NL
ENOur process
From vacancy to first working day
SkillShift guides international recruitment from start to finish. Depending on the role, the country and the chosen package, we can support recruitment, selection, permits, DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements, relocation, housing and the start in the Netherlands or Belgium.
Every assignment is different. Some clients only want recruitment support. Others want a full-service route from vacancy to onboarding.
One process, different service levels
SkillShift can support a small part of the route, or guide the full trajectory. For some clients, the assignment starts at candidate recruitment. For others, it starts much earlier: assessing whether the vacancy is suitable for international recruitment and which permit route is realistic.
The exact process depends on the country, the role, the immigration route, the candidate profile, the chosen employment structure and the selected service package.
Not every step below applies to every assignment. The content of the process depends on the chosen service level and the practical situation.
Intake and feasibility of the vacancy
Optional, depending on the packageBefore international recruitment starts, SkillShift can assess the vacancy and the intended employment structure.
- Role and responsibilities
- Required skills and experience
- Salary level and employment conditions
- Whether the vacancy is structurally hard to fill locally
- Whether a Dutch or Belgian route is realistic
- Whether the role fits the likely permit category
- Whether the DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements are workable for this position
This phase helps avoid unnecessary recruitment for vacancies that are not viable.
Vacancy preparation and advertising
Optional / depends on the routeIf the route is feasible, SkillShift can help prepare the vacancy for recruitment.
- Sharpening the job profile
- Aligning job content with permit requirements
- Preparing vacancy text
- Positioning the vacancy correctly for local or international recruitment
- Supporting any required publication or labour-market steps where applicable
The exact vacancy activities depend on the country and immigration route.
Sourcing, search and recruitment in the Philippines
Included in recruitment assignmentsSkillShift searches for suitable Filipino candidates through its network and recruitment channels.
- Sourcing and outreach
- Recruitment marketing
- Initial screening
- Checking work history and qualifications
- Language and suitability assessment
- Shortlisting
Clients receive a targeted shortlist rather than large numbers of unfiltered profiles.
Interviews and matching with the employer
Once suitable candidates have been identified, SkillShift coordinates the matching phase.
- Candidate presentation
- Interview planning
- Candidate briefing
- Employer feedback
- Follow-up screening
- Support in offer alignment
The aim is to arrive at a realistic professional match before formal permit preparation begins.
Permit route and document preparation
Depends on the chosen service levelAfter a candidate and employer have decided to proceed, SkillShift can support the permit and documentation phase. The exact route differs: in the Netherlands, for example, the GVVA or Highly Skilled Migrant scheme; in Belgium, the applicable single permit route.
- Collecting employer documents
- Collecting candidate documents
- Checking qualifications and supporting evidence
- Aligning employment documents
- Preparing the application file
- Coordinating the submission and follow-up of the case
This is not just administrative forwarding; SkillShift helps build a coherent file.
More about visas & work permits →DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements
Depends on country, structure and packageFor candidates recruited in the Philippines, the European permit is only one part of the route. SkillShift also coordinates the Philippine side of the process, including the relevant DMW-related steps.
- Coordinating required employer / recruitment documentation
- Aligning Philippine DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements
- Coordinating job order or manpower requirement steps where applicable
- Preparing for lawful departure for overseas work
- Supporting the required departure documentation / exit clearance
This is one of SkillShift's differentiators and helps avoid a disconnect between the European permit and the Philippine route for DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements.
More about DMW requirements →Relocation, travel and housing
Once approvals are in place, SkillShift can support the transition to Europe.
- Travel coordination
- Practical preparation for departure
- Arrival planning
- Temporary or longer-term housing coordination
- Basic onboarding support for the first period
Housing and relocation support can be part of the process, but are only provided when this has been agreed within the assignment.
Arrival, start of work and aftercare
OptionalThe process does not necessarily end once the employee lands in Europe. SkillShift can also support the start of employment.
- Arrival support
- First-day coordination
- Practical onboarding alignment
- Contact during the initial period
- Resolving early operational questions between candidate and employer
The level of aftercare depends on the service scope.
Flexible per phase
Not every client needs the full route.
Recruitment only
For clients who mainly need help finding and selecting suitable candidates.
Recruitment + permits
For clients who want both candidate recruitment and support with the permit and application side.
Full-service trajectory
For clients who want support from vacancy assessment through recruitment, documentation, DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements, relocation and onboarding.
A tailor-made scope is also possible.
Netherlands and Belgium: same principle, different route
Netherlands
The process may involve routes such as the GVVA or the Highly Skilled Migrant scheme, and depending on the situation, direct employment, staffing or secondment can be part of the structure.
Working with SkillShift in the NetherlandsBelgium
The process is typically centred around the applicable single permit route and the feasibility of the vacancy under the relevant Flemish economic migration category.
Working with SkillShift in BelgiumAlthough the principle is similar, the exact process, documentation and timing differ per country and case.
What does this mean for candidates?
For candidates, this process means more than simply applying for a job. It can involve:
- screening
- interviews
- document preparation
- permit support
- DMW-related compliance
- pre-departure preparation
- relocation planning
Candidates are guided, but selection, permit approval and timing always depend on the vacancy, the employer and the authorities.
Information for candidatesWant to outsource the full process or just get support on specific parts?
SkillShift can support per phase or guide the full process — from vacancy and recruitment to permits, DMW documentation and pre-departure requirements, relocation and start-up.