Are Ugandan citizens allowed to work in the Netherlands for short periods?
Yes — but Ugandan citizens must obtain two documents before traveling:
1. A Short-Stay Schengen Visa (Type C)
2. A valid TWV (work permit) issued by Dutch authorities.
Both must be approved before entering the Netherlands and beginning work.
What short-term job opportunities are open to Ugandans?
Ugandan citizens can access various types of short-term work, such as:
• Seasonal agricultural or greenhouse work
• Temporary positions in hospitality or tourism
• Internships, company traineeships
• Cultural, research, or academic exchanges.
Employment is only legal with a valid Dutch work permit in place beforehand.
What steps are involved in getting a work permit (TWV) for Ugandans?
Only the Dutch employer can apply for the TWV (work permit). The steps include:
- Submitting an application to the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency)
- Demonstrating that no suitable candidates are available within the EU
- Waiting for permit approval (typically 2–4 weeks)
- Using the approved permit to support the employee’s visa application.
Citizens from Uganda themselves cannot apply for this permit independently.
What is the visa application process for Ugandan citizens?
After the work permit is issued:
1. Contact the Dutch consulate or embassy in your country
2. Schedule a short-stay visa appointment
3. Prepare the necessary paperwork
4. Attend the visa interview and submit biometric data
5. Wait for processing (average: 15 days, longer in some cases).
The visa issued will be a Schengen Type C visa, valid for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Which documents must citizens from Uganda provide for the visa?
Visa applicants from Uganda typically need:
• A valid passport (issued in the last 10 years, valid for 3+ months beyond departure)
• The approved work permit (TWV)
• A signed employment contract
• Proof of stay (e.g., accommodation booking or letter)
• Travel insurance covering at least €30,000
• Proof of financial resources
• A letter stating the purpose of the visit.
The embassy may request extra documentation depending on the case.
What is the cost of a short-stay visa for Ugandans?
Standard visa fees include:
• €90 for adult applicants
• €45 for children aged 6 to 11
• Free of charge for children under 6.
Extra fees may apply if using a third-party visa service. Fees are non-refundable even in case of rejection.
Can Ugandan citizens freelance or be self-employed while in the Netherlands?
No. Freelance or self-employed work is not permitted on a Type C visa. Only jobs offered by a Dutch employer — backed by a valid TWV — are allowed.
Do Ugandan citizens need to register with Dutch authorities?
If your stay is under 90 days, municipal registration is not necessary. However, your employer may still apply for a BSN (citizen service number), needed for payroll and taxes.
Is health insurance compulsory for Ugandans?
Yes. To work in the Netherlands, Ugandan citizens must have valid health insurance. Travelers from Uganda need to show Dutch-compliant insurance at the time of visa application and keep it active during the stay.
If you want to work in the Netherlands for a period longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Dutch work visa.
A Dutch work visa is a residence permit that is issued to foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for the purpose of employment.
In many cases, along with a Dutch residence permit, you must also obtain a work permit. However, not everyone needs a visa or residence permit to enter and stay in the Netherlands.
Who needs a work visa for the Netherlands?
Whether you need a visa to enter the Netherlands depends on your nationality:
- You do not need a work visa/residence permit to enter the Netherlands if you are from an EU or EEA country or from Switzerland. However, if you want to stay in the Netherlands for longer than four months, you must register in the personal records database in your region and obtain a citizen's service number.
- You also do not need a residence permit in the Netherlands if you are a family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, but you will have to obtain a proof of EU law (certificate of legal residence).
- All other foreign nationals require a Dutch residence permit to live in the Netherlands, and an additional work permit to obtain a work permit. Some can apply for a single permit, which combines a residence permit and a work permit.
- Some citizens also need to apply for an MVV visa (type D visa or "temporary residence permit") along with a permit to live in the Netherlands. Check if you need to apply for an MVV at https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/visa-the-netherlands/mvv-long-stay. If you need an MVV, you may also need to take a civic integration exam, which tests your knowledge of the Dutch language and culture.
What are the requirements for a Dutch work visa?
Dutch work visa requirements vary depending on which Dutch residence permit available for work you are applying for. However, there are a set of standard requirements for any Dutch visa that you must meet. Then, depending on the type of work visa you will need, there will be additional requirements, as shown in the following sections.
Types of Dutch work visas
Each type of Dutch work visa has a different set of requirements and conditions.
