Netherlands visa options for Spain passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Netherlands

For reference, the routes Netherlands offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals:

• Most nomadsTourist

  Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

  Up to 90 days within any 180-day period

  Insurance

  Requiredtravel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage including hospitalisation, emergency care and repatriation, valid across the Schengen area for the whole stay, is mandatory; the visa is refused without it.

  Good for

  Tourists, visitors to family/friends, and short business trips from non-EU countries whose nationals need a Schengen visa (visa-exempt nationals such as US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia can enter without it).

  Requirement

  Valid passport, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds, return/onward travel and purpose of trip; biometrics at a Dutch consulate or visa centre.

• Business

  Start-up Permit

  1 year, after which holders can transition to the self-employed person permit

  Insurance

  RequiredDutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) once living in the Netherlands; sufficient means of support must also be shown.

  Good for

  Non-EU founders building an innovative business in partnership with a recognised Dutch facilitator (mentor).

  Requirement

  Innovative business plan, a recognised facilitator listed with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), and proof of sufficient means of support; assessed by the IND together with RVO.

• Most nomadsWork

  Highly Skilled Migrant Permit (Kennismigrant)

  Up to 5 years (tied to employment contract), renewable; leads toward permanent residence

  Insurance

  Requiredonce living/working in the Netherlands and registered (BRP), residents must take out Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering), generally within 4 months of arrival.

  Good for

  Qualified professionals from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland with a job offer from an employer that is a recognised IND sponsor.

  Requirement

  Employment by a recognised IND sponsor meeting the gross monthly salary threshold: EUR 5,942 if 30+, EUR 4,357 if under 30, or the reduced EUR 3,122 rate for recent graduates (figures valid Jan-Jun 2026; excl. holiday allowance).

• Work

  EU Blue Card

  Tied to employment contract, renewable; counts toward long-term EU residence

  Insurance

  RequiredDutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) once living/working in the Netherlands, generally within 4 months of registration.

  Good for

  Highly qualified non-EU workers (typically with a relevant higher-education degree) employed in the Netherlands; an alternative to the national highly skilled migrant route.

  Requirement

  Qualifying job and gross monthly salary of EUR 5,942 (standard) or EUR 4,754 (reduced criterion for recent graduates), plus a recognised higher-education qualification (figures valid Jan-Jun 2026; excl. holiday allowance).

• Most nomadsWork

  Self-Employed / Freelance Permit (incl. DAFT for US, treaty route for Japan)

  DAFT permit issued for 2 years, renewable; standard self-employed permit also renewable; permanent residence possible after 5 years

  Insurance

  Requiredself-employed residents must hold Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) once registered/living in the Netherlands, generally within 4 months.

  Good for

  Non-EU entrepreneurs and freelancers, including remote workers (the Netherlands has no dedicated digital-nomad visa); US nationals use the easier Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) and Japanese nationals a comparable treaty route, while others face a points-based 'essential Dutch interest' test.

  Requirement

  Run a genuine business; the standard route requires meeting a points/Dutch-interest test, while DAFT requires a minimum business investment of approx EUR 4,500 kept in the company account at all times and registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).

• Work

  Orientation Year for Highly Educated Persons (Zoekjaar / Search Year)

  12 months (non-extendable), with full unrestricted access to the Dutch labour market

  Insurance

  Requiredvalid health insurance covering medical costs in the Netherlands; if you take up work you must switch to Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering).

  Good for

  Recent graduates of Dutch institutions, graduates of designated top-ranked (top-200) foreign universities at bachelor's level or higher, and researchers, looking to find work or start a business.

  Requirement

  Apply within 3 years of completing a qualifying degree or research programme; no salary threshold during the year, and a subsequent highly skilled migrant permit uses the reduced salary criterion (EUR 3,122 in Jan-Jun 2026).

• Work

  Working Holiday / Working Holiday Programme Permit

  Maximum 1 year (non-renewable)

  Insurance

  Requiredhealth insurance covering the cost of healthcare in the Netherlands (including sanatorium/psychiatric care) valid for at least 12 months from entry is an explicit IND condition.

  Good for

  Young people (cultural exchange focus) from a fixed list of treaty countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay.

  Requirement

  Aged 18-30 at application, hold a return ticket or funds to buy one, sufficient means of support, and no prior Dutch exchange permit; annual country caps apply (2026 quotas already filled for several countries).

• Study

  Student Residence Permit (with MVV entry visa)

  Duration of the study programme (residence permit), with the MVV being a 90-day entry sticker; renewable while enrolled

  Insurance

  Requiredvalid health insurance covering medical costs in the Netherlands is mandatory; the type depends on whether the student works (Dutch basisverzekering if working 16+ hrs/week) or relies on private/student cover.

  Good for

  Non-EU/EEA students admitted to a recognised Dutch university or higher/vocational education institution.

  Requirement

  Unconditional admission from a recognised IND-sponsor institution and proof of sufficient funds (approx EUR 13,000 for one year, ~EUR 1,131/month per the 2026 IND amount); the university applies to the IND on the student's behalf.

• Residence

  Permanent Residence / Long-Term EU Residence

  Indefinite (permanent)

  Insurance

  Requiredholders are residents and must maintain Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering).

  Good for

  Non-EU nationals who have lived legally and continuously in the Netherlands, transitioning from a temporary permit to indefinite status.

  Requirement

  Generally 5 years of continuous legal residence on a valid non-temporary permit, sufficient stable independent income, and passing the civic integration exam (inburgering) at level A2 or holding an exemption.

Informational only, not legal/immigration advice; verify with the Dutch IND and your nearest Dutch embassy/consulate before applying. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

Spain → Netherlands: frequently asked

Do Spain passport holders need a visa to visit Netherlands?

No. As a Spain (EU/EEA/Swiss) citizen you have freedom of movement in Netherlands and need no visa for any length of stay.

Can a Spain passport holder live or work long-term in Netherlands?

Yes — under EU/EEA/Swiss free movement you can live, work and study in Netherlands indefinitely with no visa or residence permit.

Do I need travel insurance for Netherlands?

Entry to Netherlands never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Netherlands visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.