Best Work Permit Lawyers in Ommen

About Work Permit Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Work authorization in Ommen follows national Dutch immigration and labor rules. If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you can work in Ommen without a work permit. Most non-EU nationals need authorization to work. Depending on your situation, this can be a separate work permit for employees, a combined residence-and-work permit, or a residence permit that includes work authorization such as the highly skilled migrant route, EU Blue Card, or intra-corporate transferee. Applications are handled by national authorities. Your local steps in Ommen focus on municipal registration, obtaining a citizen service number, and settling practical matters after approval.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Work authorization is deadline-driven and rule-heavy. A lawyer can help you avoid delays, refusals, or fines. Common situations where legal help is useful include:

- Choosing the right route such as highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, GVVA combined permit, TWV work permit, seasonal worker, researcher, or self-employed entrepreneur.- Salary threshold assessments, benefits treatment, and employer sponsorship questions for the highly skilled migrant route.- TEV or MVV entry visa strategy, timing, and family member inclusion.- Changing employers or roles and keeping your authorization valid during the switch.- Compliance for Dutch employers in Ommen, including identity checks, record-keeping, wage standards, and avoiding illegal employment penalties.- Student work rules and balancing study visa conditions with part-time work or self-employment.- Responding to an IND request for more information, a negative UWV labor market advice, or a refusal decision and preparing an objection or appeal.- Complex cases such as prior overstays, criminal record issues, sponsor license problems, or layoffs and the limited grace period to find new work.

Local Laws Overview

- National framework: The Aliens Act and the Foreign Nationals Employment Act set the rules. The IND decides most residence permits. UWV advises on labor market access and issues standalone work permits. Some residence permits themselves authorize work without a separate permit.- Permit types: For employment over 3 months, many applicants use the GVVA combined permit via IND with UWV advice. Shorter or special situations may use a separate TWV work permit from UWV. Highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders, and intra-corporate transferees apply for residence permits that include work authorization. Employers must often be recognized sponsors for certain routes.- Labor market test: For regular employees, UWV checks whether an employer can fill the job with candidates already on the Dutch or EEA labor market. Exemptions apply in routes like highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, or ICT where no test is required but strict conditions apply.- Salary thresholds: Certain routes require a minimum gross monthly salary excluding holiday allowance. Thresholds change yearly. Always confirm current figures before filing.- Employer duties: Employers must verify identity, keep copies of documents, pay at least the required wage, and ensure correct authorization before work starts. Dutch authorities can impose significant fines for illegal employment.- Students: Non-EU students may work a limited number of hours with a TWV, or pursue self-employment under conditions. Rules are specific and enforced.- Family members: Depending on the sponsor’s permit type, family members often have free access to the labor market once their residence cards are issued.- Local steps in Ommen: If you live in Ommen for 4 months or more, register in the Municipal Personal Records Database to obtain a citizen service number. You may need a TB test through the Municipal Health Service if required by IND. The nearest IND desk for biometrics and residence card pickup is commonly in Zwolle or another regional office. Check your appointment notice for the location.- Processing times: Statutory decision periods apply, and some fast-track routes are available for recognized sponsors. Start early to meet start dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs a work permit to work in Ommen

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit. Most other nationals need authorization. The exact route depends on your job, salary, qualifications, and whether your employer is a recognized sponsor.

What is the difference between TWV and GVVA

A TWV is a standalone work permit issued by UWV, often used when you already have a residence right for another reason or for short-term or special cases such as students or seasonal workers. A GVVA is a combined residence-and-work permit for stays over 3 months. You apply at IND, which seeks labor market advice from UWV.

How do the highly skilled migrant and EU Blue Card routes work

They are residence permits that include work authorization. Your employer usually must be a recognized sponsor. You must meet education or salary criteria that are updated annually. These routes avoid a traditional labor market test but require strict compliance with wage and contract rules.

Can I change employers after I arrive

Yes, but you must maintain valid authorization. For routes tied to a specific employer, a new employer may need to file a new application before you switch. There is often a short grace period after job loss or resignation. Always confirm the current rules and do not work for a new employer until you are authorized.

How long does the application take

Decision periods vary by route. Some recognized sponsor filings are handled quickly, while regular GVVA cases can take longer. Start well in advance of your intended start date and respond to any IND or UWV requests promptly.

Do my family members have the right to work

Often yes. Many family members of permit holders receive residence cards that allow free work without a separate TWV. The permission appears on the back of the card. Wait for the card or endorsement sticker to confirm the status before starting work.

Can students in Ommen work part-time

Non-EU students can usually work limited hours with a TWV obtained by the employer, or pursue self-employment under conditions set by IND. The exact weekly hour limit and summer full-time option are strictly enforced. Always keep your studies as your main purpose.

Can I work as a freelancer or start a business

Yes, but you need the correct residence basis. The self-employed permit is assessed on added value to the Dutch economy, often through a points system with RVO input. Some other residence types also allow self-employment. Check your residence sticker or card for the labor remark.

Can I start working while my application is pending

Only if you already hold a status that permits work in your situation or if IND has issued a temporary endorsement that explicitly allows work. Otherwise, wait until you receive the correct permit or residence card.

What happens if my application is refused

You can usually file an objection within a short deadline. A lawyer can assess the refusal reasons, add evidence, and represent you. In employer cases, a revised filing that fixes salary, contract, or document issues can sometimes succeed.

Additional Resources

- Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND: Receives residence applications, issues decisions, and provides biometrics and residence cards.- Employee Insurance Agency UWV: Issues TWV work permits and gives labor market advice in GVVA cases.- Netherlands Enterprise Agency RVO: Advises on self-employed applications and the entrepreneur points assessment.- Municipality of Ommen: Handles BRP registration and citizen service numbers for residents staying 4 months or more.- IND recognized sponsor register: Employers can check or apply for recognized sponsorship status.- Dutch Labor Inspectorate Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie: Enforces labor and work authorization rules and issues fines for illegal work.- Dutch Tax Administration Belastingdienst: Tax numbers, payroll taxes, and the 30 percent ruling for qualifying expats.- Chamber of Commerce Kamer van Koophandel: Business registration for self-employed persons and companies.- Municipal Health Service GGD IJsselland: TB testing when required by IND and public health services.- UWV WERKbedrijf offices: Employer services and information about labor market procedures.

Next Steps

- Confirm your route: Discuss with your prospective employer whether your case fits highly skilled migrant, EU Blue Card, ICT, GVVA, TWV, seasonal worker, researcher, or self-employed.- Check timing: If you need an MVV entry visa, build that time into your start date. Gather legalized and translated documents early.- Verify sponsor status: If using the highly skilled migrant or researcher route, confirm that the employer is an IND recognized sponsor or start the recognition process.- Prepare evidence: Employment contract, job description, salary breakdown, diplomas, CV, employer statements, and proof of qualifications. For self-employed, prepare a business plan, market analysis, client letters, and financials.- File correctly: Follow IND and UWV filing instructions. Pay fees, book biometrics, and attend any required appointments, often at the IND desk in Zwolle or another designated office.- Register locally: Upon arrival, register with the Municipality of Ommen to obtain your citizen service number, arrange health insurance, and complete any TB test if required.- Do not work prematurely: Wait for the correct permit or an endorsement that explicitly allows work.- Seek legal help: If your case is complex, time-sensitive, or was refused, consult an immigration lawyer who practices Dutch work authorization law. They can map the best route, manage deadlines, and communicate with IND and UWV on your behalf.