TOOL
Netherlands Visa Cost Calculator
Estimate the likely cost of your Dutch visa or residence route, including official application fees, document preparation, route-specific extras, and practical move-related costs.
Dutch visa and residence routes involve more than one cost. Many people think only about the application fee, but realistic planning also includes document preparation, translations, legalization, travel, temporary housing, and first-week setup.
This tool helps you estimate route-aware cost ranges before moving. It does not replace official fee lists or provider quotes. Major route types include Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, DAFT, Self-Employed, Student, and Partner / Family. Answer a few questions to get a personalized estimate.
Disclaimer
Calculate your visa costs
Click "Use this scenario" to prefill the tool. You can then adjust answers and see your cost range.
Indian software engineer on HSM route
Non-EU professional with a Dutch job offer from a recognized sponsor; typical document and travel costs from India.
Official fee €423; document prep and long-haul flights often €2,000–5,000+.
Use this scenario →US entrepreneur on DAFT
American planning to set up a business in the Netherlands under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.
Application €423; investment €4,500+; business setup, travel, and first weeks often €8,000–15,000+.
Use this scenario →UK student moving for university
Non-EU student with admission to a Dutch university; study permit and proof of funds.
Application €254; proof-of-funds and first-month setup; travel and housing from UK.
Use this scenario →South African family on partner route
Partner and children joining a sponsor already in the Netherlands.
Adult fee €210, child €45; MVV if needed; documents and long-haul flights for family.
Use this scenario →Solo freelancer on self-employed route
Non-DAFT freelancer applying for the self-employed residence permit.
Application €423; business docs and viability; document prep and move costs.
Use this scenario →Couple comparing Blue Card vs HSM
Two work routes; similar official fee; different salary and eligibility rules.
Both €423 application fee; total planning cost similar; compare salary thresholds and employer fit.
Use this scenario →Visa route
Which route best matches your move?
Recommended immigration lawyers
For complex cases or tailored advice on visa fees and routes, 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 move and budgeting. Pricing and suitability vary by provider and route.
Wise
International transfers / moving money.
Low fees; typical transfer ~0.5–1%. Check wise.com for current rates.
Visit site →
bunq
Dutch banking after arrival.
Free and paid plans; paid from approx. €8.99/month. Check bunq.com for current tiers.
Visit site →
HousingAnywhere
Temporary housing.
Rent and service fee vary by listing. Check listing for prices.
Visit site →
Simyo
Mobile setup.
SIM from a few euros; monthly plans from approx. €10–25. Check simyo.nl for current bundles.
Visit site →
Independer
Insurance comparison.
Comparison free. Premiums depend on insurer and profile.
Visit site →Everaert Immigration Lawyers
Complex route and fee questions.
Consultation approx. €150–350; application support by hourly rate. Confirm current fees with the firm.
Visit site →More about this tool
What this tool does
Estimates route-specific visa and pre-move costs for the Netherlands.
What it includes
Official application fees, document preparation, and common move-related setup costs.
What you get
A personalized cost range, breakdown by category, and suggested next steps.
How much does it cost to apply for a visa and move to the Netherlands?
How much does it cost to apply for a visa and move to the Netherlands?
Official application fees are only one part of the cost. The IND sets fees per route (e.g. €423 for work and self-employed permits, €254 for study, €210 for partner/adult family). On top of that, you often need to budget for document preparation—certified copies, translation, apostille or legalization—which can add hundreds of euros. Travel, temporary housing, and first-week setup (bank, phone, insurance) add more. This tool combines these into a single planning range.
Why route type changes the budget
Work routes like Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card share a similar application fee (€423) but may differ in document and sponsor requirements. The self-employed and DAFT routes also use the €423 fee plus business setup and, for DAFT, a minimum investment. Student and partner routes have different fee structures and proof-of-funds or income requirements. Your total estimate depends on which route you choose.
Why family, partner, student and entrepreneur routes differ
Family and partner moves scale with the number of applicants (e.g. child fees, extra documents, more flights). Student movers must plan for the study amount and first-month costs. Entrepreneur routes add business registration and often legal or accountancy support. Each route has its own typical band of total planning cost.
