If you want an employee from outside the European Union to work in the Netherlands for more than three months, they usually need a single permit (gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid, GVVA): one permit for residence and work together. The employer applies to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), which asks the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV) for advice on the labour market. The permit is only granted if no suitable candidate can be found in the Netherlands or the EEA.
Table of contents
When do you need a single permit?
For work of more than 90 days by an employee without EU, EEA or Swiss nationality, unless another scheme applies.
| Situation | What is needed |
|---|---|
| Employee from the EU, the EEA or Switzerland | No permit |
| Employee from outside the EU, more than 90 days | Single permit (GVVA), unless another scheme applies |
| Employee from outside the EU, less than 90 days | Only a work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV) from the UWV, plus a visa if required; see our article on the Dutch work permit |
| Highly skilled migrant with a recognised sponsor | Highly skilled migrant residence permit, without a labour market test |
How does the labour market test work?
The UWV assesses whether job seekers in the Netherlands or the EEA are available, under the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wet arbeid vreemdelingen, Wav). You report the vacancy to the UWV at least five weeks before you apply, and you keep recruiting actively in the Netherlands, the EEA and Switzerland during that period. Keep advertisements, invoices and a record of the selection as evidence.
Which routes avoid the labour market test?
- Highly skilled migrant: salary above the IND threshold, with an employer that is a recognised sponsor (erkend referent).
- EU Blue Card: highly educated employees with an employment contract of at least six months and a salary above its own threshold.
- Intra-corporate transfer (ICT directive): managers, specialists and trainees who come temporarily to a Dutch branch.
- Orientation year for highly educated persons: recent graduates may work freely during that year.
What happens when the employee changes jobs?
The single permit is granted for the duration of the employment contract, up to a maximum of three years. A substantial change of position can require a new permit.
The revised EU Single Permit Directive (2024/1233) gives permit holders a right to change employer. The IND has applied this since 22 May 2026, ahead of the Dutch implementing legislation: it can suspend the change for up to 45 days to check the new job. Check the current IND conditions before the employee switches.
What should you check as an employer?
- Whether a route without a labour market test fits, such as highly skilled migrant or Blue Card.
- That the vacancy was reported to the UWV at least five weeks before the application.
- The employee’s residence document before the first working day, with a copy in your records.
- The permit’s end date, so that you apply for an extension in time.
What should you check as an employee?
- That you do not start work before the IND has granted the permit.
- That your position and salary match what was stated in the application.
- The validity date on your residence document.
- The current IND rules before you change employer.
What risks does the employer run?
Letting an employee from outside the EU work without the right permit breaches the Wav. The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) can fine an employer several thousand euros per illegally employed worker, more for repeat offences, and a recognised sponsor can lose its recognition.
What can we do for you with a single permit?
Our immigration lawyers assist employers and employees throughout the procedure.
- We check which permit route fits the employee and the position.
- We prepare the application to the IND, including the recruitment file for the UWV.
- We advise on a change of employer or position.
- We file an objection (bezwaar) with the IND within the six-week deadline.
- We assist you if the Labour Authority imposes a fine.
Summary
- An employee from outside the EU who works here for more than 90 days usually needs a single permit.
- The single permit requires a labour market test: report the vacancy at least five weeks in advance and keep recruiting.
- Highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, ICT and the orientation year are routes without a labour market test.
- The permit is valid for up to three years; since 22 May 2026 the IND applies a right to change employer.
- Working without a permit leads to a fine per employee.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for the single permit, the employer or the employee?
Usually the employer, on behalf of the employee. The application goes to the IND, which asks the UWV for advice.
Can my employee start working before the permit is granted?
No. The employee may only start once the IND has granted the permit.
The application was refused because suitable candidates were available. What now?
You can object to the IND decision within the deadline in the decision letter, generally six weeks (Article 6:7 of the General Administrative Law Act, Awb). In the objection you explain why the available candidates were not suitable.
