Does the Netherlands Have a Digital Nomad Visa? (2026)
No — the Netherlands does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa. Below are alternative visa options for remote workers looking to live in the Netherlands.
Verified October 2026
Does Netherlands have a digital nomad visa in 2026?
No. Netherlands does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers typically use the Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar) or the Self-Employment Permit (Zelfstandig ondernemer) instead — and EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Netherlands without any visa.
Alternative Visa Options for Netherlands
Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar)
For people who graduated within the last 3 years from a Dutch university or a top-200 university abroad (THE, QS or Shanghai ranking), or did research in the Netherlands. Valid 1 year, during which you can work freely, including as a freelancer, then switch to a highly skilled migrant, start-up or self-employed permit.
Learn more →Self-Employment Permit (Zelfstandig ondernemer)
For entrepreneurs starting a business in the Netherlands. RVO scores personal experience, business plan and added value to the Dutch economy (at least 30 points in each area, or 45 for both experience and plan). You must show the business will provide sufficient income. Valid up to 2 years; application fee €423. US and Japanese citizens can instead apply under the Dutch-American / Dutch-Japanese Friendship Treaty, which skips the points test and requires a business investment of at least €4,500.
Learn more →30% Ruling (Tax Benefit)
Not a visa, but a tax benefit for highly skilled migrants. 30% of gross salary is tax-free for up to 5 years (dropping to 27% from 1 January 2027). Requires a taxable salary of at least €48,013 after the deduction (€36,497 if under 30 with a qualifying master's) and you must be recruited from abroad.
Receiving payments in USD?
Wise offers real exchange rates with low, transparent fees on your $ transfers — typically 3-5x cheaper than traditional banks.
Calculate Your Tax in Netherlands
See your estimated take-home pay as an employee or contractor.
Open Tax Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Netherlands have a digital nomad visa?
- ·No, the Netherlands does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa.
- ·Remote workers typically use the Self-Employment Permit or, if employed by a Dutch company, the Highly Skilled Migrant visa.
- ·The Orientation Year visa is available for recent graduates.
Can I work remotely from the Netherlands on a tourist visa?
Working remotely on a Schengen short-stay visa (90 days) is technically not permitted if you're performing work activities. For longer stays or to be compliant, you need a residence permit.
What is the Netherlands 30% ruling?
The 30% ruling is a tax benefit (not a visa) that allows qualifying incoming employees to receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free for up to 5 years. It requires being recruited from abroad and meeting a minimum salary threshold.
Related Visa Guides
Information is for guidance only and may change. Always verify with official government sources before applying. Some links on this page are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.