Hiring international interns in the Netherlands

With an increasingly international workforce and student population, many companies and organizations have an interest in hiring foreign students or recent graduates for an internship. Hiring international interns can be enriching to both the hired and the hirer, but it is important to make sure that the intern has the appropriate documentation to perform the internship.  This article aims to provide an outline of the requirements and procedural steps to ensure a smooth and compliant hiring experience.

EU nationals vs Non-EU nationals

The Netherlands offers a welcoming environment for international talent, yet employers must be aware of the regulations to hire interns from abroad legally. For EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals, the process is relatively straightforward, as they do not require a work permit, visa or residence permit for an internship. The same rules for internships apply to these students or recent graduates as for Dutch nationals.

For non-EU nationals the requirements can be more stringent. Non-EU nationals planning to intern in the Netherlands may need a work permit and visa or residence permit, depending on their nationality and the duration of their stay.

Work permit (TWV)

For non-EU interns, securing a TWV may be a requisite step. Exemptions apply to students who are enrolled in a Dutch educational program and to those participating in European action programs like Erasmus+. Student who are enrolled in a Duch educational program can perform an internship without a work permit if a tripartite internship agreement is in place that is signed by the company, the student, and the educational institution to demonstrate that the internship is part of their education.

If no exemptions apply, employers must apply for a TWV at the UWV (Netherlands Employees Insurance Agency). Exterus can assist with detailing the requirements and apply for the permit with the UWV on the company’s behalf.

Short Stay Visa or Single permit

In addition to the work permit, non-EU students who are not enrolled in a Dutch educational program may need a visa or residence permit to legally stay in the Netherlands to perform the internship. If the internship lasts 90 days or less, the intern must apply for a Short Stay Visa, unless there is an exemption based on their nationality. If needed, the intern can apply for this visa on their own in their country of origin.

For stays exceeding 90 days, the process generally involves obtaining a single permit, regardless of the intern’s nationality. The company must apply for this permit on the intern’s behalf.

This single permit (in Dutch: Gecombineerde Vergunning Verblijf en Arbeid (GVVA)) combines the residency requirement for stays exceeding 90 days, with the abovementioned work permit. This allows the intern to perform the internship while temporarily residing in the Netherlands. The application is submitted with the IND and takes approximately 5-7 weeks to obtain.

Exterus can assist with navigating the requirements and apply for this permit on the company’s behalf with the IND as well.

The abovementioned regulations apply to both current students and those who have completed an educational degree program within the last two years.

For stays longer than 4 months, registration of the intern with a Dutch municipality (BRP) is required.

Conclusion

Hiring international interns in the Netherlands is a rewarding opportunity for companies looking to diversify and enrich their teams with global talent. By understanding and adhering to the legal requirements for non-EU nationals, employers can ensure a smooth and beneficial experience for both the company and the intern.

For any questions about these processes or assistance filing an application for a work or residence permit, please contact us for consultation.