Moving to the Netherlands attracts many immigrants because the country is known for its strong and stable economy, as well as its high standard of living. According to statistical data, the Netherlands ranks among the world leaders in GDP per capita. At present, official immigration programmes allow highly qualified specialists and startup founders working in innovation and modern technologies to relocate to the Netherlands with relatively few difficulties.

Many foreign nationals decide to move to the Netherlands because of the country’s multinational and tolerant society, as well as the large number of local residents who speak English. This factor makes it possible for newcomers to live in the country initially without knowledge of the Dutch language. In this article, you will learn in detail how immigration to the Netherlands works, the main advantages it provides, the most popular cities for relocation, and the types of assistance available during the moving process.

Reasons to Choose the Netherlands for Relocation

When deciding to move to the Netherlands, it is important to understand the advantages you can expect. The main benefits include:

• the labour market is highly developed, offering broad employment opportunities for specialists in technology, logistics, finance, and the creative industries;
• the Netherlands is home to the headquarters of globally recognised companies, creating strong prospects for career growth;
• the favourable business environment allows entrepreneurs to efficiently develop their companies while benefiting from government grants and support programmes;
• Dutch legislation provides a simple company registration process and offers attractive relocation programmes for startups and business immigration;
• the average salary in the Netherlands is around EUR 3,377, which is among the highest levels in Europe;
• the Dutch healthcare system is highly developed, with modern medical facilities and qualified professional staff;
• universities in the Netherlands are known for their high quality of education and offer a wide range of programmes in English;
• international students may participate in state scholarship and grant programmes;
• the country’s geographical location makes it convenient for business activities and travel throughout Europe.

Among the other advantages of immigration to the Netherlands is the possibility of obtaining citizenship after long-term residence in the country. However, it is also possible to avoid years of waiting by seeking assistance from professional immigration lawyers. They can help applicants use available and fully legal pathways to obtain EU citizenship within as little as 12 months.

Quickly and easily obtain
EU citizenship

Discover the simplified path to
EU citizenship

Get a free consultation

Main Stages of Moving to the Netherlands

Moving to the Netherlands is a long-term process that consists of several mandatory steps. Below, we will examine the main stages and focus on the most important aspects.

Choosing the Immigration Basis

Before starting preparations for relocation, it is necessary to determine the legal basis for long-term residence in the country. This will allow applicants to successfully obtain a temporary residence permit and later become eligible for permanent residence and citizenship. Dutch legislation provides the following grounds for issuing residence permits to foreign nationals:

• Employment.
  An employee must sign an employment contract with an employer listed in the public register of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). There is also a salary threshold requirement — in 2026, the minimum salary generally starts from EUR 2,294. Applications for entry permits and residence permits are submitted by the employer. The permit is valid for the duration of the employment contract but cannot exceed 5 years.
• Education.
  Students studying in the Netherlands may obtain a residence permit after enrolling in an accredited university or educational institution. The permit is granted for the duration of studies plus an additional 3 months, but not longer than 5 years.
• Family Reunification.
  This residence permit may be issued to close family members of Dutch citizens and residents, including spouses, long-term partners, and minor children (biological or adopted). The sponsoring party must meet income requirements sufficient to support the family. Relatives of residence permit holders receive permits valid for the duration of the sponsor’s status. Family members of Dutch citizens or permanent residents may usually stay in the country for up to 5 years.
• Participation in the Au Pair Programme.
  Domestic workers aged 18–25 participating in exchange programmes through accredited agencies receive a residence permit valid for one year. The status cannot be extended, so applicants wishing to remain in the Netherlands afterward must obtain a residence permit on another basis.
• Cultural Exchange.
  Foreign nationals aged 18–30 who come to the Netherlands under exchange programmes organised by recognised institutions may obtain a one-year residence permit. Participants become familiar with Dutch culture through host-family stays, educational activities, and cultural events. Volunteer work within the European Solidarity Corps is also allowed. This type of permit is not considered a long-term immigration route, so applicants must find another legal basis before the permit expires.
• Establishing a Startup.
  The Netherlands welcomes founders of innovative companies with strong growth potential. To obtain a renewable residence permit, applicants must officially cooperate with a local facilitator and prove that their activities are aimed at creating a new product or service for the Dutch market. Authorities pay significant attention to the business plan, development potential, and the applicant’s financial independence.
• Self-Employment.
  Foreign nationals who independently work in sectors considered important for the Dutch economy may apply for residence permits. Before applying, applicants must register with the Chamber of Commerce and obtain official authorisation for professional activity. The residence permit is usually issued for up to 2 years and may be extended if programme requirements continue to be met.
• Internship.
  This option may become the first step toward relocation. Foreign nationals completing internships at Dutch companies or official branches of foreign firms located in the Netherlands may obtain a non-renewable residence permit. The employer must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce. The validity period depends on the internship contract but cannot exceed one year. To remain in the Netherlands afterward, another immigration basis will be required, such as employment or business activity.
• Additional Protection or Asylum.
  Foreign nationals entering the country for humanitarian reasons — including refugees, victims of human trafficking or domestic violence, and persons requiring international protection — may receive residence permits free of charge under individual conditions. Refugee status and subsidiary protection in the Netherlands do not automatically lead to citizenship, but lawful residence and compliance with naturalisation requirements may later allow applicants to obtain a Dutch passport.

