The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues visas through Dutch embassies and consulates around the world.

The Immigration and Naturalization Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND)) is part of the Ministry of Justice and, in general, is responsible for decisions on visa applications and residence permit applications.

The Public Employment Service (WERKbedrijf (UWV)) handles work permit applications, with investigations and enforcement actions involving employers and non-EU nationals being the particular focus of the Inspectorate SZW (the Labor Inspectorate).