1) For a permanent paid job (employment)
If you wish to work in the Netherlands as a regular employee (migrant worker), you will need a Dutch work visa for regular gainful employment.
The requirements for a Dutch work visa for an ordinary worker:
- You need an employment contract with an employer in the Netherlands
- You must be paid at least the minimum wage for workers over 23 years of age
- Your employer must prove that the position could not have been held by a Dutch or other EU/EEA citizen
2) For seasonal work
The Dutch seasonal work visa is granted to people who will do seasonal work in the Netherlands in the agricultural sector. The Dutch seasonal work visa can be issued for a maximum of 24 weeks.
The requirements for a Dutch seasonal work visa include:
- An employment contract with an employer in the Netherlands
- Obtaining a single permit (combined residence and work permit)
- You must be paid at minimum wage or a percentage of your salary
3) Intra-company transfer within the country
If you work for a company in a country outside the European Union (EU) and you plan to transfer to a branch of that company in the Netherlands, you will need a Dutch work visa.
The requirements for an intra-corporate move to the Netherlands include:
- You cannot be a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland
- You must be a resident of a non-EU country when you apply
- You must work in management, either as a specialist or as an intern
- You must have worked in your company for at least three months before transferring
- You have the qualifications and experience required for your position
- Your salary must meet the criteria of a highly qualified migrant worker
- You will live in the Netherlands for most of your transfer
- There must be economic activity between your employer and the branch in the Netherlands where you are transferred
- You cannot have a previous transfer to that company immediately before you apply
- The branch to which you are transferring cannot have been fined within the last 5 years for violating section 2 of the Employment of Aliens Act or for not paying (or not paying enough) payroll tax or employer's insurance premiums
- Trainee employees must complete an apprenticeship program, not the regular employee program
4) For the highly skilled migrant
Highly skilled migrants are sometimes called "knowledge workers." These are foreign nationals who will contribute to the Dutch knowledge-based economy. To be considered a highly skilled migrant, you must earn a certain income. If you are less than 30 years old, you must earn a minimum of 3,299 euros; if you are over 30 years old, the minimum wage is 4 euros,500.
Other conditions that apply to a highly skilled migrant:
- You need a contract with an employer or an academic institution in the Netherlands
- The employer must be a recognized sponsor of the IND
- For scientific researchers: your contract of employment must be signed on behalf of the institution
- For scientific researchers: the contract must contain a job description and a code according to the University Job Classification System (UFO).
- For physicians in training: the institute at which you are trained has been designated by the Medical Specialist Registration Committee (MSRC), the Social Medicine Registration Committee (SGRC) or the General Practice and Nursing Home Registration Committee (HVRC).
- For doctors in training: you must be registered on the Register of Individual Health Professions, also known as the BIG register.
5) European Blue Card
The European Blue Card is a work permit which allows non-EU citizens to live and work in any EU country except Denmark, Ireland and the UK. To work in the Netherlands with an EU Blue Card issued in another country, you will need a work visa and a permit to work in the Netherlands.
You must also meet the following conditions:
- An employment contract must be valid for at least 12 months
- Your diploma in higher education must be at least three years old
- Your certificate of higher education must be evaluated by Nuffic
- You must prove that you meet the standards of your profession
- You have to receive the necessary salary set for EU Blue Card holders: the minimum is 5,272 euros per month
- The branch to which you are transferring cannot have been fined within the last 5 years for violating Article 2 of the Law for the Employment of Foreigners or for not paying (or not paying enough) payroll tax or employer's insurance premiums
6) For the orientation year for highly educated persons
If you have completed your studies in the Netherlands and your Dutch visa has expired, you can apply for an additional year to look for work. You can apply for a work visa in the Netherlands for an orientation year within three years after you finish your studies.
To be eligible for the introductory year, you must do one of the following:
- Have completed an accredited Dutch undergraduate or graduate program
- Have completed at least one year of postgraduate study in the Netherlands
- Had a previous Dutch research visa in the Netherlands
- Completed a master's degree as part of an Erasmus Mundus master's course
- Completed a higher education program as defined by ministerial order
- Completed a study proposed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs on development cooperation policy
- Completed a study in the Netherlands under the Cultural Policy Act
- Completed a master's or postdoctoral study or obtained a PhD degree from a designated institution abroad
7) For researchers under Directive (EU) 2016/801
To work in the Netherlands as a researcher under Directive (EU) 2016/801, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have sufficient higher education to be eligible for a doctoral program
- The Dutch research institution at which you will conduct the research is an IND recognized sponsor
- The research project you will be working on is approved by the institution
- You have an employment contract/agreement with the institution
- You will receive sufficient monthly income from your employer or grant/sponsor
8) For self-employed individuals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs
You can apply for a work visa for self-employment in the Netherlands (residence permit) if you intend to stay in the Netherlands to start your own business or work as a freelancer.