Citizens of EU countries also have the full right to live and work in the Netherlands without obtaining entry permits or residence permits. In 2026, several EU countries continue to offer simplified citizenship acquisition programmes. Take advantage of the opportunity to obtain an EU passport within a short timeframe — book a consultation with an immigration lawyer today to learn more.

Preparing the Required Documents

To relocate to the Netherlands, applicants generally need to contact the Dutch consulate in their country of residence and submit an application for an entry visa sticker and a provisional residence permit (MVV — Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf). Applicants must present a valid international passport, into which the relocation visa is usually placed within 5 working days. The following documents are also typically required:

• proof of the legal basis for staying in the Netherlands;
• health insurance;
• tuberculosis test results (these may sometimes be submitted after arrival in the country);
• a declaration confirming that the applicant does not pose a threat to public order or national security (including information about any past criminal offences or convictions);
• proof of stable and sufficient income for living in the Netherlands (depending on the immigration category, the required amount generally corresponds to a gross monthly income of approximately EUR 928–4,357).

Documents issued by foreign authorities must generally be translated into Dutch, English, French, or German and then legalised.

Submitting the Application

Applications for residence permits in the Netherlands are usually submitted by the sponsoring party — the person with whom the applicant will live, the employer, or the institution organising the stay (such as a university, research centre, or public organisation). The application is filed with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND — De Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) together with the applicant’s supporting documents.

Costs and Processing Times

The processing time and application fees for Dutch residence permits depend on the immigration basis. Employment-based applications generally cost EUR 254–423 depending on the applicant category, with processing times of around 3 months. Student residence permits cost EUR 254, while processing usually takes about 2 months. Family reunification applications require administrative fees ranging from EUR 81 to EUR 254 depending on the circumstances, and decisions are generally issued within 3 months. Startup founders and self-employed applicants must usually pay EUR 423 and wait approximately 3 months for a decision.

In addition to the official fees, applicants should also take into account expenses related to translation, legalisation of documents, and living costs. Relocation expenses can often be significantly reduced by working with immigration-law specialists who can propose the most suitable strategy and provide full support throughout the relocation process.

Visa and Immigration Features

When relocating to the Netherlands, it is important to consider the specifics of local legislation related to visa policies and residence permits.

Types of Visas Available

In 2026, foreign nationals wishing to enter the Netherlands may obtain one of the following visas depending on their situation:

• Schengen Visa — issued for trips of up to 90 days for tourism, business travel, or visiting relatives, which must be documented accordingly. The visa fee depends on the applicant’s country of origin.
• Transit Visa — granted for staying in a Dutch airport while travelling to a third country. When applying, applicants must prove social and economic ties to their country of residence, confirm the purpose of travel, and demonstrate sufficient financial means for travel expenses. Transit visas are issued free of charge to children under 6 years old, cost EUR 40 for children aged 6–12, and EUR 80 for adults.
• Facilitated Visa — a free Schengen visa issued to relatives of citizens of Switzerland, EU countries, and EEA member states, as well as to the second parent of a minor Dutch child. The visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visa applications are generally recommended to be submitted by appointment up to 6 months before the planned trip, but no later than 45 days before departure.

Residence Permit Application Procedure

1. Choosing the Immigration Basis and Preparing the Documents.
   During the initial consultation, a company specialist analyses your personal situation, opportunities, and goals, and then helps determine the most suitable basis for relocation to the Netherlands. After that, the legal team assists in preparing the application file in accordance with legal requirements, including document translation and legalisation.
2. Applying for an MVV.
   Before applying for a residence permit, applicants must obtain a provisional residence permit (MVV). In most cases, the application is submitted within the Netherlands by the sponsoring party — an employer, educational institution, or family sponsor. After approval, applicants must visit the Dutch consulate in their country of residence within 3 months by prior appointment to collect the document and pay a fee of EUR 30.
3. Arrival in the Netherlands.
   After arriving in the country, applicants must register their new address with the local municipal council within 5 days and obtain a citizen service number (BSN). This procedure is completed free of charge.
4. Obtaining a Residence Permit.
   Based on the provisional residence permit, applicants may obtain a full residence permit at an office of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Depending on the immigration basis, the government fee ranges from EUR 81 to EUR 2,394. The average processing time for the application is approximately 3 months.

Conditions for Obtaining Permanent Residence

You may apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands if you meet the following conditions:

• residence in the country on the basis of a residence permit for at least 5 years (absences of up to 6 consecutive months or 10 months in total are generally permitted);
• compliance with the conditions and requirements of the temporary residence permit;
• sufficient income that meets the established requirements;
• registration of your address in the Dutch municipal population register;
• successful completion of the civic integration examination;
• absence of any threat to national security or public order.

