Scientific researchers

To scientific researchers who want to conduct research at a research institute in the Netherlands, other conditions apply than to regular highly skilled migrants. Scientific researchers can get a permit based on Directive (EU) 2016/801.

For whom?

The Directive applies to scientific researchers from outside the EU (third country nationals) in the following categories:

• scientific researchers in paid employment
• PhD candidates
• scientific researches in unpaid employment, but supported with a grant

Becoming a recognized sponsor

In order to employ a scientific researcher from outside the EU, a research institute must be listed as a recognized sponsor with the IND and fall under one of the following categories:

• the institute is a public research institution as defined in Article 1d, first clause, under b, Executive Decree on the Work by foreign nationals Act and maintains position profiles under the category ‘research and education’ for researchers in paid employment
• the institute is a public research institution and is included in the appendix of the Wet op het hoger onderwijs en wetenschappelijk onderzoek (Law on higher education and scientific research)
• the institute is a private research institute included in the National Academic Research and Collaboration System (Narcis)
• the institute is a private research institute, with a declaration of ‘Spear en Ontwikkelingswerk’ (research and development work) on the ground of the Wet vermindering afdracht loonbelasting en premie voor de volksverzekeringen (Law on reduction of remittance income tax and premium national insurance)

The permit

The research institute applies for the permit, which is valid for the duration of the research with a maximum of 5 years.

The researcher is free on the labor market: (s)he does not need a separate work permit to work in the Netherlands.

If the researcher has sufficient income, family members can apply for a residence permit as well. The family members are free on the labor market: they do not need a separate work permit to work in the Netherlands.