Netherlands GVVA : Employer-Managed by Jobbatical

Hiring Non-EU Talent for Regular Paid Roles in the Netherlands? The GVVA (Single Permit) Is Your Route

What is the Netherlands GVVA ?

The Netherlands GVVA also known as the Dutch Single Permit or gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid is the standard immigration route for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals taking a paid employment role in the Netherlands for more than 90 days.

It combines residence and work authorisation into a single permit issued by the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst) in cooperation with the UWV (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen). The process includes the mandatory arbeidsmarkttoets (labour market test) and ensures compliance with Dutch employment and immigration law.

Netherlands GVVA benefits for employers

• One combined permit covers both residence and work authorisation, removing the need for a separate TWV (tewerkstellingsvergunning) work permit for stays exceeding 90 days.
• Provides a pathway toward long-term residency for key international hires, counting toward the 5-year requirement for EU long-term resident status.
• Enables employers to access non-EU talent for positions that cannot be filled within the EU/EEA labour market.

Common struggles with GVVA applications in the Netherlands

The GVVA process involves coordination between two Dutch authorities the IND and UWV along with a mandatory arbeidsmarkttoets (labour market test) that can significantly extend hiring timelines if not managed carefully.

• Labour market test complexity: HR teams often struggle to document 5-week (or 3-month) EU-wide recruitment efforts in the format required by UWV.
• Erkend referent (recognised sponsor) status: Non-recognised sponsors face additional IND registration steps and longer timelines before applications can be submitted.
• Dual-authority coordination: Applications pass through both UWV (labour market test review) and IND (residence permit processing), creating potential delays and administrative bottlenecks.