Visa and Work Permits
Most people coming to work on a shoot in the Netherlands need two things: the right to enter the country, and the right to work here. If your crew hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport, they need neither. For everyone else, you need to line up the right visa and work permits
Crew from the EU, EEA or Switzerland
If your cast and crew are nationals of an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, there's nothing to arrange. No visa, no residence permit, no work permit. A valid passport or ID card is all they need to come and work here.
Crew from outside Europe
Everyone else needs two documents: a visa to enter, and a permit to work. Which ones depend on how long they stay.
For a stay up to 90 days, that's a short stay Schengen visa, if their nationality needs one, plus a work permit called a TWV, issued by the Dutch employment agency UWV.
For a stay of 90 days or more, it's an authorisation for temporary stay, known as an MVV, together with a single permit that combines residence and work in one document, the GVVA.
The Schengen short stay is capped at 90 days in any 180 day period, counted across the whole Schengen area. Longer or back to back shoots need the long stay route.
Your Dutch producer files the paperwork
The crew member doesn't submit these applications. The Dutch employer does, usually your co producer or production services company, acting as the official sponsor. We can help you find the right partner and make sure the filing starts on time.
Start early
Permits take time. Before a work permit is issued, the vacancy normally sits with UWV for around five weeks, and the permit itself can take another five. The long stay single permit can run up to about three months. Build that into your schedule and you'll have everyone on set when you need them.
Coming to scout or for a festival
Short visits for recces, meetings or festivals don't need a work permit, because no work is taking place. Since April 2026, travellers entering the Schengen area are registered at the border under the new Entry/Exit System, or EES, which is replacing the old passport stamp. Later in 2026 the EU is introducing ETIAS, a quick online travel authorisation of around 20 euro, for visa free travellers such as US, UK, Canadian and Australian passport holders. Neither one lets you work. They are for visiting only.
Talk to us
Every production is different, and the exact route depends on nationality, role and how long people stay. We can help you map out a plan with you and your Dutch producer.
Location advice
On the hunt for the legendary Dutch light? Looking for a medieval decor or shooting a sea that isn’t really a sea? The Netherlands Film Commission advises on the best Dutch locations.
Finance your project
The Netherlands backs international productions from more than one angle. Between the 35% cash rebate and the multiple selective routes for international productions, The Netherlands Film Commission will help international projects, big or small, fiction or documentary, to find the funding that fits.