The EU Talent Pool for jobseekers
Live outside the EU and want a job in the Netherlands? This is who can use the platform, how a match will work – and what to watch out for.
Last checked: 26 October 2026Who can use it?
Jobseekers
- You live outside the EU
- You are an adult and not an EU citizen
- You have no entry ban or refusal of entry in the EU
- You are looking for work in the EU
Employers
- Lawfully established in a participating country
- Genuine and substantial business activity
- Compliance with labour and recruitment law
- Agencies only where the country allows it
Already in the Netherlands? Then the EU Talent Pool is not for you – for example as a student, a partner or a graduate in the orientation year. You can change to a work permit through the normal routes. See orientation-year.nl and hsmvisa.nl.
How it will work
- 1
The jobseeker creates a profile
Skills, qualifications, work experience, languages and availability – using the European Europass format and the ESCO skills classification.
- 2
The employer posts a vacancy
Through the national contact point of its country, which first checks that the employer is allowed to use the platform.
- 3
The platform suggests matches
Based on skills, qualifications, work experience and availability. Employers can also filter for Talent Partnership profiles.
- 4
Interview and job offer
Employer and candidate agree on the job directly. The contract is with the employer in the participating country.
- 5
Residence permit application
Now the national procedure starts. In the Netherlands that means an application to the IND – often with an MVV entry visa.
Good to know: a profile that is not used for one year is removed – you get a warning one month before. A vacancy without a match is removed after one year, and a profile is removed once the jobseeker has been hired.
For jobseekers abroad
Beware of scams
Nobody can sell you a “Talent Pool visa”. The platform is free and does not issue visas or permits.
Prepare your documents
Diplomas, proof of work experience and a valid passport. Some documents must be legalised or evaluated for the Dutch procedure.
Know your rights
Ask for a written contract, check the salary and never pay an employer or agency to get a job.
Plan for your family
With a highly skilled migrant permit or EU Blue Card your partner and children can usually come with you.
Sources: Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 – EUR-Lex · European Commission – EU Talent Pool · Council of the EU – final approval · IND – Highly skilled migrant. This page is general information, not legal advice. Yari Immigration Services is an independent advisory firm and not part of the EU, the IND or the EU Talent Pool.