The requirements for a Dutch self-employed work visa are stricter than for other types of work visas. There are certain conditions that you need to fulfill and, depending on your case, you may also be eligible for a Dutch "starter" visa.
How do I apply for a Dutch work visa?
Applying for a work visa in the Netherlands depends on your nationality, as well as the type of work you intend to do.
To work in the Netherlands, you will need both a residence permit and a separate work permit to obtain a work permit. However, some applicants can apply for a single permit that combines both of these permits into one. This is called the GVVA and can be issued for one to three years.
In most cases, your employer must apply for your work permit or single permit. They can do this directly to the IND after receiving all the necessary documents from you. The IND will then forward the application to the Dutch employment agency (UWV), which will evaluate it and inform the IND of the decision.
Who can apply for a single permit (GVVA)?
Foreign workers who come to work in the Netherlands with a visa and apply for a single permit:
1) Regular migrant workers
2) Interns
3) Practitioners
4) Ministers of religion/spiritual leaders
5) Teachers of international education
6) Some foreign nationals who work in the Asian restaurant industry
Who needs a separate residence and work permit (TWV)?
If you cannot apply for a single permit, your employer must apply for a separate work permit on your behalf. However, you or your employer can apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands. If you are applying on your own, you can do so at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your country.
It is excluded from the Single Permit:
- Migrant workers on a short-term visa
- Seasonal workers
- Students
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- Intra-corporate persons
- Workers for the orientation year
- Family members of one-time owners
- Service providers
- Croatian citizens
- Sailors
Opening a business in the Netherlands takes place in several stages:
Choose a unique company name. This will not only set you apart from your competitors, but is also a requirement of the Law on Trade, according to which your name must not be repeated and must already be registered. An exception may be a strong difference in the type of activity.
Get the Act of Incorporation of the company notarized. The procedure must be carried out by a qualified notary. The cost depends on the company, but on average it is 1700 euros.
How to register a new company in the Netherlands?
New businesses must register with the Dutch Commercial Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK). An accountant knows everything about the registration procedure. After registration in the commercial register, the Chamber of Commerce will forward your data to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst). Dutch private and public limited liability companies must be registered through a civil law notary. The notary will take care of the registration with the Dutch tax administration on your behalf. Additional note: most of the forms to be filled in are in Dutch.
Can I start a business in the Netherlands as a non-EU citizen?
If you want to set up an innovative company (startup) in the Netherlands as a non-EU citizen, you can apply for a Dutch startup visa or a self-employment visa. More information about this can be found on the site.
How much does it cost to register a company in the Netherlands?
The minimum cost of starting your business in the Netherlands is about 50 euros, which covers the registration of your company at the Chamber of Commerce. For businesses with a registered structure (e.g. BV), you will need a notarized deed, which will cost approximately 1300 euros. Note that you no longer need start-up capital to register a BV.
How long does it take to register a company in the Netherlands?
It takes about 4 weeks for the company to be fully operational. It consists of the following steps:
- Obtaining the necessary information and filling out forms.
- Checking forms and identification.
- Registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Filling out a tax form and obtaining a tax number.
- Obtaining a VAT number.
What documents are needed to start a business?
The standard package of documents requires:
- Passport (originals and copies).
- Extract from the place of official residence.
- Tax identification numbers (TIN) of officials (director, beneficiary).
- The name of an offshore company in the Netherlands.
- A list of the types of business you plan to do.
- The company's legal address is in the Netherlands.
- Your contact information.
Destinations for starting a business in the Netherlands:
- Opening of food enterprises (production of bakery products, beer, cheese).
- Entrepreneurial startups in the field of modern technologies.
- Machine-tool and machine-building enterprises.
- Companies specializing in the chemical and oil refining industries.
- Construction companies.
- Growing and exporting flowers.
- Travel agencies.
- Trade in office equipment.
When choosing a business area, note that financial companies, restaurant business, medical services, and construction are subject to licensing.
The Dutch government offers many options for business development assistance and exempts small businesses (ZZP) from taxes for the first 2 years.
