Netherlands Digital Nomad Visa (2026)
Everything you need to know about the Orientation Year — income requirements, validity, work rights and how to apply.
Programme
Orientation Year
Income requirement
Not published
Validity
1 year initial, not renewable
Work rights
Employer sponsored
Path to PR
No
Tax residency trigger
183 days/year
About the Orientation Year
For graduates from top-200 universities.
Official source: IND
Who this suits
Remote workers and self-employed professionals who can demonstrate stable income and want a flexible long-stay option in Netherlands.
Eligibility at a glance
- Proof of sufficient funds (no fixed threshold published)
- Valid passport with 6+ months remaining
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Private health insurance covering the country
- Proof of accommodation (rental, hotel or invitation)
Watch out
- •Renouncing original citizenship usually required.
- •Housing market is extremely tight, especially Amsterdam.
Insider tips
- •30% ruling: 30% of salary tax-free for first 5 years (caps apply since 2024).
How it compares
Compare with other popular digital nomad visa countries:
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely on the Netherlands digital nomad visa?
Yes. The Orientation Year is designed for remote workers and self-employed professionals. Work rights for the broader country are: employer sponsored.
How long can I stay in Netherlands on this visa?
1 year initial, not renewable. For graduates from top-200 universities.
Does the Netherlands nomad visa lead to permanent residency?
No — the Orientation Year does not count toward permanent residency. You would need to switch to another pathway.
What's the income requirement for the Netherlands digital nomad visa?
No fixed monthly income is published. Applicants are typically asked to show sufficient funds; check the official source for current guidance.
Want full cost-of-living, tax and lifestyle data?
See the full Netherlands guide →Last reviewed Feb 2026. Always confirm current requirements with the official source above.