Admission to the International scheme for specialist knowledge or skills
If you require unique skills or knowledge that are not available in the Dutch workforce, hiring someone from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland might be necessary. A work permit is often not required in these types of situations, but you will have to qualify for the International scheme for specialist knowledge or skills (‘Regeling Internationaal Handel’). Should you hire a professional under this scheme, then you must inform us of this.
How to apply for admission to the scheme
To apply, complete the Application form for admission to the International scheme for specialist knowledge or skills (‘Verzoek om toelating tot de Regeling Internationaal Handel’). Then print out the completed form and send it to the following address:
UWV
Bureau Tewerkstellingsvergunningen/AJD
Postbus 16140
2500 BC Den Haag
Make sure you send us this form at least 6 weeks before the person you intend to hire is expected to start working in the Netherlands.
Good to know
You might still have to arrange a visa or residence permit for the person you are intending to hire. Whether this is required, will depend on their nationality and how long they will be in the Netherlands for.
How your application will be evaluated
We will evaluate your application based on the following criteria:
- What are the project’s main goals and scope?
- Which specific tasks will the professional be performing during the project?
- How long is the project expected to last?
- What are the expected benefits from the services or goods delivered?
- How many professionals will you be hiring from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland?
- What is the project’s overall added value?
Decision
You will receive a decision about your application within 5 weeks of us receiving your form. If you qualify for the scheme, you will be able to hire someone to work in the Netherlands without a work permit for at most 3 years.
Informing us of professionals you will be hiring under this scheme
To inform us of professionals covered by this scheme, complete the Notification form for professionals that will be hired under the International scheme for specialist knowledge or skills (‘Melden arbeidskrachten voor de Regeling internationaal handelsverkeer’). Print out your completed form and send it to the same address that you sent your application form to. Make sure you do this at least 2 days before the person you intend to hire is expected to start working in the Netherlands.