🇳🇱 Netherlands work visas for Indians 2026
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Indians moving to Netherlands from India have 2 main visa routes: Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit. The fastest is the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit at 2–8 weeks. 1 of them needs no job offer. Every requirement below links to the official government source.
Just visiting? Netherlands tourist visa for Indians covers tourism, family visits, conferences and business trips.
Compare Netherlands visas for Indians: cost, processing time, and requirements
| Visa | Processing | Gov. fee | Job offer | Family | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant Permitwork | 2–8 weeks | $490 | Required | Yes | Yes |
| Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permitwork | 2–8 weeks | $290 | Not required | No | Yes |
Netherlands visa guides for Indians
Highly Skilled Migrant Permit
workEmployer must be an IND-recognised sponsor. 2026 salary thresholds (gross/month, excluding holiday allowance): €5,942 if you are 30 or over, €4,357 under 30, €3,122 for graduates within 3 years of a Dutch orientation year. Recognised-sponsor applications are typically decided in about 2 weeks. IND fee €423.
Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit
workOne-year permit for recent graduates (within 3 years) of Dutch universities or top-ranked global universities to live in the Netherlands and find work, with free access to the labour market. No income or savings requirement. Landing an HSM job afterwards qualifies for the reduced €3,122/month salary threshold.
Not sure which visa fits?
Answer 6 questions and see every Netherlands visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- Can India citizens move to Netherlands?
- Yes. India citizens have 2 main routes into Netherlands: the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit. Each has its own requirements, fees, and processing time, compared on this page.
- What is the fastest Netherlands visa for Indians?
- The Highly Skilled Migrant Permit typically processes in 2–8 weeks, the shortest of the 2 routes we track. Add time for gathering documents, translations, and apostilles.
- Can Indians move to Netherlands without a job offer?
- Yes. The Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit does not require a job offer from a Netherlands employer.
- What is the cheapest Netherlands visa for Indians?
- The Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit has the lowest government fee at about $290. Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- Which Netherlands visas let Indians bring family?
- The Highly Skilled Migrant Permit allows accompanying family members with additional documentation.
- Which Netherlands visas lead to permanent residency for Indians?
- The Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit offer a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
- How much does a Netherlands work visa cost for Indians?
- Government fees for Indians are about $490 for the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and $290 for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit (USD equivalents). Translations, apostilles, medicals, insurance, and courier costs come on top of every route.
- How long does a Netherlands work visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing is 2–8 weeks for the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and 2–8 weeks for the Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) Permit, counted from the date you apply. Add time for gathering documents.