Dreaming of working in the Netherlands? While the Highly Skilled Migrant permit is well-known, it's not the only path. For companies not yet "Recognized Sponsors," the GVVA - Regular Work Permit offers a viable, albeit distinct, route. This comprehensive guide will demystify the GVVA, explaining how it works, its advantages, and the crucial challenges, especially the local labor market test. If you're an international professional or a Dutch company seeking talent, understanding the GVVA is essential.

The GVVA (Gecombineerde Vergunning voor Verblijf en Arbeid), or Combined Permit for Residence and Work, is a single permit covering both residency and work in the Netherlands. It's the standard work permit for many non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

Unlike the Highly Skilled Migrant permit, the GVVA is typically the route taken when the sponsoring company is *not* a "Recognized Sponsor" with the IND. This doesn't mean the company isn't legitimate; it just means they haven't gone through the specific recognition process.

When a Dutch company offers a non-EU national a job (not an internship), they apply for the GVVA permit through both the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) and the UWV (Employee Insurance Agency).

* IND's Role: Primarily handles the residence aspect, checking the applicant's background and general eligibility for staying in the Netherlands.

* UWV's Role: Crucially, the UWV assesses the labor market aspect. They verify if the job is real, if the salary is at a reasonable market level, and most importantly, if a suitable candidate could be found within the local labor market.

It's vital to understand how the GVVA - Regular Work Permit differs from the more commonly discussed Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) permit:

1. Sponsor Status: The biggest difference. For the HSM permit, the company *must* be a "Recognized Sponsor." For the GVVA, this is *not* a prerequisite. Any normal Dutch company can apply to sponsor you.

2. No Minimum Salary Requirement: The HSM permit has strict minimum gross salary requirements, which are adjusted annually. The GVVA does *not* have a fixed minimum salary. Instead, the UWV checks if the offered salary is "market level" and reasonable for the position.

3. Processing Time: HSM permits are generally processed faster (weeks). GVVA applications, due to the UWV's additional labor market test, typically take longer – often 3 to 5 months.

4. Local Labor Market Test: This is the defining feature of the GVVA and the HSM's absence.

This is often the "big down" for companies considering the GVVA. Before hiring a non-EU national via the GVVA, the Dutch company *must prove they tried to hire locally* (within the EU/EEA/Switzerland) and failed to find a suitable candidate.

> The government checks: Can a local person do this job?

What does this entail? The company needs to demonstrate active recruitment efforts, such as:

* Advertising the position widely (e.g., EURES portal, national job boards).

* Interviewing local candidates.

* Documenting *why* local candidates were not suitable for the role.

The UWV will rigorously assess these efforts to ensure no qualified local person was overlooked. This can be a complex and time-consuming process for companies.

Despite the challenges, the GVVA offers clear benefits, especially for specific situations:

* Accessibility for Companies: Any legitimate Dutch company, regardless of their "Recognized Sponsor" status, can apply for a GVVA. This opens doors for smaller businesses or startups who haven't (or can't yet) become recognized sponsors.

* No Fixed Minimum Salary: While the salary must be market-level, there isn't a high, fixed threshold like with the HSM permit. This can make it viable for a wider range of positions and salary brackets.

* Broader Job Scope: The GVVA can be used for a wider variety of roles that might not strictly fall under the "highly skilled" category, provided the labor market test is passed.

* Extended Processing Times: The 3-5 month processing period can be a significant hurdle for both companies needing to fill roles quickly and individuals eager to start their new life in the Netherlands.

* The Local Labor Market Test Burden: This requirement places a substantial administrative and evidentiary burden on the sponsoring company. It demands meticulous documentation of recruitment efforts and justification for hiring an international candidate.

* Uncertainty: Passing the labor market test isn't guaranteed, introducing an element of uncertainty into the hiring process.

* Start Early: Begin recruitment and GVVA application processes well in advance.

* Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all local recruitment efforts, including job postings, interview notes, and reasons for rejection.

* Highlight Uniqueness: Emphasize why the international candidate possesses unique skills or experience not available locally.

* Seek Expert Advice: Consider consulting an immigration lawyer or specialist early in the process.

* Be Patient: Understand the longer processing times for this type of Dutch work permit.

* Showcase Unique Skills: Highlight specialized skills, language abilities, or international experience that makes you stand out.

* Communicate with Employer: Stay in close contact with your prospective employer regarding the application status and required documentation.

The GVVA - Regular Work Permit in the Netherlands is a truly valuable pathway for international talent and Dutch companies alike, especially when the employer isn't a Recognized Sponsor. While it bypasses the strict minimum salary of the Highly Skilled Migrant permit, it introduces the significant challenge of the local labor market test and longer processing times.

Success hinges on meticulous preparation and a clear understanding of the UWV's requirements. For those willing to navigate its specific demands, the GVVA can absolutely unlock exciting career opportunities in the Netherlands.

---

Ready to explore your options for working in the Netherlands? Whether you're a company or an individual, understanding the nuances of the GVVA is your first step. Contact an immigration expert today to discuss your specific situation. or you can just open an account with us