendations change.
Software engineer from India with job offer
Non-EU professional with a Dutch job offer from a recognized sponsor; compare HSM and EU Blue Card.
Use this example →US freelancer exploring DAFT
American planning to work as self-employed in the Netherlands.
Use this example →Student relocating from the UK
Non-EU student with or expecting admission to Dutch education.
Use this example →Partner joining spouse in the Netherlands
Moving to join a partner or spouse who already lives in the Netherlands.
Use this example →Consultant without employer sponsor
Considering self-employment or exploring options without a job offer.
Use this example →Family relocating through work route
Non-EU professional with job offer; family may join via partner/family route.
Use this example →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
Recommended services
These services may help with different parts of the relocation process. Pricing and suitability vary by route and provider.
Fragomen
Global immigration law firm with a Netherlands practice. Handles corporate immigration, work permits, and relocations for employers and individuals.
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.
Visit site →
bunq
Digital bank with expat-friendly signup and multi-currency options. Often used for quick account setup and international use.
Visit site →Funda
Major Dutch platform for homes for sale and rent. Listings from estate agents and landlords across the Netherlands.
Visit site →
Simyo
Dutch SIM-only mobile brand (KPN network). Often used for straightforward prepaid or monthly plans and quick local number setup.
Visit site →
Zilveren Kruis
One of the largest Dutch health insurers (Achmea). Broad care network, basic and supplementary packages; widely recognised by expats.
Visit site →Expat2Holland
Relocation and settling-in support for internationals, including housing, registration, and practical onboarding.
Visit site →
Independer
Compare Dutch basic health and other insurance when you are choosing a policy.
Visit site →How to use it
What this tool does
Recommends Dutch visa or residence routes based on your situation.
What it checks
Citizenship, work, salary, study, partner/family status, and business plans.
What you get
Suggested visa options, comparison, next steps, and links to the right guides and tools.
How to choose the right visa for moving to the Netherlands
Work routes usually need a sponsor or qualifying offer; study routes go through your school; partner and family routes need a sponsor in the Netherlands; entrepreneur routes use DAFT (US citizens) or the self-employed permit. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals typically use free movement instead of these permits.
After you see a likely fit below, open the matching visa guide for thresholds and documents, then budget and plan with the cost and checklist tools—always confirm eligibility with official sources.
What happens next
Compare Netherlands Visas
Compare work, entrepreneur, student, and partner routes side by side.
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa
Salary, sponsor, costs, and process for the HSM route.
EU Blue Card
Salary thresholds, costs, and comparison with HSM.
DAFT
US entrepreneur route: investment, process, and tools.
Self-Employed Visa
Fees, viability, and process for non-DAFT entrepreneurs.
Student Visa
Costs, study amounts, and timeline for the study route.
Partner & Family Visa
Requirements, income, and application steps.
Moving to the Netherlands
Full relocation guide and planning context.
Move without a job offer
Routes when you don't have a job offer yet.
EU vs non-EU moving
How citizenship affects your visa options.
Official sources
Official sources and further reading
For current rules, forms, and fees, refer to the IND and Dutch government.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your situation. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens generally do not need a visa. For non-EU citizens, the “easiest” route is the one that fits your profile: if you have a job offer from a recognized sponsor, the Highly Skilled Migrant route is common; if you are a US citizen and self-employed, DAFT may be an option; if you are joining a partner, the partner visa applies. Use the visa checker to see which routes may fit you.
Yes, but you need another basis for residence. Options include the self-employed route (or DAFT for US citizens), the student visa if you are admitted to qualifying education, or the partner/family visa if you have a sponsor in the Netherlands. Work-based routes like Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card typically require a job offer.
If you have a job offer from a Dutch employer that is (or can become) a recognized IND sponsor, the Highly Skilled Migrant permit is one of the most common routes. The EU Blue Card is an alternative with different salary and framework rules. Use the visa checker and compare both guides to see which fits your offer and goals.
US citizens can consider the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) route for self-employment. Non-US citizens use the general self-employed residence permit, which has viability and profit requirements. Use the visa checker and read the DAFT and self-employed visa guides to compare.
Yes. Non-EU students admitted to qualifying Dutch education typically apply for a study residence permit; the institution usually submits the application. You will need to meet financial and document requirements. See the student visa guide for details.
Yes. The partner or family residence permit allows you to join a spouse, registered partner, or family member who lives legally in the Netherlands. The sponsor must meet income and other requirements. See the partner & family visa guide for full details.
Yes. The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) route is only for US citizens who want to live in the Netherlands as self-employed persons. Other nationalities use the general self-employed residence permit.
Both are work-based residence permits for qualified non-EU employees. The Highly Skilled Migrant permit is a Dutch scheme with its own salary thresholds and sponsor rules. The EU Blue Card is an EU-wide framework with different salary and eligibility rules. Some employers and roles fit one better than the other; compare both guides and use the visa checker to see which may fit your situation.
No. This tool gives planning guidance only, not legal advice. Eligibility and approval depend on the IND and your full circumstances. Always confirm with official sources or a qualified adviser before making decisions.
Read the full guide for each recommended route, confirm requirements and fees on the IND website, then use the relocation cost estimator, moving checklist, and first 90 days planner to build a practical move plan. If your situation is complex, consider advice from an immigration professional.