Residency and visas in the Netherlands

Residence and work permits matter to a foreign-owned Dutch company in two ways: for a founder who wants to move to the Netherlands to run the business, and for staff the company brings in from outside the EU. Applications go to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), and the route depends on who is applying and why. Some routes rely on the employer being a recognised sponsor with the IND, others on a business plan, an investment or a salary level, so the right one depends on your plans for the company.

Firms offering residency and visa support in the Netherlands

Moneywood

Accounting firm · Boutique firm

Amsterdam

  • Company formation
  • Accounting and bookkeeping
  • Tax compliance
  • +3 more

Languages: English · Dutch

View profile of Moneywood

5 more firms offering residency and visa support in the Netherlands

What to ask a firm about permits

Ask which permit routes the firm has handled recently and for which nationalities. Ask whether it prepares the full application or works alongside an immigration lawyer, and who deals with the IND if questions come back. If the company will hire from abroad, ask whether it can help the company become a recognised sponsor and what that involves. Find out how the firm links permits with payroll and with registration at the local municipality, and what is included in the fee for family members.

Firms on Accountanty

Accountanty lists 29 firms that help with residence and visas in the Netherlands: 20 accounting firms and nine corporate service providers. Twenty are small, six medium-sized and three in large networks, and 26 offer English. Expats are the client group they name most often. Amsterdam has 16 of these firms, Rotterdam four, The Hague three and Capelle aan den IJssel two. For salaries once staff arrive, see payroll in the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions

Who decides on residence permits in the Netherlands?

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). A firm can prepare the application and the supporting documents for the company and the applicant, but the decision is the IND's, so treat any promised outcome with caution.

Can my Dutch company hire staff from outside the EU?

Often, but the route depends on the role, the salary and whether the company is a recognised sponsor. Ask a firm which route fits each hire before you make an offer, since the timing affects the start date.

Do these firms also handle permits for family members?

Many include partners and children in the application, but not always in the same fee. Ask for a written quote that lists each person covered and the documents each one needs.

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General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules, rates and fees change: check them with the official sources linked on this page or with a qualified adviser before you act.