Professional sport
Athlete Visa Netherlands
The Netherlands does not issue one permit officially named an athlete visa. A professional athlete from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland normally needs the correct entry document plus permission to work, with the route determined by the length and nature of the engagement.
We coordinate the immigration file with the club, employer, agent and athlete, and connect it to housing, registration and family relocation so a transfer works off the field as well as on it.
What is the Dutch athlete visa route?
For professional work of up to 90 days, the Dutch employer generally applies to UWV for a TWV. For employment beyond 90 days, the employer applies for a GVVA, the combined residence and work permit. A short competition appearance can fall within a limited TWV exemption.
Professional footballers have specific league, age, playing-history and salary rules. Other elite athletes must join the highest Dutch competition, be at least 18, show experience at an equivalent level or national-team selection, and meet the applicable salary benchmark.
Who this is for
- Professional footballers transferring to an Eredivisie or Eerste Divisie club
- Elite athletes joining the highest Dutch competition in their sport
- Coaches and sports professionals whose work needs a separate immigration assessment
- Clubs, employers and agents coordinating a non-EU athlete and accompanying family
What decides the work permit
Elite-sport rules are specific, and the evidence must match the exact role and competition.
- EU, EEA and Swiss nationals have free movement. Other nationalities may need a visa or MVV as well as work permission.
- Work up to 90 days generally uses a TWV; employment longer than 90 days generally uses a GVVA.
- A competition-only exemption can apply for no more than six consecutive weeks within thirteen weeks, but it does not cover every contract or remove visa rules.
- Footballers must be at least 18 and meet UWV rules on league level, playing history or national-team selection, salary and employer-provided housing.
- Other elite athletes must be at least 18, compete at the highest Dutch level, show equivalent experience or national selection, meet the salary benchmark and receive suitable housing.
What we take care of
Eligibility review
We test the competition, role, career evidence, salary, duration and nationality against the current UWV and IND route.
Club and contract file
We coordinate the draft employment agreement, sporting evidence, salary documents and housing commitment with the club or employer.
TWV or GVVA coordination
We build one filing plan for the employer and athlete, including any visa or MVV stage and authority follow-up.
Family and relocation
We align partner and child applications with housing, municipality registration, BSN and practical arrival support.
How it works
- 01
Transfer scan
We review the offer, sport, competition, dates, nationality and accompanying family.
- 02
Eligibility decision
We confirm the TWV, GVVA or exemption route and list the evidence the club must supply.
- 03
Application file
We coordinate the athlete, agent and employer until the contract and supporting documents are filing-ready.
- 04
Landing plan
We follow the decision and arrange the residence and relocation steps around the reporting date.
Professional fee for an athlete visa case
Tailor-made proposal
A short competition, club transfer and family relocation have different permit and coordination needs. We quote after checking the contract and competition.
- Written eligibility and document plan
- TWV or GVVA file coordination with the employer
- Follow-up through the decision and arrival planning
UWV salary and competition rules can change by season. We verify the figures and evidence requirements in force when the employer applies instead of publishing a number that may go stale.
Athlete visa questions
Does every professional athlete qualify for a Dutch work permit?
No. Football and other elite sports have specific age, competition-level, experience, salary and housing conditions. The athlete and the Dutch employer must satisfy the route together.
Is a TWV enough for a full-season contract?
Usually not when the athlete will live and work in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. Longer employment normally requires a GVVA, which combines residence and work permission.
Can the athlete’s family move at the same time?
Often yes, depending on the main permit and family relationship. We prepare the applications on one timeline and connect them to the family’s registration and housing plan.
Planning a Dutch transfer or competition?
Send us the offer, sport, competition, dates and nationality. We will identify the permit route and what the club must prove.
Other services