EU Blue Card Residence Permit

For workers qualifying under the EU Blue Card scheme in the Netherlands.

πŸ“‹ 24 steps totalβœ… 8 free pre-arrival stepsπŸ”’ 16 post-arrival steps

The full Dutch EU Blue Card Residence Permit process

  1. Obtain or Renew Passport

    Make sure your national passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry into the Netherlands.

  2. Find a job at IND-recognized sponsor

    Search for jobs at companies recognized by the IND (Dutch immigration authority) to sponsor work visas. These employers can apply for your residence permit. Use the reference link to browse 12,000+ verified companies and their job listings.

    πŸ”— Official link
  3. Apply for EU Blue Card residence permit

    Employer applies for EU Blue Card; requires recognised diploma and salary threshold.

    ⏱ ~90 daysπŸ’Ά €423πŸ”— Official link
  4. Collect MVV entry visa

    Pick up MVV sticker at Dutch embassy/consulate after approval.

    πŸ”— Official link
  5. Travel to the Netherlands

    Travel to NL with MVV/permit documents and enter within visa validity.

  6. Submit biometrics at IND

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
    Post-arrival steps are part of the full flow. Start free to track your pre-arrival progress, then unlock the 16 post-arrival steps when you land.
  7. Collect residence permit card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  8. Search for Housing

    Start looking for rental properties online or via agents; gather required documents such as proof of income.

    πŸ”— Official link
  9. Secure housing (residential address)

    Find and secure a place to live in the Netherlands.

    πŸ”— Official link
  10. Register at municipality (BRP & BSN)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  11. Set Up Energy & Water Contracts

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  12. Set Up Internet Contract

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

  13. Open a bank account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  14. Apply for DigiD

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  15. Activate MijnOverheid account

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  16. Obtain health insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  17. Register with a GP (doctor)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  18. Exchange foreign driver’s license

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  19. Set up a Dutch SIM card

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  20. Arrange home & liability insurance

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  21. Undergo TB test (if required)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  22. Apply for 30% tax ruling

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link
  23. Apply for family member residence permit

    Apply for a residence permit for your partner or child if they will accompany you. You must meet income requirements and apply as their sponsor via IND.

    πŸ’Ά €254πŸ”— Official link
  24. File Dutch taxes (M-form)

    Detailed instructions, official links and progress tracking for this step are included in the full flow.

    πŸ”— Official link

Track this journey instead of reading about it

Turn this guide into a personal checklist: tick off steps, keep your documents together, and always know what comes next.

Other routes to the Netherlands