Business visa
If you want to travel to the Netherlands for business purposes, you may need to apply for a business visa to the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Business Visa is a Schengen visa for the Netherlands (also known as a short-term visa or C visa). The Schengen visa allows the holder to travel anywhere in the Schengen area, including the Netherlands, for a maximum of 90 days within six months.
Application for a business visa to the Netherlands
To apply for a business visa to the Netherlands, you must follow these steps:
- Check if you need to apply for a business visa to the Netherlands.
- Find out where to apply.
- Find out when is the best time to apply.
- Book an appointment.
- Compile the document file.
- Attend the interview.
- Pay the visa fee.
- Check if you need to apply for a business visa to the Netherlands
Whether or not you need to apply for a visa to enter the Netherlands for business purposes depends largely on your nationality.
If you are a citizen of a country that requires a visa to enter the Netherlands, you need to apply for a business visa.
Citizens of Schengen countries, the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland do not need a business visa to enter the Netherlands.
You also do not need a visa to the Netherlands if you have a residence permit or a long-term visa issued by another Schengen country.
Here is a more detailed list of countries whose citizens must apply for a Schengen business visa to the Netherlands.
Find out where to apply
You can apply for a Dutch business visa at the Dutch embassy/consulate in your home country. If there is no Dutch embassy/consulate in your country, you will need to find out which Schengen country embassy/consulate they have transferred visa applications to.
You must apply for a business visa to the Netherlands in this way:
- At the embassy/consulate of the country in which you intend to spend most of your time - if you intend to stay in one particular country for a longer period of time.
- At the embassy/consulate of the country that will be your first stop - if you spend the same amount of time in each.
Before submitting an application, you need to make an appointment and collect the necessary documents.
Find out when is the best time to apply
You can apply for a business visa no later than 15 working days before your trip, and at the earliest three months before your trip. However, it is recommended that you apply at least three weeks before your trip.
Book an appointment
Before applying for a Dutch business visa, you need to book an appointment. This can be done online or in person, depending on the country.
Gather a package of documents
Required documents for a business visa to the Netherlands include:
- Completed and signed application form for a business visa to the Netherlands.
- Photos in accordance with Schengen rules.
- Copies of any previous visas with all entry/exit stamps.
- A complete itinerary of your stay in the Netherlands.
- A passport or identity document, as well as: a copy of the personal data page of your passport; copies of any previous personal data pages of your passport.
- Proof that you have accommodation during your stay in the Netherlands.
- Proof that you have the means to support yourself during your stay (at least 34 euros per day).
- Adequate health insurance that covers the entire duration of your stay in the Netherlands.
- Certificate of no criminal record. Proof that you do not pose a "risk to public order or national security".
- Confirmation that you will return to your home country after your visit;
- Confirm that your visit is for business or cultural purposes. This may include: confirmation of sponsorship from the person sponsoring you; invitation to participate in a conference; hotel reservation.
- An invitation from the company you are visiting or the organizer of the event or training.
- Confirmation of paid fees for a Dutch business visa.
Please note that the required documents may also vary from country to country, so if you are asked to provide additional documents, you should do so as soon as possible.
Attend the interview
You must appear in person at the appointment with the required documents. On the day of application, you will also have a visa interview and pay a non-refundable fee for a Dutch business Schengen visa.
Pay the visa fee
You will have to pay a fee for a Dutch business visa, which is 90 euros per application.
Those who are exempt from the visa application fee for the Netherlands include:
- children under six years of age.
- academic researcher.
- a family member of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
- students or teachers traveling for the purpose of education or training.
- persons under the age of 25 traveling to participate in non-profit organizational events.
How long does it take to get a business visa to the Netherlands?
It can take 15 to 30 business days to process your Netherlands business visa application. In some cases, it may take longer, and in others, it may take less. Therefore, be sure to consult with the officer responsible for processing your application.
However, you can apply for a Dutch visa no later than 15 working days before your trip, and at the earliest, three months before.
Orange Carpet visa procedure
People who frequently travel to the Netherlands for business can apply for the Orange Carpet visa program. It allows business travelers to obtain a business visa to the Netherlands more easily. It can mainly be used by companies that have current or future economic interests in the Netherlands.
However, not all countries are eligible for the Orange Carpet visa program, so please contact the Dutch embassy or consul in your country for more information.
Its benefits vary from country to country, but some of them may include:
- Fewer documents are required to obtain a business visa to the Netherlands.
- Your business visa to the Netherlands will be processed faster.
