The Netherlands, as one of Europe's most attractiveimmigrantsIt is one of the destinations that attracts a large number of international talents with its high quality of life, abundant job opportunities and diverse cultural environment. Especially in 2024, the Dutch government has made several updates and adjustments to its immigration policies. These policies not only provide a clearer path for foreigners who want to move to the Netherlands, but also reflect the country's emphasis on economic development, talent acquisition and social diversity. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 2024Dutch immigration policyThe program focuses on the latest visa requirements and the application process to help interested parties toImmigration to the Netherlandsof friends to embark on a new journey without incident.
I. 2024Immigration to the NetherlandsChanges in policy
In 2024, the Dutch government has made several important policy updates for different types of immigrant groups. Overall, the Netherlands continues to welcome all types of highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, and international students, with a particularly high demand for professionals in fields such as information technology, engineering, and healthcare. Below are some of the important policy changes:
- Highly Skilled Migrant Policy Updates
The Netherlands is continuing its Highly Skilled Migrant Program in 2024, but has increased the salary requirements for foreign talent. For professionals who meet the requirements, the Dutch government offers work visas that allow them to live and work in the Netherlands on a permanent basis. Specifically, the 2024 criteria stipulate that immigrants with backgrounds in specific skills or disciplines must earn a certain level of salary (e.g., at least 30,000 euros per year) in order to be granted the relevant visa. - Startup Visa Policy Adjustment
The Netherlands continues to promote the Start-up Visa, which supports foreigners who wish to start a business in the Netherlands. However, the 2024 policy requires applicants to have an incubator support program in the Netherlands that is approved by the Dutch government. This change is intended to increase the success rate of start-ups and ensure that foreign businesses can create more jobs in Dutch society. - Changes in Student Visa Policy
The quality of higher education in the Netherlands is internationally recognized, and in 2024 the Dutch government has further relaxed the requirements for study visas. For international students who meet the requirements, the Netherlands offers a range of visa policy support, including work permits for the duration of the study period, enabling students to earn a certain amount of income during their studies and increase their employment experience. In addition, the Netherlands also encourages graduates to stay and work in the Netherlands after graduation by offering a graduate work visa (Orientation Year). - Adjustments to the family reunification policy
The Netherlands continues to promote a family reunification policy that allows migrants who are already working in the Netherlands to bring their immediate family members, including spouses and children, with them.The 2024 policy requires migrants applying for family reunification to provide stronger proof of financial capacity to ensure that they are able to cover the living costs of their family members. This policy aims to balance family reunification with the rational allocation of resources in Dutch society.
Two,Netherlands Immigrant VisaTypes and Application Requirements
Depending on the purpose of immigration, the Netherlands offers several visa options. Below are some of the most common visa types and their application requirements:
- Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (HSMV)
- population (esp. of a group of people): Highly skilled foreign workers, especially professionals in the fields of information technology, engineering, medicine, etc.
- Application Requirements: Applicants must have a formal work contract with a Dutch employer and meet the minimum annual salary requirement. 2024, the annual salary rate is 30,000 euros or more (depending on the applicant's age and specialization).
- Application Process: Applicants are required to submit work contracts, academic certificates, passports, etc. through theNetherlands Immigration Service(IND) to apply. Employers are required to submit additional supporting materials.
- Start-up Visa (Start-up Visa)
- population (esp. of a group of people): Foreign entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in the Netherlands.
- Application Requirements: Applicants are required to provide a viable business plan and must have passed the Startup Accelerator Support Program, which is recognized by the Dutch government. In addition, applicants need to prove that they have sufficient funds to support the start-up program.
- Application Process: Applicants are required to provide a business plan, proof of funding, and proof of cooperation with the gas pedal.
- Student Visa (Student Visa)
- population (esp. of a group of people): International students wishing to study at an institution of higher education in the Netherlands.
- Application Requirements: Applicants need to be formally admitted to an educational institution in the Netherlands and have sufficient financial means to cover tuition fees and living expenses. The Dutch government requires a financial guarantee of at least 10,000 euros per year of study.
- Application Process: Applicants are required to provide a school acceptance letter, proof of financial resources, health insurance, etc. and submit a visa application through the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in China.
- Family Reunification Visa (FRV)
- population (esp. of a group of people): Spouses, children and immediate family members of immigrants who are already legally resident in the Netherlands.
- Application Requirements: Applicants must provide proof of kinship with a person living in the Netherlands (e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.). In addition, the Dutch government requires applicants to provide proof of sufficient finances to ensure that their family members can live independently in the Netherlands.
- Application Process: Applicants are required to submit proof of kinship, proof of financial resources, and other documents through theNetherlands Immigration ServiceApplication.
Three,Immigration to the NetherlandsVisa Application Process
The visa application process for the Netherlands is relatively straightforward, but the specific requirements and steps may vary depending on the type of visa. The general application process is as follows:

- Confirmation of visa type
Confirm the type of visa required (work, study, business start-up, family reunion, etc.) based on your personal situation. - Preparation of application materials
Prepare the required documents according to the type of visa, such as passport, academic certificates, proof of financial resources, health insurance, etc. - Submit an application
Visa applications are submitted through the Dutch Immigration Service website or through Dutch embassies and consulates abroad. Some visa types may require the support of an employer or educational institution. - Waiting for approval
The Dutch Immigration Service reviews the submitted application documents and the approval time usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months. - Obtaining a visa and traveling to the Netherlands
Once approved, the applicant can obtain a Dutch visa and start a new life in the Netherlands.
IV. Summary
The Netherlands' immigration policy in 2024 continues to remain open to skilled people, entrepreneurs and international students, and offers more opportunities for foreigners by simplifying the application process and optimizing visa requirements. Whether through work visas, entrepreneur visas or student visas, the Netherlands offers multiple pathways for immigration. Understanding the Dutch immigration policy and preparing the appropriate application documents will help you to successfullyImmigration to the Netherlands, opening a new chapter of life.
