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Business travel and business migration to the Netherlands cover a range of visa and permit routes - from short-stay business trips to long-stay residence permits for entrepreneurs, intra-company transfers, highly skilled migrants and self-employed persons. Delft follows Dutch national immigration law and the Schengen visa rules for short visits. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - is the primary national authority responsible for residence permits and provisional residence permits. Employers and some long-stay work routes are subject to additional employer and labour rules enforced by the UWV and municipal registration requirements administered locally by the Municipality of Delft. If you intend to do business in Delft you must identify the correct permit category, meet the relevant documentary and financial tests, register with local authorities where required, and comply with Dutch tax and social security rules.
Immigration and business-migration matters can be straightforward, but many situations benefit from legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand which permit or visa is required, prepare applications and supporting evidence, and represent you when cases are complex or contested.
Common situations where people need a lawyer include -
- Refused visa or residence-permit decisions where you must file an objection or appeal within strict deadlines.
- Applying as a self-employed person or startup founder where the IND assesses economic added value and business viability.
- Intra-company transfers and complex employment sponsorship issues - for example when an employer must apply as a recognized sponsor or face compliance obligations.
- Employment status disputes - whether an assignment counts as temporary business travel or requires a work permit.
- Corporate or contractual issues that affect immigration status - such as buying or selling a company, change of employer, or termination that affects a residence permit.
- Criminal record or prior immigration violations that may lead to refusal or removal.
- Urgent cases with tight deadlines where fast, procedural expertise is essential.
Key legal concepts and local procedures to be aware of in Delft and the Netherlands include -
- Schengen short-stay business visa - for third-country nationals who attend meetings, conferences or short assignments for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. National rules determine whether you need a Schengen visa or are visa exempt.
- Residence permits under Dutch law - long-stay work and business routes are governed by the Dutch Aliens Act and IND policy. These include highly skilled migrant schemes, self-employed entrepreneur permits, startup permits, intra-corporate transfers and family-related permits.
- Work permits and the single permit concept - for stays longer than a short visit, a residence permit often includes the right to work. Employers may have additional obligations to seek a work permit from UWV or to be listed as a recognized sponsor with the IND for certain categories.
- Recognized sponsor system - Dutch law rewards employers that are registered and compliant by simplifying some permit processes, particularly for highly skilled migrants.
- Municipal registration and BSN - if you will live in Delft you must register with the Municipality of Delft to obtain a citizen service number - BSN - which is required for taxes, health insurance and banking.
- Taxes and social security - the Belastingdienst administers tax obligations. If you become a resident or start working, social insurance and health insurance rules will apply.
- Health insurance - statutory health insurance is mandatory for residents, typically from the moment you become resident or start employment.
- Appeals and remedies - refusal decisions generally allow for an internal objection and a subsequent appeal process. Strict time limits apply and procedural rules matter, so legal advice is often needed.
- Local business rules - company formation, registration and permits for activities are governed by the Chamber of Commerce - KvK - and municipal licensing rules. Delft may also require local permits for certain regulated activities.
If you are coming for meetings, conferences, trade shows or short assignments of less than 90 days you will usually need a Schengen short-stay business visa - type C - unless your nationality is visa exempt. For longer stays or employment you will need an appropriate residence permit issued by the IND.
Short-stay business visas generally permit business activities like meetings and conferences but not local employment. If you intend to perform paid work for a Dutch employer or provide services locally for longer periods you will normally need a residence permit with work rights or a work permit. Check the specific visa conditions for permitted activities.
Yes, but starting a company and obtaining the right to live and work are separate issues. You can register a company with the KvK while abroad, but to live and run the business in the Netherlands you will likely need a residence permit for self-employment, a startup permit, or another suitable migration route that meets IND requirements.
Required documents typically include a valid passport, invitation or contract, proof of purpose of the visit, proof of sufficient funds, travel and health insurance for short-stays, business plan and financial forecasts for entrepreneur routes, employment contract and employer documents for work routes, and certificates of good conduct or education where requested. Documents often must be translated and legalized or apostilled.
Processing times vary by visa type and complexity. Short-stay Schengen visas are commonly processed in a few weeks, while residence permits and entrepreneur applications can take several weeks to months. Always allow extra time for gathering documents, translations and any sponsor approvals.
A refusal will include reasons and information about objection and appeal rights. You usually must file an objection within a short deadline and may be able to appeal to an administrative court. A lawyer can advise whether you have strong grounds to object or appeal and can represent you in the procedure.
Yes. Employers may need to be a recognized sponsor with the IND or apply for work permits through UWV depending on the employee category. Employers must follow Dutch labour and tax rules and may face penalties for non-compliance. Both employer and employee should check responsibilities before starting work.
The Netherlands offers specific routes for innovative entrepreneurs and startups, often requiring a facilitator or accredited mentor and a viable innovative business plan. Criteria focus on innovation, international orientation and added value to the Dutch economy. These routes are assessed by IND on a case-by-case basis.
If you move to Delft you must register with the Municipality of Delft and obtain a BSN. With residence or employment you will be liable to Dutch taxes and may need to take out Dutch health insurance. Tax rules are complex and may depend on residency status, so you should get advice from a tax advisor familiar with cross-border situations.
A lawyer can assess the correct route, prepare a complete application and supporting evidence, advise on translations and legal issues, represent you in objections and appeals, negotiate with authorities or employers, and reduce risk of refusal or administrative delays. They can also advise on related corporate, contract and tax matters that affect immigration status.
Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - national authority for residence permits and MVV procedures.
UWV - Dutch Employee Insurance Agency - administers certain work-permit and labour-related procedures.
Municipality of Delft - local registration, BSN and municipal services.
Chamber of Commerce - Kamer van Koophandel - company registration and business information.
Belastingdienst - Dutch tax authority - tax obligations and payroll matters.
Netherlands Enterprise Agency - RVO - information on business support, entrepreneur schemes and subsidies.
Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security - national policy and laws relating to immigration.
Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - Legal Aid Board - information on eligibility for subsidized legal assistance.
Dutch Bar Association - Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten - professional regulation and guidance on finding a registered lawyer.
Local expat centres and university international offices - for practical orientation, housing and community support in Delft and the surrounding region.
1. Identify the right route - determine whether your activity is a short-stay business trip, employment, self-employment, startup or intra-company transfer. The correct category determines the process and documentation.
2. Check document requirements - prepare passport, invitations, contracts, business plans, proofs of funds, translations and any certificates of conduct well before you apply.
3. Register locally if needed - if you plan to live in Delft you must register with the Municipality of Delft and obtain a BSN for taxes, healthcare and banking.
4. Seek specialist advice - contact an immigration lawyer or adviser experienced in Dutch business-migration matters to review your case, draft your application and help with appeals if necessary. Confirm the adviser or lawyer is registered and ask for a written fee agreement.
5. Prepare for compliance - ensure your employer or company meets sponsor and employer obligations, set up appropriate contracts and payroll arrangements, and plan for health insurance and tax registration.
6. If refused - act quickly. Read the refusal carefully, check deadlines for objection and appeal, and contact a lawyer to assess remedies and next steps.
7. Keep records - maintain copies of all application materials, correspondence and receipts, and keep a clear timeline of submission and responses. This helps with follow-up and any appeals.
If you are unsure where to start, a short initial consultation with a lawyer who specializes in immigration and business matters in the Netherlands can help you map the correct route and estimate costs and timelines specific to your situation.
