For managers, specialists and trainees moving from a group company outside the EU to its Dutch branch – while keeping their contract abroad.
Your company group, your role and your history with the employer decide.
Both are work routes. The main question: who is your employer – the company abroad or the Dutch company?
| ICT permit | Highly Skilled Migrant | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment contract | With the company abroad | With the Dutch employer |
| Employer in the Netherlands | Group company of your employer | Must be an IND recognised sponsor |
| Maximum duration | 3 years (trainees 1 year), not renewable | Up to 5 years, renewable |
| Degree | Bachelor’s or 5 years’ experience (trainees: master’s) | Not required |
| Prior employment | At least 3 months in the group | Not required |
| Working in other EU countries | Possible within the group (EU mobility rules) | Not included |
| Partner may work | Yes | Yes |
It starts with a free 30-minute consultation.
We check your role, your group structure and your employment history.
We prepare the file with you and the Dutch group company: assignment letter, group proof and diplomas.
The Dutch company applies for the single permit. The IND may ask the UWV for advice. The MVV entry visa is included where needed.
Collect your residence card, register at the municipality and start your assignment.
It is a combined work and residence permit. Most nationalities first receive an MVV – a 90-day entry visa – and then collect the residence card in the Netherlands. Some nationalities are exempt from the MVV.
No. It ends after 3 years (1 year for trainees). Many people switch to the highly skilled migrant permit before it ends – we can plan that with you.
Yes. Your partner and children can apply for residence with you, and your partner is allowed to work.
Yes, within your company group. Short assignments in another EU country often need only a notification; longer ones need a permit there.
If you stay employed by the company abroad, ICT is usually the route. If the Dutch company hires you directly, it is the highly skilled migrant permit. Book a free consultation and we will advise you.
The first 30 minutes are free. Send your details, or contact us directly.