If you’re planning a move to the Netherlands, there’s one organisation you’ll almost certainly come across: the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, better known as the IND.
Understanding how it works early on will make your relocation a lot less stressful. Think of it as your gateway to legally living, working, and building a life in the Netherlands.
What the IND Does
In simple terms, the IND is the Dutch government body that handles all immigration matters. Every application – whether it’s for a visa, a residence permit, or Dutch citizenship – goes through them.
If you’re moving for a job, a degree, your partner, or just a new chapter abroad, the IND is the organisation reviewing your case behind the scenes. You may never speak to them directly, but they’re involved in almost every step of your official arrival in the Netherlands.
Who needs the IND?
That depends on where you’re from and this is where things can feel a bit confusing at first.
Moving from within the EU/EEA or Switzerland
If you’re moving from within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the process is refreshingly straightforward. You don’t need a residence permit to live or work in the Netherlands. In most cases, your main step is registering with your local municipality. The IND only comes into play if you want official proof of long-term residence later on. For detailed information about staying longer than three months, the official IND website has a dedicated page for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens.
Moving from outside the EU
If you’re moving from outside the EU, the IND will be a more central part of your journey. For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll usually need a residence permit based on your reason for moving, and often an MVV – a provisional visa – before you even arrive. It sounds like a lot, but in many cases your employer or university will help guide you through the process. The IND website has full details on when an MVV is required and how to apply.
Coming to work? Here’s what to know
For many expats, work is the main reason for moving – and the Netherlands is actively looking for international talent.
There are specific routes designed for qualified professionals, including the highly skilled migrant visa and the EU Blue Card. These can make the process faster and more accessible than you might expect, especially if you’re being sponsored by a Dutch employer.
One thing worth knowing upfront: not every company can sponsor your visa. Employers need to be recognised by the IND before they can support a work-related residence permit application. If you’re job hunting from abroad, it’s worth checking whether a potential employer has that status — it can save you a lot of time and frustration later on.
This is also one of the reasons many expats choose to work with a recruitment agency that knows the Dutch market. They can point you toward employers who are set up to hire internationally from the start.
Getting in Touch with the IND
At some point you’ll likely need to interact with the IND directly – whether to submit documents, collect your residence permit, or ask a question about your situation.
You can reach them by phone or through their online contact form. Some steps require an in-person appointment, which you book through their online system. One thing worth knowing: processing times can vary and things sometimes take longer than expected, especially during busy periods. Planning ahead and submitting documents early makes a real difference.
For full guidance, the official IND website is the most reliable place to check current requirements, fees, and processing times. Requirements do change, so it’s always worth going straight to the source rather than relying on outdated information elsewhere.
Useful links
- IND official website
- Staying in the Netherlands as an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen
- Provisional residence permit (MVV)
- Fees and costs of an application
- 2026 fees and required amounts
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