The Netherlands is one of the best places in Europe for highly skilled workers to live. It is known for its windmills, tulip fields, and creative approaches to sustainability. The Netherlands could be the place for you if you’ve ever wanted to live a good life and work in a very active and forward-thinking atmosphere. But wait, there’s more! You can work here and bring your family with you. You might be able to make this dream come true with the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA (Kennismigrant Visa).
These words describe this visa, let us talk about whether or not you can bring your family with you, and explain how to apply for it without an agent (yes, you read that right!). There are many good things about this visa. We’ll show you how to apply step by step and tell you how much you can save by doing it yourself. Bring a stroopwafel with you, and let’s begin.
Benefits of the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA is meant to bring in the best workers from around the world to help the business and innovation scene in the country. What’s good about it for you? Let’s look at the pros:
- Way to Permanent Residency: One of the best things about this visa is that it can help you get permanent residency. If you have lived in the Netherlands continuously for five years, you can ask for a permit to live there permanently. In other words, you’re not just going for a short-term job; you’re making plans for a long-term stay in the Netherlands.
- Bringing Your Family: The Netherlands is a great place to visit with your family as well. You can bring your husband, registered partner, and children who depend on you to the Netherlands with you. Your spouse or partner will get residence permits that will let them live with you. They will also be able to work in the Netherlands without having a separate work permit.
- Flexibility at Work: The Highly Skilled Migrant VISA gives you freedom at work, unlike some work visas that lock you into one job. If you pick a new job, you won’t have to apply for a new visa as long as your new boss is also a known sponsor.
- Fast Processing Time: The process for applying for this visa is meant to be quick, and it usually takes between two and four weeks to process. Compared to other countries where work visas can take months to get accepted, this is a big plus.
- Access to Dutch Services: As a highly skilled immigrant, you’ll be able to use the great Dutch healthcare system, send your kids to a great school, and get other social services. These services will help you and your family start a new life in the Netherlands more easily and with more fun.
Can You Apply for a Netherlands HSM Visa Without an Agent?
Short Answer: you can apply for the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA without an agent.
In fact, your Dutch boss, who must be approved by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND), will take care of most of the application process. It is possible to save a lot of money by not using an agency.
How much can you save? The fees that agents charge can be very different, but it’s normal for them to charge between €1,000 and €3,000. You can save money on these fees and have full control over the application process if you do it yourself. There are no complicated steps in the process, and if you do some study and get ready, you can do it on your own.
Applying for Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA with Family
Are you ready to jump? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA and how to bring your family with you.
Secure a Job with a Recognized Sponsor
The first thing you need to do is find a job with a Dutch company that is a provider for the IND. These businesses are allowed to hire foreigners with a lot of skills. The IND’s public register or job boards and business websites that say they are recognized sponsors are good places to look for recognized sponsors.
Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you meet the requirements for the skilled worker visa. This includes making the minimum wage, which changes based on your age and amount of experience. As an example, the minimum gross monthly pay in 2024 is €5,008 for people over 30 and €3,672 for people under 30. Your job offer must meet or go above these levels.
Gather the Required Documents
Work with your boss to get the papers you need for the visa application together and get them ready. Usually, these are:
- A legal job contract or letter of assignment.
- Proof of your skills, like diplomas or awards.
- A passport or other legal travel document.
- The filled-out application form can be found at https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/highly-skilled-migrant.
- Show proof that your pay meets the minimum needs.
Read Also: Warehouse Worker Jobs in Netherlands – Visa Sponsorship
Employer Submits the Application
The application will be sent to the IND by your workplace through their online system, and it will usually take two to four weeks for the application to be processed.
Apply for Family Members’ Visas
If you want to bring your family with you, they can apply for visas at the same time as you or after yours is accepted. You’ll need to show proof of your link (like a marriage certificate or a birth certificate), proof that you can support your family financially, and proof that you have a place to live in the Netherlands.
Receive a Decision from the IND
The IND will look over your application and let you and your boss know what they think. If you are accepted, you will get a residence permit and, if needed, a provisional residence permit (MVV) that will let you leave the country.
Collect Your MVV (if required)
Get an MVV from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country if you need one. The Netherlands will let you visit for a short time with this visa.
Travel to the Netherlands and Register with the Municipality
When you get to the Netherlands, you need to register with the town (gemeente) where you plan to live. You will get a BSN (Burgerservicenummer) during this process. This is necessary to work and use services in the Netherlands.
Collect Your Residence Permits
Finally, go to the IND office and get your residence papers. The permits for your family members will also be sent to them, letting them stay in the Netherlands officially.
Conclusion:
The Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA is a great chance for skilled workers to live and work in a city that is growing and changing. This visa is a great choice for people who want to advance their jobs in Europe because they can bring their families with them, enjoy a high quality of life, and get their applications processed quickly. Start the process right away to start a new life in the Netherlands!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant VISA (Kennismigrant Visa)?
The Highly Skilled Migrant VISA is meant to bring skilled workers from other countries to the Netherlands to help with business and innovation. It has perks like the chance to live there permanently, bringing family members, and having more work options.
How long does it take to process the Highly Skilled Migrant VISA?
Processing typically takes between two and four weeks.
