Are you a non European national wanting to reside and work in the Netherlands?

The Combined Permit

A Combined Permit for Residence and Work (Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid, GVVA) grants an employee from a country out with the European Union (third country) the right to stay and work in the Netherlands. An application for a combined permit for residence and work can be submitted when an employee works in a specified profession. It is possible that per profession rules differ regarding the requirement of a separate work permit (tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV) or residence permit. A work permit (TWV) can only be applied for by an employer at the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).

The specified professions

It is possible that there are special conditions per specified profession. The most common specified professions which employ such conditions are as follows:

• Athlete
• Spiritual counsellor and monk
• Employee in the Asian catering industry
• Employee in the arts and cultural sector
• Employee of a non-profit organization.

Exceptions and special conditions

The combined permit for residence and work comes with many exceptions and special conditions. There are for example exceptions that apply to Turkish nationals and their family members, students, employees that are going to work in the Netherlands for less than 3 months, and seasonal workers that are going to work for more than 3 months. There is also the possibility of a labour market test (arbeidsmarkttoets) when an employer wants to employ a third country national who does not fit one of the specified professions.

Applying for a combined permit for residence and work is a complex procedure. Mistakes are easily made which may have grave consequences. It is recommended that you hire an immigration lawyer to ensure that your application is completed with the utmost care and precision.

A lawyer doesn’t have to be expensive!

This will be apparent from the price indications that you will receive from various lawyers.
You may also be eligible for a government reimbursement that provides for the costs of legal aid. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any advice, or simply visit www.lawspot.nl/en to register your case.