How to get a work visa in Netherlands as a Turkish citizen
Complete guide to all available work permit pathways, requirements, costs, and processing times.
route.whyChoose
The Netherlands has a 430,000-strong Turkish community and a fast, English-friendly Highly Skilled Migrant route for qualified professionals.
Phù hợp nhất cho ai
- ✓Highly skilled migrants wanting a fast, simple process
- ✓Tech and engineering professionals
- ✓Logistics, agrifood and energy specialists
- ✓Professionals eligible for the 30% tax ruling
- ✓English speakers who prefer not to learn the local language first
🎯 route.recommendedFor: Highly Skilled Migrant - the most direct route for this corridor based on cost, processing time and long-term prospects.
Available visa pathways
Highly Skilled Migrant
Kennismigrant
The Highly Skilled Migrant visa (Kennismigrant) is the Netherlands' go-to work permit for international professionals. Your employer must be an IND-recognized sponsor — most major companies and tech firms already are, which means processing takes just 2-4 weeks (compared to months in many other European countries). The salary threshold depends on your age: if you're 30 or older, you need to earn at least €5,942 per month excluding holiday allowance (about €71,304 per year). Under 30, the threshold drops to €4,357 per month (€52,284 per year). Recent graduates from Dutch or top-200 universities benefit from an even lower reduced threshold.
EU Blue Card
Europese Blauwe Kaart
The EU Blue Card in the Netherlands follows the same EU-wide framework as the German Blue Card, but with Dutch-specific salary thresholds. The standard threshold is €6,245 per month excluding holiday allowance (€74,940 per year) — significantly higher than the Kennismigrant visa. Recent graduates get a reduced threshold of €4,754 per month (€57,048 per year).
Orientation Year (Search Year)
Zoekjaar
The Orientation Year (Zoekjaar) is a 12-month residence permit that lets you live in the Netherlands and search for work — no job offer needed. It's available to graduates of Dutch universities, graduates of top-200 universities worldwide (within 3 years of graduation), PhD holders, and researchers. There's no salary threshold during the orientation year itself, and you can take any job or even start a business.
💡 route.tipFor: Apply through a recognised sponsor for the roughly two-week decision, and check eligibility for the 30% tax ruling.
Application timeline for Netherlands
Employer gets IND recognized sponsor status
Your employer must be registered as a recognized sponsor with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). Most large companies already have this.
Already done or 2-4 weeksSubmit application to IND
Your employer submits the residence and work permit application to the IND on your behalf through the online portal.
1-2 daysIND processing
The IND processes the application. Recognized sponsors benefit from a fast-track procedure.
2-4 weeksCollect MVV at embassy
If required for your nationality, collect your entry visa (MVV) at the nearest Dutch embassy or consulate.
1-2 weeksTravel and register at municipality
Travel to the Netherlands, register at your local municipality (gemeente), and collect your residence permit (BRP registration).
1-2 weeksCommon required documents
Document requirements may vary by visa type.
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| Item | Amount | In TRY |
|---|---|---|
| route.cost.visaFee | €210-423 | ₺7,761 |
| route.cost.minSalary | €71,304 | ₺2,635,148/yr |
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Hướng dẫn liên quan
Làm việc và sinh sống tại Netherlands
Các ngành tuyển dụng chính
The Netherlands hires internationally in technology and software, logistics and supply chain (the Port of Rotterdam, Schiphol), high-tech engineering (Eindhoven's Brainport), agrifood, and energy. Many global firms run English-language operations.
Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống
Amsterdam housing is competitive and expensive - around €1,800 a month for a one-bedroom - but Rotterdam, Utrecht and Eindhoven are more affordable. The country is compact, cycle-friendly, and has excellent healthcare and public transport. The 30 percent tax ruling materially boosts take-home pay.
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Frequently asked questions
What salary is needed for a Highly Skilled Migrant in Netherlands?
The minimum salary is €71,304 per year.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Netherlands?
Processing times range from 2 to 8 weeks.
Do I need a job offer for a Netherlands work visa?
Not always. Orientation Year (Search Year) does not require one.
Can I bring my family on a Netherlands work visa?
Yes. 3 of 3 visa types allow dependants.
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