
Netherlands
An amendment now allows business visitors to conduct business meetings in the Netherlands without a work permit during multiple visits of up to 13 weeks cumulatively in a 52-week period. The prior rule - which allowed a cumulative stay of four weeks in one 13-week period for permissible activities - no longer applies to any business activities in the Netherlands.
This amendment, which effectively allows eligible business visitors to stay up to 13 weeks in one year, is the result of the Dutch government’s effort to promote international trade and to align the law more closely with bilateral international agreements and with the Schengen rules, which limit stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
Business visitors conducting other work permit-waived activities, such as certain installation and repair activities or receiving training on Dutch equipment/software, are still work permit-exempt for one visit of up to twelve consecutive weeks in a 36-week period.
Background
Prior to January 2014, business visitors could enter multiple times and perform permissible business visitor activities without Dutch work authorization for up to four weeks in a 13-week period. In January 2014, new rules were implemented that implied that only one visit for up to 13 consecutive weeks was allowed within a 52-week period. Since this was not the intent of the change, the authorities reverted to the pre-January rule until the law was amended. Now the law clarifies that multiple visits are allowed.
Business visitors to the Netherlands are generally limited to conducting business meetings in which information is exchanged on behalf of the home employer. Any other activities generally require work authorization.
What This Means for Foreign Nationals
Business visitors conducting business meetings should benefit from the ability to enter the Netherlands multiple times. Business visitors to the Netherlands should abide by the Schengen stay limit as well.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.
Fragomen news
Fragomen’s Semiconductor Industry Group publishes the next installment of its “Voice of the Industry” Q&A series, featuring Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI.
Media mentions
Partner Karolina Schiffter highlights how Poland’s tightened visa system affects foreign hiring and the challenges companies face in navigating it.
Media mentions
Partner Carl Hampe provides insight on the impact of the $100,000 H-1B fee and the US Chamber of Commerce’s related lawsuit.
Awards
Fragomen was honoured with the “Best Partnership Between a Corporate Organization and a Service Provider” EMMA at FEM's 2025 EMEA Summit.
Media mentions
Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how H-2A visa strategies can help sustain a skilled US agricultural workforce.
Blog post
Director Willys Mac’Olale discusses how intra-African mobility can unlock the continent’s economic and social potential by promoting free movement, fostering integration and development.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
