🇳🇱 Netherlands visas: requirements, costs, and processing times
Last verified: August 31, 2026
We track 2 Netherlands visa routes: Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and Orientation Year Permit. Each is verified against the official government source for Indians.
Compare Netherlands visa costs and processing times
| Visa | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Job offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant Permitwork | $490 | 2–8 weeks | $82,700/year | Required |
| Orientation Year Permitwork | $290 | 2–8 weeks | — | Not required |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents. A range means the figure differs by nationality.
Netherlands visa types
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 Permit (Zoekjaar)
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.
Netherlands visa guides by nationality
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does a Netherlands work visa cost?
- Government fees are about $490 for the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and $290 for the Orientation Year Permit (USD equivalents; fees can differ by nationality). Translations, medicals, and courier costs come on top.
- How long does a Netherlands visa take to process?
- Typical processing is 2–8 weeks for the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and 2–8 weeks for the Orientation Year Permit, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Can I move to Netherlands without a job offer?
- Yes. The Orientation Year Permit does not require a job offer from an employer in Netherlands.
- What income do I need for a Netherlands visa?
- Minimum income is about $82,700 a year for the Highly Skilled Migrant Permit (USD equivalents of thresholds set in local currency).
- Which Netherlands visas lead to permanent residency?
- The Highly Skilled Migrant Permit and Orientation Year Permit offer a path to permanent residency after the qualifying period.
Always confirm requirements with the official government source linked on each visa page. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Browse visas for other countries.