As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?
As a non-EU resident you and your company can apply for a Knowledge Migrant status. In that case, you do not need a work permit, only a residence permit. In the case that you are not a knowledge migrant and are a non-EU resident, your employer will need to apply for a work permit.

An expatriate who intends to stay in the Netherlands for longer than three months must register with his or her municipality. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) in your municipality will also issue a residence permit to you.

In some cases, an MVV (preliminary residence permit/entry visa) is needed before an application for residence permit is possible. The IND will check if the MVV and work permit have been obtained.
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What kinds of visas are available?
Before entering the Netherlands for a period of less than three months (either for business or tourist purposes), foreigners from a number of countries need to have a visa. There is an extended list of visa-duty countries that changes every three years.

All non-EU citizens need to have an MVV visa provided by the Dutch embassy or consulate in the transferee's home country when the expected stay in the Netherlands is longer than 3 months. An MVV is a national visa in the form of a sticker in your passport. Exempted from MVV-duty are EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland and Monaco.
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What is required to obtain these visas?
Foreigners who need visas must request them in person at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country. Required documents are a passport and an invitation letter from your employer in the Netherlands. This letter should state your name and date of birth, the purpose of your visit, your passport number, a description of the relation between you and the company and a guarantee regarding the possible costs made by your visit. You will also need to show a return ticket and adequate travel insurance.
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Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?
Yes, although a spouse needs his or her own work permit. Crown Amsterdam can explain in detail the rules that apply in your case.
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What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?
A passport and/or driver's license are the main forms of identification.
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Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?
Upon move-in, register with your municipality. The IND in your municipality will also issue your residence permit. If you are planning to live outside of the city of Amsterdam, the procedure may be slightly different.

Documents needed for registering with the municipality and for obtaining a work permit include:

  • passport
  • employment contract
  • work permit (if required)
  • employer's statement (werkgeversverklaring)
  • 2 recent color passport photos
  • birth and marriage certificates (please check with Crown Amsterdam to determine if these documents require legalization and/or translation)
  • original rental contract
  • recent salary slips
  • updated CV
  • current employment contract
  • copy of diplomas, degrees, etc.

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What items should I avoid bringing into the country?
Do not bring weapons or drugs into the Netherlands.
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Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?
Be sure to extend your permits before they expire.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.