Why long-haul movers often spend more
Flights from outside Europe cost more and can dominate the travel part of your estimate. Document legalization and translation are more common for long-haul origins and add both cost and time. Temporary housing may be needed for longer if you cannot secure a rental before arrival. Use the distance band in the calculator to see how this affects your range.
Why temporary housing can heavily affect total cost
In large Dutch cities, short-term rentals can run from hundreds to over a thousand euros per week. If you need a month or more before moving into a long-term place, this can add a significant amount to your one-off costs. The calculator lets you include temporary housing so you can see a more realistic total.
Combine this tool with the document checker and relocation estimator
For a full picture: use the Document Readiness Checker to see what you still need to gather, and the Relocation Cost Estimator for first-year and monthly budgeting. Together they help you plan from visa choice through to arrival and first months.
Why budget planning matters before booking or signing
Confirming your cost range before you book flights or sign a housing contract helps you avoid surprises. Official fees can change; provider prices vary. Use this calculator for planning ranges, then confirm current fees on the IND website and get quotes from translators, movers, and housing providers before committing.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the route. Official IND application fees range from about €45 (child on family route) to €423 (work and self-employed routes). The study permit is €254. Partner/adult family fee is €210. These are only the application fees; total planning costs usually include document preparation, translation, apostille or legalization, travel, and first-week setup. Use this calculator for a route-aware estimate.
No. Most movers also need to budget for document preparation (certified copies, translations, apostille or legalization), flights, temporary housing, and first-week setup such as bank, phone, and insurance. Family moves and long-haul travel increase these costs. This tool helps you estimate the full range.
The total depends on your route, country of origin, household size, document complexity, and which practical items you include (flights, temporary housing, etc.). Long-haul flights, family members, and extra document steps all add to the range. The calculator uses bands, not exact quotes.
The official study permit fee (€254) is lower than the work permit fee (€423). However, students must often show proof of funds (study amount) and still face travel, housing, and first-month costs. Total planning cost can be similar in range once those are included.
Yes. More travelers mean higher flight and possibly shipping costs; children add to civil-document and sometimes application fees (e.g. €45 per child on the partner route). Temporary housing and first-month setup also scale with household size.
The IND application fee is the same (€423). DAFT has a minimum capital investment (e.g. €4,500 for common business forms) and is only for US citizens. Both routes involve business setup and document costs; total planning cost depends on your situation.
Yes. Documents from many countries need apostille or legalization, and non-Dutch/English documents may need certified translation. These can add hundreds of euros and extra time. The calculator includes optional document-complexity steps so you can see a more realistic range.
Yes. Choose “Not sure yet” and you will get broad ranges. For a better estimate, use the Visa Checker first to find your likely route, then return here to see route-specific costs.
They are planning estimates. Official fees are based on current IND figures; document, travel, and setup costs are typical ranges. Provider prices and your exact situation will vary. Always confirm current fees on the IND website and get quotes from providers before committing.
After estimating costs: use the Document Readiness Checker to see what documents you still need, the Relocation Cost Estimator for full first-year budgeting, and the Moving Checklist or First 90 Days Planner to turn your plan into steps. The Visa Checker helps if you have not yet chosen a route.
Related guides
Visa Checker
Find the best route for your situation.
Highly Skilled Migrant
Salary, sponsor, costs, and process.
EU Blue Card
Salary thresholds and process.
DAFT
US entrepreneur route: investment and process.
Self-Employed Visa
Fees, requirements, and process.
Student Visa
Application fee, study amounts, timeline.
Partner & Family Visa
Requirements, income, costs.
Document Readiness Checker
Check which documents to prepare.
Relocation Cost Estimator
Estimate full relocation budget.
Related tools
Visa Checker
Find the best route for your situation.
Document Readiness Checker
Check if your documents are ready.
Relocation Cost Estimator
Estimate your full relocation budget.
Moving Checklist
Turn this into a practical checklist.
First 90 Days Planner
Plan your first weeks after arrival.
Visa Application Plan
Build your application roadmap.
Official sources
Confirm exact fees and requirements with these official resources.