Visas

Visas and Sponsorship

GitLab does not offer any form of work or study sponsorship anywhere in the world, other than our specific, internal Netherlands process and support for highly skilled candidates in certain countries, where a candidate is already based in that country. GitLab does not offer any form of support to transfer an existing work permit. During the screening process, recruiters will ask applicants if they require any type of sponsorship or support.

Travel Visas

For assistance with any employment or relocation visa please reach out to the People Connect.

Expensing

You can expense (for approved GitLab/company events):

• Cost of the VISA
• Cost of pictures for the VISA
• Cost of a lawyer to help you with the application
• Cost of postage
• Cost of applying for the 30% ruling

You can not expense relocation costs.

Please note, that GitLab is only able to cover the costs of one VISA attempt. If your VISA request is rejected, team members are free to re-submit at their discretion and any additional costs will be need to be covered by the team member. Please refer to the Global Travel and Expense Policy Handbook Page for more information regarding the reimbursement.

Arranging a visa for travel

In some cases when traveling to a conference or summit you might need to arrange a visa to enter that specific country.

Always check the website of the Embassy of the Country you want to visit located in your home country. They will have the most updated information on whether or not you need a visa and what is needed for your application. In some instances you can travel under a visa waiver program (e.g. ESTA) in other cases you might need to arrange a tourist or business visa. Read their website carefully and if you need an invitation letter for your application you can request one following this process. If you need any further help with acquiring the needed documents for your application, please reach out in #people-connect or email people-connect@gitlab.com if your query contains sensitive information.

Tips & Tricks for visa arrangements

• Make sure to start on time with your arrangements for a visa. Wait times can vary and may take longer than excepted to acquire a US visa.
• Check if your passport is still valid long enough as per the country’s requirements.
• Give priority to arranging your visa, it can take time to get an appointment to apply at the Embassy.
• Double check if you have all the needed documentation and information.
• Think of the answers you will give during your visa interview; it can influence your visa approval/denial.
• Once the dates for a conference or summit are set, start as soon as possible with your application. If you have needed a special visa in previous situations, just to give yourself enough time and room for errors if they arise.
• If required, you can request a Visa Invitation Letter following this process

Timeline guide for visa applications

Please note that the below timeline is just a guide, and you should always check the guidance on the official website of the embassy for the country you are applying to before making your application or traveling to an interview.

• 6 months beforehand: make appointment at embassy, and start gathering all necessary paperwork, forms, certificates, pictures, etc.
  • Sometimes you might call the embassy, and be told that you do not need to schedule an interview so far ahead of your trip. Don’t take their word for it, since that advice is typically made with the “typical, best case” process in mind and for example in the case of the USA does not account for the possibility of a black hole “administrative processing” period. In other words, make sure you get an appointment as early as possible.
  • If the country where the embassy/consulate is located where you are going for your application is listed as anything other than “High Income” by the World Bank’s “Little Data Book” then it is likely that the embassy/consulate there has a high tendency to say “no” to visa applications. We recommend to engage the services of a local lawyer who is familiar with the embassy process to help check that your paperwork is in order, and to practice interview questions. You’re also welcome to ask for support when you are in a “High Income” country. People Ops can help you with this.
• 3 months beforehand (or earlier if indicated by the embassy you are applying to): go to embassy for interview.
• 2 months beforehand: if you have not received your visa by now, contact your local lawyer again to see if anything can be done to expedite the process.

Dutch Work Permits

Some of our GitLab team-members in the Netherlands have a “werkvergunning” or work permit under the highly skilled migrants category of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).

• GitLab is a recognized organization (“erkend referent”) with the IND, and Savvy provides support with respect to applying for new visas / permits or extending existing ones.
• Work permits must be renewed at the end of each contract period, but at minimum once every 5 years.
• At the time of applying for permit renewal, the application must satisfy various criteria including an age-dependent minimum salary requirement (with a step at age 30, also see this handy table). This requirement should be taken into consideration when issuing a new contract, since the contract can be made valid for just a year or for an indefinite period; thus triggering more or less frequent re-applications for work permit extensions. Permit extensions cannot be applied for when the current permit is still valid for more than 6 months.

Here is a generally but not authoritative helpful guide on considerations around permit extensions.

The IND (Dutch immigration services) in general take about 4 to 6 weeks’ time to make a decision on the renewal application, but officially they have 90 days to decide.

1. Some important notes before you arrange travel / depart to the Netherlands:

• A direct flight to the Netherlands is required, indirect travel may result in entry refusal

30% Ruling in the Netherlands

The 30% reimbursement ruling (better known as the 30% ruling) is a tax advantage for highly skilled migrants moving to the Netherlands. This benefit, granted for five years, allows them to receive 30% of their employment income tax free. As an example, when your employment income is EUR 60,000; the 30% ruling ensures a net pay of EUR 18,000. The remainder of EUR 42,000 is subject to Dutch taxes. In addition, when being entitled to the 30% ruling you can exclude your savings from Dutch income tax (which can be beneficial once you have exercised your stock options).

