Visas & Immigration

Learn how to apply for visas, residence, and citizenship in the Netherlands, whether you are immigrating for love, to find work, as a student, or simply for adventure.

Man in a suit holding multiple passports in his hands.

Netherlands dual citizenship: key rules and exceptions for expats

Check Netherlands dual citizenship rules before you make a passport or nationality decision. Deciding to take on Dutch nationality is a major milestone, but the fear of having to surrender your original passport stops many expats in their tracks. While the Netherlands strictly limits dual nationality as a general rule, key legal exceptions mean you […]

Blue EU passport on top of multiple other passports.

EU Blue Card in the Netherlands: eligibility and application

Explore the Dutch EU Blue Card route if you are a non-EU professional weighing up a skilled move to the Netherlands. If you are relocating to the Netherlands as a non-EU specialist, the EU Blue Card is one of the most versatile residence permits available. While many expats default to the standard local work visas, […]

Schengen visa for the Netherlands: requirements and steps

Planning a short trip to the Netherlands? Depending on your visit purpose, length, full itinerary and your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance. The Schengen area is made up of 29 European countries, which use a common short stay visa, but differing application routes. This means that before you […]

Travel insurance tag hanging from the handle of a suit case.

Travel insurance for a Schengen visa in the Netherlands

If you need a short-stay Schengen visa for the Netherlands, your insurance must meet specific rules on medical cover, territory, and travel dates. The proof must also be clear enough for visa staff to check quickly. Choosing travel insurance for a Schengen visa for the Netherlands is less about extras and more about matching the […]

Dutch citizenship by marriage in the Netherlands

Many people search for Dutch citizenship by marriage expecting an automatic passport, but marrying a Dutch citizen does not make you Dutch. Marriage or a registered partnership can create a shorter route to naturalization in some cases, but residence rights and nationality follow separate rules. This guide explains how the 3-year route works, what conditions […]

Dutch citizenship by descent: who qualifies?

If you were born in the Netherlands or have one or more Dutch parents, how and if you qualify for Dutch citizenship can depend on the year you were born and your exact circumstances. While some people qualify for citizenship automatically, others may be able to acquire nationality later through the option procedure or another […]

Orientation year visa in the Netherlands: who qualifies and how to apply

The orientation year, often called the zoekjaar, gives some international graduates and researchers time to stay in the Netherlands after a qualifying degree or research route ends. This can give you a Dutch residence permit and the right to work for 12 months, but as Dutch graduates and overseas applicants face different eligibility requirements it […]

Digital Nomad Visa in the Netherlands

Discover the ins and outs of securing a long-term stay as a remote worker in the Netherlands with the Self-Employed Residence Permit. The Netherlands has plenty to offer, from the historic, winding canals of Amsterdam and Utrecht to the striking, avant-garde architecture of Rotterdam. For many internationals, the combination of a high quality of life, […]

USA flag and dutch flag merging in a puzzle pattern.

Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa in the Netherlands

Understand the Dutch American Friendship Treaty visa route if you are a US citizen planning to start a business in the Netherlands. Often called the DAFT visa Netherlands route, this is really a residence permit path for self-employed US citizens under the Dutch self-employed framework. While it can offer a more accessible entry point than […]

Dutch visas: how to immigrate to the Netherlands in 2026

Thinking about going Dutch? Find out what you need to know about visas, residence permits, immigration, and more in the Netherlands.

Family and partner visas in the Netherlands

If you have a family member living in the Netherlands, find out if you’re eligible to join them with a family or partner visa.

Work-related visas in the Netherlands

Find out all about work visas in the Netherlands, including who needs one, how to apply, and the different types of permits available.

The Burgerservicenummer: getting a BSN in the Netherlands

You won’t get very far in the Netherlands without a Burgerservicenummer. From banking to housing, the Dutch BSN is a must-have.

Permanent residence in the Netherlands

After living in the country for five years, foreign nationals and their family members can apply for permanent residence in the Netherlands.

Citizenship in the Netherlands: how to become a Dutch citizen

Become a citizen of the Netherlands and you’ll access a wealth of rights. Discover the different paths to Dutch citizenship and how to apply.