- You can use the visa for multiple entries.
- The visa will be valid for longer.
- You do not need to make an appointment to apply for a visa.
- You do not have to apply in person every time.
Whether or not you can apply for the Orange Carpet visa program depends on your country and how often you travel, so please contact the Dutch embassy in your country for more information.
Useful resources
Business.gov.nl - government information for entrepreneurs
KVK - Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, business registration in the Netherlands
IND - Dutch Immigration Service: The registration of a company is the basis for obtaining a business visa to the Netherlands, and the visa allows you to apply to the IND (Immigration Service) for a residence permit in the Netherlands.
Employment law in the Netherlands encompasses a variety of regulations, legal standards and best practices that govern the employer-employee relationship. Understanding these complex rules is crucial for both employers and employees to ensure compliance and protect their rights.
The Netherlands has set a minimum wage to ensure that all employees are paid fairly for their work.
As of January 1, 2026, the hourly minimum wages are:
- 21 years and older: €14.71
- 20 years: €11.77
- 19 years: €8.83
- 18 years: €7.36
- 17 years: €5.81
- 16 years: €5.07
- 15 years: €4.41
In addition to wages, employers must also provide certain benefits to their staff. These include sick leave and vacation pay, which can be equal to 8% of the employee's monthly salary or 1/12 of the annual vacation pay.
In terms of working hours, Dutch employment law stipulates that employees employed full-time should not exceed 40 hours per week, while employees working part-time should not exceed 24 hours per week.
The Dutch labor law requires that all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of paid vacation each year. In addition, maternity leave is also provided and benefits are available. Sickness benefits can also be applied to those who fall ill or are injured while working during the contract period.
Do I need to know English or Dutch to get a job in the Netherlands?
According to the CEFR definition, the standards used by employers in the Netherlands require a minimum level of English in temporary work agencies. You must have an A2 level or have a basic level of English or Dutch.
Dutch is not a common language outside of the Netherlands. That is why companies do not expect you to speak Dutch. Most companies employ people of different nationalities, so English has become the main language of communication in the workplace among foreign employees.
What are the main points to include in a Dutch CV?
The structure of your resume should be as follows:
1. A resume in the Netherlands starts with your personal information: full name, place of residence, phone number and email address. As a rule, they appear at the top or side of the CV. It is noteworthy that you do not need to provide your date of birth and other personal information such as marital status.
2. List your work experience: including part-time/volunteer work, in reverse chronological order (i.e., the most recent employment is first). Under each employer's name, indicate the location and position, and list your tasks and responsibilities, as well as any other skills or qualities you gained from the job.
3. List your education and qualifications: in reverse chronological order.
4. Provide details of any extracurricular activities and hobbies: Dutch employers are very interested in activities that demonstrate commitment and initiative, but at the same time try to make them relevant to your resume. Examples: volunteer, sports coach, member of an organization;
5. You can include references from previous jobs.
It is noteworthy that Dutch employers usually do not require you to include a photo on your resume. Therefore, include only one copy if you are specifically asked to do so.
If you need help with your Dutch resume or interview preparation, there are several resources where you can find information:
Young Capital - explains what to include in your resume and provides a template
Hague International - a resource for help with resume writing in the Netherlands
Dutch Language Blog - provides tips on writing a Dutch resume
Amsterdam School of International Business (AMSIB) - provides information about the interview in the Netherlands
TopCV - allows you to check the quality of your resume and get a free consultation from a resume expert
Tips for finding a job:
Take advantage of the program: Your first EURES-job (18-35 years old) or Reactivate (over 35 years old). While looking for a job, you can apply for assistance in 1 of the countries participating in this program. You can also apply for one of the types of financial assistance, such as travel assistance, if you live abroad and the interview will be held in the Netherlands. For more information or to make a request, please send an email to [email protected].Follow EURES on Facebook and Twitter to stay informed about job opportunities and work-related events to be held in the Netherlands.Attend job-related events that are held in the Netherlands. This way you can meet employers and intermediaries who offer jobs in the Netherlands. You can find such events on the EURES website and the werk.nl website.Networking. Establishing and maintaining contacts. This can be done at a job fair, through personal contacts, and through social media. You can find jobs on networking sites such as LinkedIn.If you want to work for an employer, but there are no vacancies at the moment, you can send an open application.Register with temporary employment agencies. Temporary employment agencies play an important role in flexible working.Learn more about working as a temporary employee.
