The digital nomad working culture is rising, with approximately 35 million futurists adapting to that working model. Considering that this number is estimated to grow dramatically in the upcoming years, it’s clear that digital nomads are the workforce of the future.
Multiple countries worldwide have recognized this pattern and realized the benefits of adapting their visa regimes in order to welcome digital nomads and facilitate their stay. The Netherlands is one of them, so if you’re planning on staying, find significant help with your Dutch life here.
Like other digital nomad sweet spots, the Netherlands offers numerous benefits for this working model. Still, there are a couple of measures and steps to take before advancing your career in the Land of Tulips.
Find the detailed guide in the rest of the text on applying for a digital nomad visa in the Netherlands and other useful information on this topic.
Does the Netherlands Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
There are quite a few different visa types in the Netherlands that you may need, all with a purpose to complement your needs, suited for different scenarios. You may want to visit a relative, go on a business trip, or stay for an extended period – there are varied options suited for different situations.
1. Airport transit visa
This type of visa enables you to take a short stop at an airport in the Netherlands or get onto a connecting flight without going through passport control.
2. Short-stay Schengen visa
The short-stay Schengen visa allows you to travel freely throughout the entire Schengen area, including the Netherlands, which is a member of the Schengen area. It is time-restricted, and with the short-stay Schengen visa, you are allowed to stay in any of the Schengen countries for up to 90 days in a 3-month cycle.
3. Orange Carpet Visa Facility
The Orange Carpet Visa Facility was tailored to simplify the documentation requirements for organizations and independent contractors who frequently travel to the Netherlands. This includes fewer documents needed for visa applications, shorter waiting times, as well as applying in person only once in five years. However, there is a limitation of availability for this service, as it is currently available in 30 countries.
4. Entry visa
If you’re traveling somewhere/staying abroad and somebody stole your Dutch residence permit, or you lost it by accident – this is your solution. An entry visa allows your return to the Netherlands under this condition.
5. Caribbean visas
You can travel to the Caribbean regions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten, using a Caribbean visa. These visas don’t include the European parts of the Netherlands. You can apply for both short-stay and long-stay visas, suited for less or more than 90 days.
6. Long-stay visa (MVV)
The long-stay visa MVV allows you to stay and work in the Netherlands for up to three months.
A digital nomad visa is an official document that authorizes staying outside your country for remote working purposes.
In other words, the MVV visa is the equivalent of a digital nomad visa.
Although similar, there are a couple of differences between a Schengen visa and an MVV visa. Both will allow you to travel to the Netherlands and authorize your stay for up to 90 days.
On the other hand, you can travel to any country in the Schengen area with a Schengen visa, while the MVV visa is crafted exclusively to move to the Netherlands. That’s why you are able to apply for a Dutch residency with an MVV visa and not with a Schengen visa.
Nevertheless, it’s essential to recognize these differences, as it may not be necessary to obtain one or the other, depending on your intent.
The MVV visa is valid for 90 days, which is usually enough to obtain a residency permit.
How do I Get a Self-employed Visa for the Netherlands?
The required documentation for your stay in the Netherlands will vary depending on your current country of residence and the length of your stay. If you plan to stay for longer than three months (90 days), chances are that you will need a residence permit and/or a visa.
The exemption to this rule will be if you reside in any of the EU member states.
There is no need for an MVV visa or a residence permit to work and live in the Netherlands if you own citizenship of any EU member state, which are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
If you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea and wish to move to the Netherlands to work as a digital nomad, you must obtain a residence permit. You can stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa. Those 90 days can be extended as you wait for your application approval. As long as you are moving to the Netherlands solely for work purposes, the same applies to the following countries: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
A specific set of rules apply to the next batch of countries: Argentina, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Uruguay. If you own citizenship in one of these countries, you will be required to obtain a residence permit regardless. But the MVV visa may or may not be needed. For example, if you were transferred to the Netherlands by your company, you would be required to acquire an MVV visa. If not, then the MVV visa is optional.
Finally, if you are a resident of a country from the previously listed one, you will need to obtain both a residence permit and an MVV visa by default.
How to Get the MVV Visa in the Netherlands
If you own citizenship in one of the countries mentioned that doesn’t require an MVV visa, you’re in luck. In that case, you are one step closer to launching your digital nomad career in the Netherlands. But, if you are a resident of another country that does require one, the process for obtaining it is as follows:
Firstly, there are a couple of criteria you need to meet to be a suitable candidate for the Netherlands digital nomad visa:
- You hold a valid passport or other official travel documents.
