Netherlands Single Permit 2025 – Application Method

Due to its excellent level of life and attractive employment prospects, the Netherlands has long been a popular destination for skilled professionals from all over the world. However, the Single Permit (GVVA), a simplified work and residency permit, is required if you are a non-EU/EEA national wishing to live and work in the Netherlands.

Before applying, you should be aware of important changes, such as revised income restrictions and higher application fees. The new regulations, qualifying requirements, in-demand professions, and top locations for GVVA-sponsored employment in 2025 will all be covered in detail in this post!

What is the Single Permit (GVVA) and is it still available in 2025?

Without requiring separate applications for a residence permit and a work permit (TWV), non-EU/EEA people can live and work in the Netherlands with the Single Permit (GVVA – Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid), a combined residence and work permit.

Is the GVVA Still Available in 2025?

Indeed! In 2025, the GVVA will still be fully functional, and Dutch companies will still be able to sponsor foreign workers with this authorization. The most recent qualifying conditions and income thresholds, which have changed this year, must be met by applicants.

Read Also: Warehouse Worker Jobs in Netherlands—Visa Sponsorship

What’s New in the GVVA for 2025?

In 2025, the Netherlands made significant changes to the Single Permit (GVVA). The main modifications are as follows:

1. Higher Income Requirements

The minimal gross monthly salary for GVVA applicants has gone raised as of January 1, 2025:

• Highly Skilled Migrants (30 years and older): €5,688
• Highly Skilled Migrants (Under 30 years): €4,171
• Recent Graduates & Orientation Year Candidates: €2,989
• EU Blue Card Holders: €5,688
• Reduced Salary Threshold for EU Blue Card Holders: €4,551

2. Increased Application Fees

The fees for a number of visa categories have been adjusted by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND):

• GVVA application fee: €405
• Dependent spouses/partners: €243
• Children under 18 years: €81

3. Faster & More Transparent Processing Times

The Single Permit (GVVA) processing time currently differs according to the work category and employer:

• Standard processing time: 5 weeks to 90 days
• Faster processing for recognized sponsors

Which Occupations Are Allowed Under the GVVA?

If you’re wondering what jobs qualify for a Single Permit (GVVA) in 2025, here’s a list of some top occupations eligible for visa sponsorship:

1. Tech & Engineering

✔ Software Developers
✔ IT Specialists
✔ Civil Engineers
✔ AI Experts

2. Healthcare

✔ Nurses
✔ Doctors
✔ Medical Researchers

3. Education & Research

✔ University Lecturers
✔ Academic Researchers

4. Hospitality & Culinary Arts

✔ Asian Cuisine Chefs
✔ Hospitality Managers

5. Creative Industry

✔ Musicians
✔ Dancers
✔ Artists

6. Professional Sports

✔ Athletes
✔ Coaches
✔ Trainers

7. Religious & Spiritual Leaders

✔ Ministers
✔ Pastors
✔ Imams

8. Non-Profit & Humanitarian Sectors

✔ NGO Employees
✔ Social Workers

New Eligibility Criteria for the Netherlands GVVA in 2025

In 2025, candidates must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible for a Single Permit (GVVA):

1. Valid Job Offer

✔ A valid employment contract from a reputable Dutch company is required.

2. Salary Thresholds

✔ In accordance with your work category, your company is required to pay at least the new minimum salary.:

• Highly Skilled Migrants (30+ years): €5,688
• Highly Skilled Migrants (Under 30 years): €4,171
• Recent Graduates & Orientation Year Candidates: €2,989
• EU Blue Card Holders: €5,688
• Reduced Salary Threshold for EU Blue Card Holders: €4,551

3. Labor Market Test

✔ Before employing a non-EU worker for the majority of positions, the employer must demonstrate that no EU or EEA candidate is available.

4. Valid Passport

✔ For the duration of your employment in the Netherlands, your passport must remain valid.

5. Health Insurance

✔ When you arrive in the Netherlands, you must have insurance.

6. Clean Criminal Record

✔ You must not have any prior offenses that might interfere with your application for a visa

Where to Find Jobs Offering the GVVA in 2025?

The following are some of the top job-search sites for GVVA-sponsored positions:

1. EURES Portal

✔ Dutch companies hiring non-EU workers are listed in the official European job database.

https://ec.europa.eu/eures

2. LinkedIn Jobs

✔ To locate suitable job ads, use parameters such as “Visa Sponsorship” or “Work in the Netherlands.”
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs

3. Glassdoor

✔ Search for job listings that mention “Visa Sponsorship” in the Netherlands.
https://www.glassdoor.com

4. Company Websites

✔ Top companies in the Netherlands that regularly hire foreign professionals:

• Shell https://www.shell.com
• Philips https://www.philips.com
• Unilever https://www.unilever.com
• KLM https://www.klm.com
• ING https://www.ing.com

5. Recruitment Agencies

✔ Specialized agencies helping foreign workers secure GVVA jobs:

• Randstad https://www.randstad.nl
• Adams Multilingual Recruitment https://www.adamsrecruitment.com
• Undutchables https://www.undutchables.nl

Where and How to Apply for the GVVA?

Step 1: Employer Submits Application

Your GVVA permit must be applied for by your Dutch employer via the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

Step 2: IND & UWV Decision

The Employee Insurance Agency, or UWV, determines if a non-EU worker is required for the position.
Your Single Permit (GVVA) is issued by the IND upon approval.

Step 3: Collect Your Residence Permit

You have to pick up your residency card from the IND once you’ve landed in the Netherlands.

Apply via the Official IND Website:

https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/single-permit-gvva

Conclusion:

With the Single Permit (GVVA), the Netherlands continues to be a top destination for qualified workers, providing outstanding job prospects. IT, healthcare, research, and other specialists can find work in 2025 with revised requirements and simplified processing. To ensure the success of your transfer to the Netherlands, make sure you meet the qualifying requirements and investigate the top job boards for GVVA-sponsored positions!

Frequently Asked Questions