How To Move To the Netherlands Without a Job?
Did you know that the Netherlands ranks as the sixth-happiest nation, one-fifth of its citizens are foreign-born, and it is estimated that there are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people? Quite intriguing, huh? Additionally, it is very multicultural, which attracts foreigners. Even people without work find it appealing because of these features.
If you possess the desirable talents that prospective Dutch companies are seeking, you can relocate to the Netherlands without a job. If you are from another EU country, you do not need a visa to move to the Netherlands because it is a member of the EU. You will require a temporary visa if you are from a non-member state.
This article examines the process of moving to the Netherlands without a job and how to take advantage of the opportunities that are there there.
Do you need a job to relocate to the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a major draw for enthusiastic immigrants due to its abundance of options. You can relocate to the Netherlands without a job, but you must first assess important factors to guarantee a seamless transfer.
Some key aspects you ought to consider include:
- Cost of living
- Visa requirements
- Opportunitinities in your area of specialization
- Language barrier
- The period it’ll take before you get a stable job
- Government regulations on foreigners
- Healthcare system
- Cultural differences
You should also make a plan for how you'll make it through the time until you find a stable employment.
Since the Netherlands does not require a visa for entry, moving there without a job is simple if you are from the EU/EEA and Switzerland bloc. You must have a work offer or persuade the Dutch government of the importance of your stay if you are a citizen of the non-member country.
Without a job offer, your visa options for being accepted to the Netherlands include:
- Apply for a student visa
- Self-employment visa
- Family-reunification visa
- Working holiday visa
- DAFT visa
Visa for Students
Permanent residency is not assured if you choose this path to enroll in school because the government anticipates that you will depart the nation after completing your education.
However, choosing this course will allow you to benefit from being an international student while also learning how the nation operates. To better comprehend the working conditions in the nation, you might even find a job and work while you learn.
Visa for self-employment or a startup
The Dutch government encourages the implementation of innovative ideas by talented individuals.
A year of preparation time is given to entrepreneurs who want to launch their businesses in Dutch as they set up their businesses.
You must demonstrate that the field you wish to research is novel and beneficial to the nation in order to be granted this visa. Furthermore, the government must assess you in accordance with:
- Your background in the field you aim to enter
- Detailed business strategy
- How will your project assist the nation?
Visa for a Work-Based Holiday
The Netherlands is open to granting a one-year working holiday visa to young individuals between the ages of 18 and 30.
By taking advantage of the offer, you can study and experience as a young person. Additionally, it aids in your future decision-making when deciding whether to go to the nation.
To qualify for this, you need to:
- Fall within the age brackets of 18-30.
- Come from the allowed nations, which include: Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and South Korea.
- You must prove that you can sustain yourself financially for a few months.
- Have a return ticket.
- You aren’t allowed to sign a contract with an intermediary.
Argentina, Hong Kong, and South Korea are allowed to have 100 citizens under the program, while the other eligible countries don’t have a limit attached.
The two ways to apply for the program are through applying directly under the Immigration and Naturalisation Service in the Netherlands or through your country, although this takes longer before you get absorbed.
Family Reunification Visa
Getting a visa under this requires you to have a partner who is a Dutch citizen or a foreign national with a Dutch residence permit. Your partner will be obliged to take care of you financially.
You will need to obtain a verification against EU law as a citizen of a non-EU/EEA nation whose spouse is from the area in order to be eligible for a visa. For a permit to live and work in the Netherlands, this is necessary.
In addition, you have to provide:
- A copy of your identity card or passport
- Proof of a legal union through a marriage certificate
- Your partner’s income statement to prove she/he is capable of taking care of you financially
- Birth certificates of children involved
- Your host needs to write a declaration accepting you as the partner
Visa DAFT
The DAFT program allows unemployed Americans from the United States to move to the Netherlands.
Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) reduces limitations on travel for inhabitants of the two nations. For instance, the scheme makes it simple for American businesspeople or investors to obtain a residency permit.
As an American looking to shift under the program, you need to prove:
- Your work experience
- You can inject more than 4,500 EUR into the economy through your venture.
- Have relevant skills enabling you to be self-employed
- A clear business plan