- You do not pose a threat to public order or national security.
- You or your sponsor have sufficient financial means, e.g., earn an adequate income from gainful employment.
- You are ready to be tested for TB.
- You have health insurance in the Netherlands.
- You have passed the naturalization test or have been exempted.
Once you comply with these rules, you may proceed to the application process. There are two approaches to choose from to engage in the application process:
- Provided by a host in the Netherlands (e.g., employer, family member, or educational institution)
- In person at the Dutch embassy or consulate general of the Netherlands.
Since your travel to the Netherlands will be for work purposes, your employer (the host) will fall into the first category.
The process starts by applying for your residence permit and/or the MVV visa in the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). This can be done in a few simple steps:
Step one
Go through the conditions on ind.nl, where you will find all the residence permits for work, including the conditions, rights, and obligations associated with each residence permit which the employee’s position and salary will influence.
Step two
The second step is filling out the application, which can be done online or in writing. The documents are not needed when sending in your application.
Step three
The next step would be to cover the fees and expenses of the application, which will fluctuate depending on the category you fall within. These fees can also be found at ind.nl. This can be done via direct debit or wait for a letter explaining the payment options. Bear in mind that if you process the payment via direct debit, you will get feedback within two weeks on the status of your application. Otherwise, the process can take up to 90 days.
Step four
The fourth step is to wait. In case your application is incomplete for any reason, the decision period may be extended.
Step five
Upon completing these steps, you are going to reach the decision. If approved, you will receive a message about collecting your digital nomad visa in the Netherlands or residence permit. There is a possibility of rejection, but you can apply for a review.
Documents for MVV visa
When it comes to the documentation needed for the MVV visa to be submitted to the embassy, it goes as follows:
- Completed and signed the MVV application form
- Your passport (with at least six months validity remaining and two blank visa pages) and its photocopies (including copies of all visas and stamps);
- A positive decision by the Dutch Immigration Service (IND)
- Three photos 3.5*4.5 made according to the requirements of the Netherlands.
Things to Do When You Arrive in the Netherlands
There are a couple of things you should do upon your arrival to ensure all the legal aspects are met and that your stay is as comfortable as possible.
Register with the municipality
You must register with the Dutch municipality where you will live within five days of arrival. All people moving with you must physically accompany you to your appointment. Municipalities can fine you if you do not register on time.
To successfully register for the municipality, make sure that you bring the following documents:
- A legitimate form of identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, Dutch identity card, or alien identity card.
- Proof of occupation (rental agreement, purchase agreement, or letter from the primary occupant of the property)
- If you are traveling from Aruba, Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, or Saba, you must present documentation of deregistration.
Apply for and activate a DigiD
You can request a DigiD once you have registered with the Personal Records Database (BRP). DigiD is a way to identify yourself when using internet services. Thanks to it, you can utilize and gain access to these services safely.
MijnOverheid registration
You can access MijnOverheid by using your DigiD. The information about you that has been recorded with Dutch authorities is available on MijnOverheid. You may read messages from Dutch authorities in the “Berichtenbox” feature of MijnOverheid. An announcement from the government informing you that it’s time to renew your passport is one example. Or a notice from the Tax Administration advising you of the amount of tax you owe or will be receiving back.
Determine if you require health insurance
In most cases, the Chronic Care Act provides insurance if you reside or work in the Netherlands (Wlz). This law regulates the Netherlands’ healthcare. Medical treatment, medication, or medical equipment like a wheelchair are all examples of healthcare. In the Netherlands, premiums and taxes are used to pay for the health and care systems. Even if they don’t themselves require care. In the Netherlands, basic health insurance is typically a requirement as well.
Move to the Netherlands with no hustle
With breathtaking landscapes, impressive technological advancements, and extraordinary nightlife, the Netherlands easily falls into one of those “heaven on earth” destinations. Fortunately, becoming a digital nomad and moving there is a viable option, as long as all the criteria are met, with the necessity of preparation and proper research.
If you have doubts about certain laws or paperwork, or you find the process too complicated, you can always find a little help. Safe transition, error-free tax calculations, paperwork-solving, and the like, don’t need to be your concern.
The moving process also can be made as simple and comfortable as possible, you don’t need to do it on your own. Don’t miss to inform yourself about real estate in the Netherlands and don’t forget to reach out for help if you need it.
The only thing left to do is to pack your suitcase and embrace the digital nomad culture that will surely remain one of your most exciting traveling experiences.