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How to Move to the Netherlands from India (2026 Step-by-Step)

·Verified from official sources

An Indian professional earning €5,942/month+ (age 30+) can move to the Netherlands in as little as 4–8 weeks via the Kennismigrant visa. No degree needed. No Dutch required. Your employer handles the application.

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India → Netherlands — Quick Answer (2026)

🧾 Best path: Kennismigrant (Highly Skilled Migrant)

⏱ Total timeline: 4-8 weeks

💰 Salary: €5,942/mo (30+) or €4,357/mo (under 30)

💸 Cost: €423–€700

📍 MVV collection: Dutch Embassy New Delhi, Consulates Mumbai/Chennai/Bangalore/Kolkata

🎯 Tax benefit: 30% ruling

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The Process for Indian Nationals

Step 1: Find a recognized sponsor employer. Your Dutch employer must be IND-registered. Major tech companies (Booking.com, ASML, Philips, TomTom) and most multinationals are already registered.

Step 2: Sign contract meeting salary threshold. €5,942/month (30+) or €4,357 (under 30), excluding 8% holiday allowance.

Step 3: Employer files TEV application. This is a combined MVV (entry visa) + residence permit application. You don't apply yourself — your employer does it through the IND portal.

Step 4: IND processes in 2-4 weeks. Fast-track for recognized sponsors.

Step 5: Collect MVV at Dutch embassy. Go to the Dutch Embassy in New Delhi or your nearest consulate. Bring your passport and appointment confirmation.

Step 6: Fly to Netherlands and register. Register at your municipality (BRP) within 5 days. You'll get your BSN number at registration. Provide biometrics at IND. Collect residence permit card in 2-4 weeks.

India-Specific Notes

TB test: Indian nationals are required to take a tuberculosis test (chest X-ray) as part of the process.

Document legalization: Indian documents need to be apostilled (India joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023) or legalized through the Dutch Embassy.

30% ruling: Apply within 4 months of starting. At typical Indian-to-NL tech salaries (€60,000–€90,000), this saves €5,000–€10,000/year in taxes.

Costs in INR

  • IND fee: €423 (~₹38,000) — usually paid by employer
  • TB test: ~₹5,000–₹10,000
  • Document legalization: ~₹5,000–₹20,000
  • **Your out-of-pocket: ₹10,000–₹30,000**

Where Indian Applicants Get Stuck

Housing in Amsterdam/Randstad. Budget €1,500–€2,500/month. Use funda.nl, pararius.nl. International housing agencies (HousingAnywhere, Kamernet) cater to expats. Many employers offer relocation support.

BSN registration appointments. Municipality appointments can have 2-3 week waits. Book before you arrive if possible.

Dutch health insurance. Mandatory from day 1 of employment. Budget €120–€150/month. Your employer may arrange this.

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Should You Choose Netherlands Over Other Destinations?

Best if: You earn €5,942+/month, want fast processing, and the 30% ruling significantly boosts your take-home.

⚠️ **Risky if:** Housing costs eat into your salary advantage — Amsterdam is one of Europe's most expensive cities.

Avoid if: You want PR in under 3 years — [Germany Blue Card →](/visa/india-to-germany-work) gets you there in 21 months.

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*Choosing the wrong visa route can delay your move by months or lead to rejection.*

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Verified using official government sources · VisaBoard.ai provides immigration information, not legal advice · Last updated: April 2026