The administrative fee for obtaining permanent residence in the Netherlands is EUR 254. Applications are usually processed within up to 6 months, although this period may be extended due to the workload of the immigration authorities or additional questions regarding the application. Once the permanent residence card is ready, IND officials notify applicants by official letter, and the card can be collected at an IND office by appointment.

Obtaining Dutch Citizenship

Dutch citizenship may be acquired in several ways — by birth, descent, naturalisation, or restoration of citizenship. The most common pathway available to most applicants is naturalisation. The main requirements include:

• being at least 18 years old;
• possession of a valid passport;
• legal residence in the Netherlands for 5 years or longer;
• knowledge of the Dutch language at A2 level or higher;
• absence of any threat to public order or national security;
• renunciation of previous citizenship;
• taking an oath of allegiance to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Applications for citizenship are submitted to the municipality at the applicant’s place of residence. Applicants must pay an administrative fee of EUR 1,139 for adults and EUR 168 for children under 18 years old. The authorities generally make a decision within 12 months, and the result is sent by official letter.

Life in the Netherlands: Reviews and Practical Information

According to reviews from immigrants who have relocated to the Kingdom, life in the Netherlands is characterised by stability, comfort, and many unique everyday features that become noticeable in daily life. Much depends on the choice of city, so below are the most popular Dutch cities for relocation:

• Amsterdam.
  A multinational city with a high cost of living and strong competition in the labour market. Amsterdam is home to numerous universities, business schools, colleges, and institutes, including the University of Amsterdam, which ranks among the top universities globally. The healthcare system includes many general hospitals, modern clinics, and two oncology centres.
  The average salary in the city is approximately EUR 4,452 after taxes. Renting a one-bedroom apartment generally costs EUR 1,600–2,200 per month, while property purchase prices range from EUR 6,300–9,300 per square metre. Utility bills for an 85 m² apartment average around EUR 258 per month. Food prices are slightly higher than in many other EU countries, while a public transport ticket costs approximately EUR 3.4.
• Rotterdam.
  A city known for its modern architecture and comparatively affordable living costs, particularly suitable for employment in logistics and maritime transport. Higher education is available at local institutes, colleges, and universities, including the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam. Medical services are provided by well-equipped general hospitals, and the city is also home to a famous ophthalmology centre.
  The average salary in Rotterdam is approximately EUR 3,560 per month, while renting a one-bedroom apartment costs around EUR 1,300–1,500. Property purchase prices generally range from EUR 3,600–5,200 per square metre. Monthly utility costs for an 85 m² apartment average EUR 230. Food prices are slightly lower than in Amsterdam, although public transport is more expensive, with one-way tickets costing around EUR 4.
• Utrecht.
  A city with a cosy atmosphere that is particularly suitable for families with children and older residents. Utrecht is home to several universities, including the famous Utrecht University, considered one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the Netherlands. The city offers both public and private healthcare facilities, including psychiatric hospitals and an orthomanual therapy centre.
  The average salary in Utrecht is around EUR 3,980 per month. Rental prices are similar to Rotterdam, with one-bedroom apartments costing approximately EUR 1,400–1,700 per month. Purchasing property generally costs EUR 4,900–6,700 per square metre. Utility expenses for an 85 m² apartment average around EUR 240 monthly. Grocery prices are broadly comparable to other Dutch cities, while public transport is slightly cheaper, with one-way tickets costing around EUR 3.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Moving to the Netherlands

Life in the Kingdom has both advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to analyse reviews from immigrants who have already relocated and spent time living in the country. According to many of them, the main reasons to move to the Netherlands include:

• a high standard of living, stability, and comfort;
• a developed social system and competitive salaries;
• tolerance toward foreigners;
• the ability to communicate in English;
• a well-functioning transport system;
• high-quality, although expensive, healthcare services;
• a low crime rate.

At the same time, there are several disadvantages that newcomers may face:

• high costs of housing, groceries, and utilities;
• difficulties in learning the Dutch language, which is important for full social integration and employment;
• cultural особенности of Dutch society, including restraint and directness, which may feel unusual for foreigners from other backgrounds;
• a cool climate with frequent rain, cloudy weather, and strong winds.

How to Simplify the Immigration Process to the Netherlands

Since immigration to the Netherlands can be a complicated process, many foreigners choose simpler and faster relocation pathways. To settle in the Kingdom, it is not always necessary to obtain legal status directly through Dutch immigration programmes. Some EU countries offer simplified immigration procedures that allow applicants to obtain EU citizenship within as little as 12 months. With an EU passport, relocating to the Netherlands becomes significantly easier, as no additional permits are generally required apart from local address registration.

To learn more about fast-track EU citizenship procedures, fill out the form and receive a free consultation from immigration lawyers. Migration specialists will provide all the necessary information, help select the most suitable relocation programme, and assist throughout the process of obtaining an EU passport.