The Netherlands is positioning itself as a global leader in the energy transition, most recently through its hydrogen trade mission to Brazil. As the country advances toward sustainability, the demand for “green skills” — competencies in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management — is growing rapidly.
At the same time, immigration policy is being reshaped in ways that could both support and hinder the attraction and retention of international talent needed to close the “green skills gap.”
Green skills encompass technical expertise and practical knowledge that enable environmentally sustainable practices. With businesses transitioning to low-carbon operations, demand is increasing across sectors such as:
Educational institutions are responding with new programmes, but training cycles can take three to four years, and internal company initiatives often last up to two years. Immigration, therefore, plays a critical role in filling urgent skills shortages.
The new Schoof cabinet initially signaled a desire to impose stricter immigration laws and limit EU competencies on migration. While asylum migration remains the main target of these restrictions, the government has also acknowledged the necessity of attracting skilled workers in sectors crucial to sustainability.
The policy direction presents a paradox: balancing the tightening of migration rules with the urgent need for skilled labour to achieve climate and energy goals.
Attracting top talent often begins with higher education. International students studying in the Netherlands are more likely to remain in the country and contribute to the workforce. However, government proposals to reduce the number of international students and restrict English-taught programmes risk undermining this pipeline.
While the focus has been on STEM and technical professions, experts argue that broader fields such as economics also play a vital role in building a resilient and sustainable economy. Restrictive measures may discourage prospective students and skilled workers from choosing the Netherlands, especially if immigration policies are seen as unwelcoming.
Retaining international graduates is equally crucial. Currently, the orientation year permit provides a pathway for students to find work and transition into the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) scheme.
However, the HSM route is more accessible to large multinational companies than to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often struggle to meet sponsorship requirements. Barriers include:
Without adjustments, SMEs risk losing access to critical international expertise, limiting their ability to innovate and contribute to sustainability goals.
The idea of a dedicated “green visa” has begun to circulate in policy discussions. Although unlikely in the immediate future, such a visa could provide a streamlined pathway for professionals with green skills to work in the Netherlands.
An alternative would be a green work permit waiver for short-term, project-based assignments, such as installing wind farms or upgrading power plants. These exemptions could simplify the hiring process in urgent projects tied to the energy transition, ensuring that skill shortages do not delay critical infrastructure development.
The Netherlands faces a delicate balancing act: tightening immigration policy while ensuring access to the talent required for its sustainability agenda. Green skills are essential for driving climate action, and without adequate access to international expertise, the country risks falling behind its targets.
A more flexible, sector-specific approach to immigration could support both SMEs and large companies, creating a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the green transition.
Pros:
Cons:
The Netherlands is at a crossroads in shaping its immigration policy. To achieve its climate and energy goals, it must bridge the green skills gap by making it easier for international talent to study, work, and remain in the country. While educational programmes build long-term capacity, targeted immigration measures — possibly including a green visa or sector-based waivers — could provide the short-term solution needed to accelerate the energy transition.
At the same time, immigration policy is being reshaped in ways that could both support and hinder the attraction and retention of international talent needed to close the “green skills gap.”
The Rise of Green Skills
Green skills encompass technical expertise and practical knowledge that enable environmentally sustainable practices. With businesses transitioning to low-carbon operations, demand is increasing across sectors such as:
- Renewable energy and hydrogen production
- Waste management and recycling
- Sustainable transport
- Agriculture and food security
Educational institutions are responding with new programmes, but training cycles can take three to four years, and internal company initiatives often last up to two years. Immigration, therefore, plays a critical role in filling urgent skills shortages.
Immigration Policy Trends
The new Schoof cabinet initially signaled a desire to impose stricter immigration laws and limit EU competencies on migration. While asylum migration remains the main target of these restrictions, the government has also acknowledged the necessity of attracting skilled workers in sectors crucial to sustainability.
The policy direction presents a paradox: balancing the tightening of migration rules with the urgent need for skilled labour to achieve climate and energy goals.
Attracting International Talent
Attracting top talent often begins with higher education. International students studying in the Netherlands are more likely to remain in the country and contribute to the workforce. However, government proposals to reduce the number of international students and restrict English-taught programmes risk undermining this pipeline.
While the focus has been on STEM and technical professions, experts argue that broader fields such as economics also play a vital role in building a resilient and sustainable economy. Restrictive measures may discourage prospective students and skilled workers from choosing the Netherlands, especially if immigration policies are seen as unwelcoming.
Retaining Talent
Retaining international graduates is equally crucial. Currently, the orientation year permit provides a pathway for students to find work and transition into the Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) scheme.
However, the HSM route is more accessible to large multinational companies than to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often struggle to meet sponsorship requirements. Barriers include:
- Lengthy and costly processes to become a recognised sponsor (up to six months and around €4,560 in fees).
- Delays in alternative routes such as the EU Blue Card, which has a three-month processing time and high salary thresholds.
- The complexity of applying for standard residence permits requiring strict labour market tests.
Without adjustments, SMEs risk losing access to critical international expertise, limiting their ability to innovate and contribute to sustainability goals.
The “Green Visa” Debate
The idea of a dedicated “green visa” has begun to circulate in policy discussions. Although unlikely in the immediate future, such a visa could provide a streamlined pathway for professionals with green skills to work in the Netherlands.
An alternative would be a green work permit waiver for short-term, project-based assignments, such as installing wind farms or upgrading power plants. These exemptions could simplify the hiring process in urgent projects tied to the energy transition, ensuring that skill shortages do not delay critical infrastructure development.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands faces a delicate balancing act: tightening immigration policy while ensuring access to the talent required for its sustainability agenda. Green skills are essential for driving climate action, and without adequate access to international expertise, the country risks falling behind its targets.
A more flexible, sector-specific approach to immigration could support both SMEs and large companies, creating a workforce capable of meeting the challenges of the green transition.
Pros and Cons of the Current Policy Approach
Pros:
- Recognition of the importance of green skills in driving sustainability.
- Investment in education programmes to build a domestic pipeline of talent.
- Continued availability of orientation year permits for international graduates.
- Government acknowledgment of labour shortages in critical sectors.
Cons:
- Restrictive stance on international students and English-taught courses may weaken talent inflow.
- HSM scheme remains more accessible to large companies than SMEs.
- Lengthy and costly processes for companies to become trusted sponsors.
- Limited alternative work permit routes with long processing times.
- Lack of sector-specific visas or waivers delays urgent sustainability projects.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands is at a crossroads in shaping its immigration policy. To achieve its climate and energy goals, it must bridge the green skills gap by making it easier for international talent to study, work, and remain in the country. While educational programmes build long-term capacity, targeted immigration measures — possibly including a green visa or sector-based waivers — could provide the short-term solution needed to accelerate the energy transition.
— the idea of a Green Visa is exactly what Europe needs right now. If the Netherlands pulls it off, it could set a precedent for the whole EU! It’s all about turning climate ambition into opportunity 
