VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Admittance of U.S. Nationals into the Netherlands

General

The stay of all individuals who are not Netherlands nationals is governed by the Netherlands Aliens Act (individuals who are not Netherlands nationals are considered to be "aliens"). Aliens visiting the Netherlands can be divided in two categories: those wishing to visit the Netherlands for a short period and those wishing to stay for a longer period.

For further information regarding visas, work permits, and residence permits for the Netherlands, please visit the following website: www.immigratiedienst.nl (click "english" in upper right-hand corner).

Visits of Less Than Three Months

To be admitted into the Netherlands the following is needed: a valid U.S. passport, a return airline ticket, and enough money to finance your stay. It is also advisable to make provisions, prior to your trip, for emergencies such as sudden illness and hospitalization.

Visits of More Than Three Months

American citizens who intend to stay in the Netherlands for a period longer than three months should note the following: within 8 days after arrival in the Netherlands the visitor must report to the head of the local police, Section Vreemdelingenpolitie, of the municipality in which he/she will be staying.. The visitor must submit proof of (1) sufficient means to finance his/her stay in the Netherlands, (2) adequate housing, and (3) health insurance covering all medical/hospital costs during the stay in the Netherlands.

The Embassy and Consulates-General of the Netherlands do not process applications for a stay beyond the three month period.

Please note: the Netherlands is a small country with a large population. Housing shortages and unemployment are particularly acute problems in the Netherlands. The government wants to be able to guarantee that all aliens admitted to the country will enjoy equal status and have the best possible chance of self-fulfillment. Admitting too many aliens would threaten those efforts. Given this cautious policy, only small numbers of aliens are granted permission to stay in the Netherlands for a prolonged period.

Employment in the Netherlands

In accordance with the Employment of Foreign Workers Act, an employer cannot employ a foreigner without an employment permit from the Central Employment Board. The employer must first fill a vacancy from the pool of job applicants immediately available in the Netherlands. Subsequently it will be determined if applicants from other member states of the European Community are available. Only after these two applicant pools are exhausted can subjects from other countries be eligible for an employment permit.

An employment permit can be sought only after a residence permit application (VTV) has been submitted. Applications for employment permits are available from the Regional Employment Office. Applications for employment permits are processed by the Employment Office only if the form has been completed, signed by both the employer and the employee, and all required material has been attached.

Please note that the Netherlands Embassy or the Netherlands Consulates-General cannot provide assistance in matters relating to employment, such as providing addresses of possible employment opportunities, labor conditions and so on.