Destinations › Netherlands
🇳🇱Move to Netherlands
3 pathways to live in Netherlands — with realistic timelines, costs, family rights and official application links. Quality-of-life score: 90/100. Run a free check to see which of these you actually qualify for.
Highly Skilled Migrant (kennismigrant)
↗ Leads to PR over timeSkilled work🟢 Last verified 6/5/2026
Permanent residency
PR after 5 years
PR timeline
5 years
Family & children
Partner works freely; children study
Estimated cost
Salary €5,942/mo 30+, €4,357 under 30 (€3,122 reduced), 2026
Processing time
~2 weeks (recognised sponsor)
Orientation Year (zoekjaar) for graduates
✕ No permanent residencyStudy🟢 Last verified 6/5/2026
Permanent residency
1-year job-search permit; switch to a work permit (then PR track)
PR timeline
Indirect
Family & children
Free labour-market access
Estimated cost
IND fee ~€243; no salary requirement during the year
Processing time
Up to 90 days
Student residence permit
↗ Leads to PR over timeStudy🟢 Last verified 6/5/2026
Permanent residency
Study → orientation year → work → PR at 5 years
PR timeline
Indirect
Family & children
Family reunification limited for students
Estimated cost
Living costs ~€1,131/mo (proof of means), 2026
Processing time
A few weeks (recognised sponsor)
Plan your move to Netherlands
Information shown is a summary for guidance only and may change — always confirm with the official government source linked above. QualifyAbroad provides information and matching, not regulated immigration advice.