The following applies for general trainees, not interns or intra-corporate trainees under the Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) permit category.

A trainee is a non-EU national who will receive on-the-job training for a maximum period of 24 weeks. The purpose of this is to allow the individual to receive training and experience abroad that is required for their function back in the trainee's home country.

A work permit application must be filed with the UWV. A detailed training program must be presented, as well as declarations from the employer and the Dutch company that the trainee will not fulfill a vacancy in the Netherlands. Compensation for the training is required on a basis of conditions in line with the Dutch market.

The trainee will require a residence permit unless they are of visa-waiver nationality and will not reside in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days within 180 days. A combined work and residence permit (GVVA) can be applied for via the IND (which liaises with the UWV regarding the conditions for work permit authorization).