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Expat Netherlands How exactly does it work?

Working as an expat in the Netherlands is very attractive for several reasons. It is therefore certainly no surprise that so many knowledge-based immigrants can be found in this country at the moment. This has everything to do with the fine working conditions created by the government of the Netherlands. 

If you are an expat interested in working in the Netherlands, it is important to be aware of everything that is involved. After all, you want to know exactly how things work before you take the plunge. For example, when it comes to working with expats as employers.

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What to watch out for
expat Netherlands?

At Payse, we work with expats and employers on a daily basis to ensure that this cooperation goes as smoothly as possible. As a result, we know better than anyone else what is important for an expat when he or she decides to work for an employer in the Netherlands.

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There are then four main points that stand out. We go through them with you step by step in this one:

Regulation

Basically, the regulations surrounding expat Netherlands are quite extensive. This means that there are several rules you need to take into account. Consider, for example: 

  • A licence: In most cases, as an expat or highly skilled migrant, it is necessary to apply for one or more permits. This depends, for example, on whether you come from outside or inside the EU/EEA (in connection with free movement of persons within the EU/EEA). A residence permit is often required. If you have a permanent residence permit, you do not need to apply for a separate Work Permit (TWV) or Combined Residence and Work Permit (GVVA). Please note that only an IND-approved employer (such as Payse) can apply for a residence permit for you.

  • Finding housing + registering with a municipality: Do you intend to live and work in the Netherlands as an expat or knowledge immigrant? Then you are required to find housing and register with a municipality. In doing so, note that the housing market in the Netherlands is quite tight. Once an expat has found a property, he or she should register as soon as possible with the municipality to which this property belongs.

  • Specific income requirements: To be considered a knowledge migrant in the Netherlands, you must meet certain income requirements. These normally change every year, but since 1 January 2025 they concern the following; €5,688 gross per month for knowledge migrants aged 30 and above. For recent graduates and knowledge migrants under 30, it is €2,989 and €4,171 respectively. All these amounts exclude 8% holiday pay.

  • Open bank account: Then, to legally undergo financial transactions in the Netherlands, you need a bank account. As an expat, you also need to open this at one of the many banks available. In principle, this is a fairly straightforward process.

  • In possession of appropriate documents: Finally, the Dutch government considers it very important that you are in possession of the right documents. This really involves the important supporting documents such as a passport, the aforementioned residence permit, diplomas and any other relevant supporting documents relating to living and working in the Netherlands. 

A final point is that the regulations can vary considerably for each expat Netherlands application. This depends, among other things, on your (expat's) country of origin, age and the specific employer the expat decides to accept a job with. 

Do you want to make sure you know in detail what all needs to be done specifically for you(w) (expat) to comply with regulations? Then we at Payse are here to provide you with tailor-made advice. Contact us directly!

A second, important point of interest that follows on from the previous point is the application for a visa. A visa is not the same as a residence permit, as a residence permit is often for a longer period. A visa is a temporary permission. 

When you come from outside the EU/EEA, you often need a visa in the Netherlands to apply for a residence permit. Think of the visa as an entry permit and the residence permit as permission to then stay (for a long time). 

So, if you are an expat or employer and want to arrange your stay in the Netherlands properly, you would do well to apply for a visa as soon as possible. In the Netherlands, this is often referred to as a provisional residence permit (MVV). 

As an employer, do you need customised help with this onboarding process? Then Payse is ready for you immediately!

One of the big advantages of the expats Netherlands combi is that many tax benefits apply. For example, you have the: 

  • 30% scheme (Expat scheme): The 30% scheme means that it is possible for employers to pay 30% of an expat's gross salary tax-free. However, it is important that the expat earns more than €46,600 per year (for age 30+) or €35,468 (for under-30s with a master's degree). The allowance applies up to a maximum of €246,000 per year.

  • Reimbursement of extraterritorial expenses: In addition to the above, 'well-known' variant of the Expat Scheme, it is also possible as an employer to give purely tax-free allowances to expats. This is then for so-called extraterritorial expenses, such as the costs of moving, finding a home and/or living expenses. 

So all in all, the final tax benefits depend on agreements and opportunities between expat and employer.

There are quite a few different opportunities for employers and expats to "find each other". For instance, we mentioned above the tax benefits that make it attractive for both expat and employer to enter into a partnership. 

There is also a knowledge migrant scheme in the Netherlands. This was specially created for specific expertise from outside the EU. Thanks to this scheme, you often do not need to apply for a work permit, there is a shortened procedure and, all in all, it is a lot faster and easier for employers. 

Crucial to this, however, is that as an employer you meet two conditions: 

  1. You are an authorised sponsor with the IND 
  2. You pay a competitive salary

So, as an employer, do you want to benefit from the far-reaching knowledge of expats yourself? And would you prefer to be sure that all the 'hassle' surrounding the necessary applications and procedures is then dealt with as quickly and professionally as possible? Then we recommend contact us directly without any obligation. 

You will then receive a response from us within 1 working day in which we will discuss in detail with you what is possible!

Payse - Elementz
As an entrepreneur, it is ideal to have support from a professional HR specialist. Knowledgeable, always available and quick to respond.
Tim van Twillert
Elementz - Exclusive Health Club
Payse - Van de Ven Fashion
We as Van de Ven fashion have been working with PAYSE's Payroll for a long time with great satisfaction.
Sergio Verbeke
Van de Ven Fashion
Payse - B11
Used payroll for the first time this year. I ended up with PAYSE because it seemed the ideal partner for both my company and my employees. Besides, no question is too crazy for Marco & Wouter.
Bram van Roosmalen
B11 Event Group
Payse - Elementz
As an entrepreneur, it is ideal to have support from a professional HR specialist. Knowledgeable, always available and quick to respond.
Tim van Twillert
Elementz - Exclusive Health Club
Payse - Van de Ven Fashion
We as Van de Ven fashion have been working with PAYSE's Payroll for a long time with great satisfaction.
Sergio Verbeke
Van de Ven Fashion
Payse - B11
Used payroll for the first time this year. I ended up with PAYSE because it seemed the ideal partner for both my company and my employees. Besides, no question is too crazy for Marco & Wouter.
Bram van Roosmalen
B11 Event Group
Payse - Van der Valk
When we hire staff, we attach great importance to ensuring that everything is well organised administratively for these staff. At PAYSE, you can count on this. And a deal is a deal!
In short, an excellent partner to work with.
Bob Wagner
HR Manager
Hotel schiphol A4

Contact us with no Obligation.

You’ll get a response within one business day. Prefer to speak directly? Call Wouter at 033 303 7720.

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