The GVVA visa for Netherlands is also known as the single permit, a document that combines both the residence and the work permits and allows the holder to work in paid employment in the country.
Employees working in various sectors and fields, such as chefs or entertainment professionals are suitable to apply for the GVVA visa for Netherlands. However, it is important to note that there are certain conditions that apply to all applicants and specific conditions that will apply for the minimum amount of income that is to be earned as well as the employer and its eligibility.
Our Netherlands immigration agents can help interested foreign nationals apply for the GVVA visa. We can help you understand when this permit is suitable and when your line of work (if applicable) does not allow for the use of this permit and another solution is to be discussed in order to lawfully work and live in the country.
Main conditions for the GVVA visa for Netherlands
The GVVA visa is an advantageous one because the applicant is only asked to apply once in order to obtain this combined permit for both work and residence. The following list includes the general conditions that apply for all those who are interested in residing in the country as well as the two particular ones that apply for the GVVA visa for Netherlands (the final two conditions):
- Documents: the applicant must have a valid passport or another valid travel document; minor children can be included on the parent’s passport;
- Certificates: this is the antecedents certificate, or the criminal record used to prove that the applicant was not convicted of any crimes;
- Medical test: this is the tuberculosis test, however, it is not mandatory for all foreign nationals; our immigration lawyer in Netherlands can provide you with more details;
- Sufficient income: the monthly income according to occupation has a certain minimum threshold and the applicant’s income must be at least equal to this minimum; you can find more details about this below;
- The employer: the company employing the applicant is listed in the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce (if this is mandatory according to the type of company).
Below, our Netherlands immigration agents list the minimum monthly amounts for some professions:
- 2,039 €: the monthly wage for a dancer or musical artist;
- 4,233 €: the wage for a director;
- 4,000 €: the monthly wage for a conductor;
- 2,971 €: the wage for a singer or musical artist.
Our team can provide more details about these minimum wages in the arts and culture sector as well as the required amounts for other professions. Please keep in mind that the Dutch authorities adjust these values and a prior check is advisable.
Application steps for the GVVA visa for Netherlands
The following steps are relevant when applying for the single permit:
- Prepare the documents: all documents need to be legalized and translated into English, Dutch, French or German;
- Pay the fee: the application for the GVVA visa in Netherlands is subject to a € 290 fee; this is payable upon application;
- Submit the documents: it is advisable for the employer to start the application; a faster decision is possible in this case;
- Decision: the applicant awaits for the Immigration and Naturalization Department’s decision;
- Travel: once the application is approved, the holder may travel to the country;
- Register: upon arrival, the holder of the GVVA visa for Netherlands needs to register with the Municipal Personal Records Database in the municipality where he or she will live;
- Other steps: additional final steps include taking out health insurance in the Netherlands.
The GVVA visa in Netherlands is valid for a maximum period of one year. It is important to note that this permit consists of the residence permit and an additional document that states the employer for which the holder will work during the validity of the document.
The Immigration and Naturalization Department sends the application for evaluation with the Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency that will assess it according to the provisions of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act.
Biometric information needs to be provided (fingerprints along with a passport photo). Our team specializing in Netherlands immigration can provide you with more details on the collection of this data.
Employees in the Netherlands can apply for an extension of their permit, under certain conditions. Those who have had a valid residence permit for at least 5 years can apply for a permanent residence permit in the Netherlands. After 5 years, an individual who has been lawfully residing in the country can also apply for Dutch citizenship.
US nationals who apply for the DAFT Visa do not need to obtain the GVVA, as the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) allows for particular conditions in their case if they are able to comply with the requirements for opening a business or engaging in other professional activities. If you wish to know more, please reach out to our team of immigration experts.
After you have spent five years in the country, irrespective of the type of visa you have chosen for your stay (and have renewed during this time), you can apply for Dutch citizenship. You should know that the application process can be a lengthier one and that you will need to bring forward sufficient proof of being culturally integrated and knowing the Dutch language to a satisfactory degree.
Contact our immigration lawyer in Netherlands for more information on the GVVA visa as well as the other types of work permits.
If this type of permit is not what you are interested in, please send your inquiries about a residence permit in the Netherlands to our team. We provide personalized solutions to foreign nationals looking to relocate to the country for employment, study, business, or other purposes. according to your nationality, you may also need an authorization for temporary stay (MVV). Our team can tell you more.