When you plan to welcome an international employee or guest to Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, there are various practical matters you need to consider. It may be the case, for example, that the employee or guest requires a residence or work permit before they can start their work at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
The International Office is of course happy to help when it comes to arranging these formalities. As procedures for foreign nationals are quite lengthy, the International Office would like to receive the onboarding at least three months prior to the intended start date. Read more about the immigration process and accommodation options for international staff.
How do you, as the manager, onboard your new employee or guest?
1. You first have to create a position in the personnel information system whenever a new employee or guest joins your team.
2. Once the position has been created, you can register the new employee or guest using the self-service portal:
Note: Add any relevant information under the “notes” section.
3. As soon as a nationality other than Dutch is entered, the International Office will automatically become an actor in the onboarding process. Depending on the nationality, period of stay and activities of the person, the International Office will contact the new employee or guest with information regarding the immigration procedure that is applicable to the situation.
4. If necessary, the International Office will apply for the required permits. Please note that your guest or employee can only start their work activities when the respective authorities have issued the permits. The International Office will then push the onboarding task forwards for further processing. Upon completion of the process, a VUnet-ID will be sent to your guest or employee.
5. The International Office will charge a €350 processing fee for each employee/guest request.
6. International guests, employees, interns and PhD candidates can apply for housing through the international office.
As mentioned previously, the International Office determines on the basis of nationality, period of stay and the nature of the work activities whether a residence and/or work permit is required. In brief, the following conditions are applicable:
Guests/employees from EU member states, EER and Swiss
No permits are required. EU nationals, Swiss nationals and EER citizens are free to work and reside in the Netherlands.
Guests/employees from non-EU countries
Short stay of maximum 90 days
Guests and employees who will stay no longer than 90 days in the Netherlands do not require a residence permit. Depending on their nationality, they are either allowed to stay here on their passport or they need to apply for a short stay visa at the Dutch representation in their home country. Unfortunately, a short stay visa needs to be arranged by the foreign national; the International Office cannot assist in this matter. In many cases, a work permit is required as well but, again, exceptions may apply. The International Office will therefore judge the application and provide advice on the matter.
Long stay of more than 90 days
Generally, guests and employees with a non-EU nationality will require a Dutch residence permit. Depending on the nationality, the person may require an entry visa and residence permit or only a residence permit. Usually, the type of permit we have to apply for includes a work permit exemption. The International Office will apply for the required visa and/or residence permit. Read more about the immigration procedures for international staff.
Important: we would like to draw your attention to the fact that it is strictly forbidden to have guests or employees work without the required permits. VU Amsterdam risks significant fines upon inspection, and we may lose our status as recognised sponsor.
Contact
For more information or advice, please contact the international office via immigration@vu.nl or schedule an appointment. For more information about onboarding, please take a look at the onboarding process or contact the HR Service Desk via servicedesk.hrm@vu.nl.