Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour
For non-EU workers doing seasonal work, such as in agriculture or horticulture, for a limited part of the year.
The Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour is a Dutch work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€243 (2025)) and processing time (~90 days (legal maximum)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour is for
For non-EU workers doing seasonal work, such as in agriculture or horticulture, for a limited part of the year.
Seasonal and temporary; does not lead to permanent residence.
Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour - eligibility criteria
- Concrete seasonal job offer from a Dutch employer
- Labour-market test passed (UWV)
- Salary at least the statutory minimum wage
- Adequate housing arranged
- Will leave at the end of the season
Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour (Netherlands) is ~€243 (2025), with an indicative processing time of ~90 days (legal maximum). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed by the employer with the IND/UWV |
| Length of stay | Up to 24 weeks per year |
| Work rights | Seasonal work only, for the sponsoring employer |
| Study rights | Not intended for study |
| Government fee | ~€243 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~90 days (legal maximum) |
| Route to PR | Seasonal and temporary; does not lead to permanent residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Seasonal and temporary; does not lead to permanent residence.
Many applicants also compare GVVA · Single permit for work and residence (gecombineerde vergunning, GVVA), WHS · Working Holiday Scheme / Young Workers Exchange (WHS), Kennismigrant · Residence permit for highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour pitfalls we fix
Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour cost?
The Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour government fee is ~€243 (2025). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~90 days (legal maximum). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour lead to permanent residence?
Seasonal and temporary; does not lead to permanent residence.
Can I work on the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour?
Work rights: Seasonal work only, for the sponsoring employer.
Who can apply for the Residence permit / work permit for seasonal labour?
For non-EU workers doing seasonal work, such as in agriculture or horticulture, for a limited part of the year.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority