Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Employment visa in Netherlands for Canadian citizens
Residence permit without work permit
Employment visa — what you need to know
Issued to individuals who can not apply for a single permit (GVVA) or do not require a work permit after 5 years of continuous employment in the Netherlands.
Intended only for specific categories of paid employment to which the GVVA does not apply
Available, among others, to certain correspondents, employees of international institutions, seafarers and offshore installation workers
The employer generally obtains a separate TWV work permit through the UWV
A TWV is not required for certain positions and statuses
The residence permit is generally issued for up to 3 years, or up to 5 years if the holder has free access to the labour market
Application process: proof of eligibility under a specific category → obtaining a TWV, if required → application for an MVV and residence permit → entry into the Netherlands → obtaining the residence card
Allows the applicant to obtain a residence permit in situations where the GVVA does not apply
A TWV work permit is not required for certain categories
After 5 consecutive years of employment, the holder may obtain free access to the labour market
The residence permit can be renewed if the qualifying basis is maintained
If employment is lost, the holder may be given up to 3 or 6 months to find a new job
Applicants with free access to the labour market may receive a permit valid for up to 5 years from the outset
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