Located between Belgium and Germany in Western Europe, the Netherlands is Europe’s most densely populated country. It is known for many things, especially the production of windmills.
The Netherlands provides the excitement to start a new life for any Nigerian looking to travel to a foreign country. Yearly, the Netherlands welcomes around 200,000 immigrants from all over the world due to its hospitality.
If you desire to know how to immigrate to the Netherlands and start a new journey, you must meet certain conditions. But first, you must understand that your application process may differ depending on your nationality. Here, I will teach you how to immigrate to the Netherlands, the cost of moving, and the checklist.
Table of Contents
- 1 Can I Immigrate to the Netherlands?
- 2 What is the Cost of Living in the Netherlands?
- 3 What is the Best Way to Immigrate to the Netherlands?
- 4 How do I Immigrate to the Netherlands?
- 5 What are Other Visa Types in the Netherlands I can apply for?
- 6 Can I Move to the Netherlands Without a Job?
- 7 Checklist for Immigrating to the Netherlands
Can I Immigrate to the Netherlands?
Anyone who meets the requirements can move to the Netherlands. The primary reason for immigrating to the Netherlands is to work or study. However, the EU/EEA/Swiss nationals stand a better chance.
This set of people can stay in this country visa-free as long as their stay isn’t up to three months. Once it exceeds three months, you must register your stay in the database of the local municipality where you will settle.
On the other hand, if you are a non-national, you must obtain a temporary resident permit to live for up to five years in the country. After that, you can become eligible to acquire your permanent residency, leading to your citizenship.
What is the Cost of Living in the Netherlands?
To live comfortably in the Netherlands, you must make up to €2,000 monthly as a single person. Meals are as high as €30 per meal for a single person, which is expensive. Remember, you will always pay taxes, which could affect your finances.
What is the Best Way to Immigrate to the Netherlands?
The easiest way to move to the Netherlands is by obtaining a job and applying for a work visa. After that, you can move to the Netherlands. Let me break it down for you:
How do I Find a Job in the Netherlands?
Getting a job in the Netherlands may not be easy before immigrating. However, it is possible with the right approach. Amsterdam, the country’s capital, is the easiest city to find a job.
International companies and businesses are looking for skilled foreigners to hire. As such, you must be positioned to land a job in any of these companies. The in-demand jobs in the Netherlands include finance, electrical engineering, IT and data, medical healthcare, communications, hospitality, and manufacturing.
If your skills fall under any of them, you stand a high chance of landing a job in the Netherlands before immigrating. The EURES (European Employment Services) and the UWW (Werkzoekenden) are job search websites for employment in the Netherlands.
How do I Apply for a Dutch Work Visa?
To apply for a Netherlands work visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Make an appointment with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND): If you are to apply for a temporary residence permit, you must do so at the airport through the IND.
- Gather the supporting documents: This will be explained under the Checklists for Migrating to the Netherlands.’ Apply for a temporary resident permit: You may need to apply for an MVV (long-stay visa) and a work permit together. Your Dutch employer can apply for a work permit on your behalf to prove your skills in the field you are to work in.
How do I Immigrate to the Netherlands?
After your Dutch visa and temporary residence permit approval, you can start planning to move to the Netherlands. Upon entering the country, you must register your residence with the Gemeente, the town hall in the Dutch municipality where you plan to reside.
In addition, you must register to acquire a health insurance plan. This is because you will not be qualified for government health until you obtain your permanent residence permit. Thus, private health insurance coverage is the only means of enjoying cheaper medical services.
What are Other Visa Types in the Netherlands I can apply for?
Depending on the situation and purpose of the visit, you may apply for any of the following visas to enter the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Airport transit visa: If you need to transit through the Netherlands to another country, you will need this visa for your short stay. It has a maximum life of 72 hours.
Long-stay visa: It is also called an authorization for temporary stay (MVV).
Schengen short-stay visa: It is applicable for a temporary stay in the Netherlands not exceeding three months.
Orange carpet visa is issued to those visiting the Netherlands for tourism or sightseeing.
To apply as a highly-skilled migrant, your Dutch employer must apply for you. The price for the application process is €345.
Can I Move to the Netherlands Without a Job?
In most cases, a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national must have a job offer before they are allowed to immigrate to the Netherlands. However, with the following visa options, you can move to the Netherlands without a job:
Student visa: This visa is issued to those who enter the country for study purposes. After their studies, they must leave the country unless they get a permanent job requiring another visa.
Dutch family reunification visa: You can move to the Netherlands without a job if you are married to a Dutch citizen or resident. In this case, your partner must prove they can support you financially.
Dutch startup and self-employment visa: As a startup or self-employed, you already have a job, even though you are not attached to any Dutch employer.
Dutch working holiday visa: Young people from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Argentina between 18 and 30 can explore the Netherlands using this visa. They can live for up to one year in the country.
Checklist for Immigrating to the Netherlands
If you want to migrate to the Netherlands, you must meet the following conditions:
Valid work contract: You must have a good job offer before immigrating to the Netherlands.
Accommodation: You must have rental accommodation as proof of your stay in the country.
Stable income: You must meet up with a monthly income of at least €1,200 during your stay in the Netherlands.
Valid health insurance: Acquire a private health insurance cover for your medical expenses in the Netherlands.
In addition to the above, you must have a reason to move to the Netherlands, including work or studies. All your documents must be written or translated into Dutch before submitting them. Again, suppose you apply for a Dutch long-stay visa as a cleric or the spouse of a Dutch citizen. In that case, you must tender a civic integration certification, showing your Dutch language proficiency level.
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