Netherlands offers 14 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Visa | €37,464/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Au Pair Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) | €19,884/mo | €4,500 | 60-105d | 6/10 | Yes |
| EU Blue Card | €5,942/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Family Reunification - Minor Children | €27,533/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Family Reunification - Spouse/Partner | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Highly Skilled Migrant Permit | €5,942/mo | N/A | 10-28d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Self-Employed Visa | €20,815/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Single Permit (GVVA) | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Working Holiday Visa | N/A | €4,500 | 40-70d | 2/10 | No |
| Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Permit | €5,942/mo | N/A | 30-90d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Seasonal Worker Permit | €2,549/mo | N/A | 60-90d | 5.0/10 | No |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Netherlands offer?
Netherlands offers 14 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Netherlands?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Netherlands?
The path to permanent residency in Netherlands typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Netherlands?
Most long-term visa categories in Netherlands allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Netherlands?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Netherlands may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Netherlands Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries