Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Employment visa (GVVA) in Netherlands for Canadian citizens
Employment visa (GVVA) — what you need to know
For individuals planning to work in paid employment
The GVVA combines a residence permit and a work permit
A job offer from an employer in the Netherlands is generally required
The employer must first search for a suitable candidate in the Netherlands and the EU/EEA and register the vacancy with the UWV
The employer must first search for a suitable candidate in the Netherlands and the EU/EEA and register the vacancy with the UWV
For standard employment, the general income threshold is at least €2,337 gross SV per month, excluding holiday allowance; specific amounts apply to certain occupations
The permit is tied to a specific employer and employment conditions
Application process: job offer → labour market test and application submitted by the employer → GVVA approval → obtaining the MVV visa → entry into the Netherlands → obtaining the residence card and supplementary document
A single permit authorises both residence and employment in the Netherlands
The GVVA is issued for up to 3 years and can be renewed
After 5 years of employment, the holder may obtain free access to the labour market without a TWV
If employment is lost, the holder has up to 3 months to find a new job, or up to 6 months after holding the permit for 2 years
After 5 years of residence, the holder may apply for permanent residence
Family members can relocate with the main applicant; to employ the spouse or partner, their employer generally needs a separate TWV
Eligible individuals:
- Foreign paid employee
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed 3 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Official visa information
English international
Category code
D
Type of visa
Residence visa
Category
Work visas