Application procedure

Your Dutch employer or host institution will probably prepare most of the paperwork. As the residence permit will eventually be in your name, you will have to sign the application form.

How and where to apply
This depends on the purpose of stay. Applications for “highly skilled migrants” or “scientific researchers under EC Directive 2005/71” may be submitted to IND (the Dutch Immigration and Nationalisation Service) by post. Applications for “labour migrants” must be submitted in person to the nearest IND Desk . IND will then assess if you meet all the criteria.

Application decision
If IND concludes that you are eligible for a residence permit, you or your employer will be notified. IND will then proceed to issue your residence permit. Once the document has been printed, you will receive an invitation  to collect it from the nearest IND Desk. You must collect the residence permit yourself, in person. The residence permit cannot be sent to you or your employer by post.

If IND conclude that you are not eligible for a residence permit, you or your employer will be notified. Should you wish to object to this decision, this must be done within four weeks of notification.

Conditions
A residence permit is always issued on condition that you take out health insurance as soon as possible. For many nationalities the second condition is that you undergo a tuberculosis examination.

How long does it take?
The duration of the application procedure for a residence permit varies. This depends on the purpose of stay for which the employer applies, whether you entered the country on a provisional residence permit, and whether a work permit is needed. IND aims to issue decisions on applications for “highly skilled migrants” or “scientific researchers under EC Directive 2005/71” within two weeks.