Country A
Netherlands
Country B
United Kingdom
Netherlands vs United Kingdom Visa 2026 — Full Comparison
Detailed comparison of visa requirements, processing times, fees, work rights, and immigration pathways to help you choose the right destination for your goals.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Criteria | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Difficulty | Easy | Moderate |
| Processing Time | 2 - 6 weeks | 3 - 8 weeks |
| Tourist Visa Fee | EUR 80 (Schengen visa) | GBP 115 (Standard Visitor) |
| Study Visa Fee | EUR 192 (MVV + residence permit) | GBP 490 (Student visa) |
| Work Visa Fee | EUR 350 - 450 (HSM permit) | GBP 719 - 1,423 (Skilled Worker, 3 years) |
| Cost of Living | High | Very High |
| PR Minimum Residence | 5 years | 5 years on qualifying visa |
| Citizenship After | 5 years of legal residence | 1 year after ILR (6 years total) |
| Top Work Sectors | Technology, Finance, Logistics | Finance, Technology, Healthcare (NHS) |
| Avg. Salary (Skilled) | EUR 40,000 - 85,000/year | GBP 30,000 - 70,000/year |
| Available Visa Types | 5 types | 5 types |
Visa-by-Visa Breakdown
🎓 Study Visa
Netherlands: EUR 2,314/year (statutory fee) to EUR 20,000+ (international fee), 1-year orientation year permit for graduates post-study work
United Kingdom: GBP 10,000 - 38,000/year, Graduate Route visa (2 years; 3 years for PhD graduates) post-study work
💼 Work Visa
Netherlands: Permanent Residence Permit after 5 years; EU Long-term Residence Permit
United Kingdom: Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 5 years on Skilled Worker visa
✈️ Tourist Visa
Netherlands: Best time to visit — April - September (tulip season April - May)
United Kingdom: Best time to visit — May - September
🏡 Immigration / PR
Netherlands: Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) Visa, EU Blue Card, Startup Visa
United Kingdom: Skilled Worker Visa → ILR after 5 years
Which is Easier to Get a Visa For: Netherlands or United Kingdom?
Based on overall difficulty ratings, Netherlands is rated as Easy and United Kingdom as Moderate. The right choice depends on your purpose of travel — study, work, or immigration — and your personal circumstances including nationality, financial situation, and employment history.
Use our free Eligibility Checker tool to get a personalized assessment based on your specific profile, or the Country Comparison Tool to compare more criteria side-by-side.