Is my partner allowed to work in the Netherlands?

_{By Maureen Krösschell}

Many people who move to the Netherlands would like to bring their partner. Under certain conditions, their partner can obtain a residence permit for family purposes. A common follow-up question is: is my partner also allowed to work in the Netherlands?

The answer,  first and foremost, depends on your nationality, your partner’s nationality and your residence status. You are the ‘sponsor’: the person with whom your partner is staying in the Netherlands.

If the sponsor is a Dutch national or holds a permanent residence permit, the partner is allowed to work freely in the Netherlands. Partners of EU-citizens who are residing in the Netherlands under EU law are also permitted to work in the Netherlands without a separate permit. If the sponsor is not a Dutch national or EU citizen or holds a permanent residence permit, the rules vary depending on the sponsor’s residence permit. Several situations and their implications for a partner’s work authorization are discussed below.

The sponsor has a Highly Skilled Migrant permit, an Intra‑Corporate Transferee (ICT) permit, an EU Blue Card (EBC), or an Orientation Year permit

Partners sponsored by a Highly Skilled Migrant, an ICT permit holder, or an EBC holder, have free access to the Dutch labour market. This means your partner is allowed to work in the Netherlands for any employer, as well as on a self‑employed basis, without a separate work permit

Partners of Orientation Year permit holders are also free to work in the Netherlands. It is important to note that the partner’s permit always has the same expiry date as the sponsor’s. The partner’s permit will therefore also be valid for a maximum of one year in this scenario.

The sponsor has a Single Permit (GVVA)

The partner sponsored by someone who has a Single Permit (GVVA) cannot work without a separate work permit (“tewerkstellingsvergunning“). The partner’s prospective employer must apply for this work permit. In most cases, a strict labour market test is mandatory.

However, there is an exception. If the sponsor previously held an Orientation Year permit, and your partner already had a residence permit for residence with partner during that year, then your partner continues to be free on the Dutch labour market.

After five years: paid employment

Suppose your partner has lived in the Netherlands for five years. During those five years, your partner has held a permit allowing them to work in the Netherlands. In that case, your partner has free access to the labour market. This means your partner is free to work in the Netherlands. They can also apply for a residence permit for paid employment (‘arbeid in loondienst’). In that case, the employer becomes the sponsor. However, the partner’s salary must at least meet the statutory minimum wage (since January 1, 2026: €2,294.40).

Do you have any questions about your partner’s right to work in the Netherlands? Or would you like to discuss the possibility of applying for a residence permit for paid employment after having worked  in the Netherlands for five years? If so, please get in touch with us. We are happy to advise you.