Work permit options for non EU craftsmen

In the Dutch economy, there is a need for migrant workers from various sectors to compensate for the major shortages of required personnel. This does not only concern knowledge migrants, but also skilled workers who can be employed in healthcare, housing construction, energy transition and the installation of fibre optics. In September 2024, in the run-up to a debate in the House of Representatives on this subject, Dutch technical sectors called for targeted labour migration in the form of a skilled workers scheme, such as Germany also has. Whether such a skilled workers scheme will be introduced remains to be seen. Both NSC and PVV are not in favour of such a scheme, as became apparent during the debate in the House of Representatives. This means that the existing options must be used for the time being.

Existing options for employing migrant workers from outside the EU.

What options are there now to employ migrant workers from outside the EU in these sectors?

International Trade Regulation

If it concerns a project that is limited in time and where specialist work is carried out, it is a good option to apply for admission to the International Trade Regulation. This request is submitted to UWV and after admission of the project, employees working on this project can work without a work permit. They must be registered with UWV two days in advance.

EU cross border workers

If the foreign employer is established in the EU, but has employees from outside the EU, their employees can be sent to the Netherlands for the duration of an assignment under certain conditions. In that case, a work permit is not required. However, the EU service provider must report to the SVB two days prior to the employment in the Netherlands.

Labour market tested work permit (GVVA)

A labour tested work permit (GVVA) and residence permit for the purpose of ‘paid employment’ is another option, but in general it is a lot of work for the employer to obtain such a permit. This is because the employer must demonstrate that there are no Dutch, EU citizens or third-country nationals who are allowed to work without a work permit present to carry out the work. To this end, the employer must first recruit for three months and be able to explain with respect to each available candidate why that candidate is not suitable or cannot be made suitable.

Questions? Contact us!

Our office has a lot of experience with all the regulations discussed in this blog. We can often quickly assess what the best option is to bring staff to the Netherlands. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information!