The 30% ruling is a mutual application filed by the employee and GitLab BV as the employer. During the onboarding procedure a questionnaire is shared in order to gather the necessary information to file the application for the 30% ruling. People Ops shares the 30% ruling questionnaire and supporting documentation with HRSavvy (the company that supports GitLab with visas and payroll in the Netherlands). HR Savvy will subsequently apply for the 30% ruling. There are some conditions to be satisfied to be granted the 30% ruling.

1. The employee has to be hired as an employee.
2. The employer and employee have to agree in writing that the 30% ruling is applicable (addendum to the employment agreement).
3. The employee has to transfer or to be recruited abroad by a Dutch employer. In two years before being hired by a Dutch employer, the employee must be living outside of the Netherlands for more than 16 months, at a minimal distance of 150 kilometers from the Dutch border.
4. The employee must have specific experience or expertise that is not or rarely available in the Netherlands.
5. The gross annual salary has to surpass a minimum (adjusted annually).

The decision from the Dutch Tax Authorities can take up to four months. Once your 30% ruling is granted, the application will be made retroactively in the payroll administration to your starting date. Read more from the Dutch tax authorities by clicking this link.

Here is an approximate net-salary calculator in The Netherlands to reckon additional salary payment with 30% ruling.

Transferring the 30% Ruling from a Previous Employer

The 30% ruling is a tax advantage granted for five years, which means that you can carry this over to a new employer if your new role still fulfills the requirements of the 30% ruling. Note that you are only allowed to transfer the 30% ruling when there is a gap of maximum three months between your previous employment and your employment at GitLab BV. The 30% ruling questionnaire includes a section where you can state that you have already been entitled to the 30% ruling. Transferring the 30% ruling tends to be faster since your qualifications were already assessed at your previous employment.

BSN Number

A BSN number is like a citizen number. It is required so new team members can be added to the B.V. Netherlands payroll. It’s also required for things like health insurance and opening a bank account.

There are two options to get a BSN number in the Netherlands:

1. Getting a BSN number at the municipality. This process will take at least 1-4 weeks. There are no costs involved with registering and receiving a BSN at the municipality.

2. Getting a BSN number at your local Expat center.

It is possible to make an appointment within 2 weeks.

Right to Immigrate to the Netherlands

If a team member wishes to immigrate and relocate to the Netherlands, they will need to first follow the relocation process and requirements and obtain approval to relocate. Once approved, team members will also need to pass the formal visa application process to qualify. The requirements are:

1. When using the compensation calculator you must meet the Dutch salary requirement for highly skilled migrants for 3 more years
   • Note, that the Dutch government has a higher requirement for team members aged 30 and above. The age related wage requirement does not increase when reaching 30 if you already have an approved migrant visa (with the same employer).
   • The following pay elements are not included in the salary criterion and can’t be used to meet the mimimum salary requirement: Vacation allowance; the value of payment made in kind; Uncertain, non-regular pay elements (for example overtime allowances, variable boni and payments from funds).
   • Note: This calculation should be based on what GitLab would pay the team member in the Netherlands in accordance with the compensation calculator, not based on the team member’s current salary.
2. You have been a team member at GitLab for one year.
3. You are not on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

Special considerations for team members in unsafe environments

Tenure of less than 1 year at GitLab may be possibly waived as a requirement if:

• You are a member of an underrepresented group that is unsafe or in any way mistreated in your country.
• Violence in your country does not provide a safe environment.

If you meet these requirements, kindly read our Relocation handbook page, as well as our specific Netherlands section, to ensure that your request is evaluated and approved following our protocols. Please email people-connect@gitlab.com if you have any questions.

Transferring a partner visa to a highly skilled migrant visa

Someone already in the Netherlands on a partner visa can be transferred to their own highly skilled migrant visa in order to not be dependent anymore. The process can take up to three months and is subject to above eligibility criteria and executive approval. Please email people-connect@gitlab.com to start this process.

Tasks for People Connect:

1. The People Connect team member reviews if the eligibility criteria are met and asks the manager to confirm that the team member is not on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)
2. The People Connect team member emails HR Savvy (see contact details in 1password) to confirm the total amount of fees for this process since they are subject to change
3. The People Connect team member emails the team member’s Division’s E-Group leader for their written approval and includes the total amount of fees in the email
4. Once approved the People Connect team member emails HR Savvy with the team member in cc to request the visa transfer
5. HR Savvy will supply all the documentation needed to the team member to apply for the visa transfer

Resources

Our #netherlands Slack channel is a good place to ask immigration-related questions.

Here is a document written by a GitLab team member (internal only) detailing their immigration experience to the Netherlands.

Sid and Marin discuss the history of GitLab’s right to immigrate to the Netherlands.

Highly Skilled Candidates (Ireland and EU Blue Card Germany processes)

Critical Skills Employment Permit Ireland

GitLab may be able to offer employment agreements to highly skilled candidates seeking employment already in Ireland, who apply for, or already hold, a Critical Skills Employment Permit, where the relevant role falls into a category listed on the Critical Skills Occupations List or a salary threshold is exceeded.

Please note: GitLab does not cover any costs for the application nor does it guarantee the issuance of the Critical Skills Employment Permit. The employment agreement offered will include the condition that the candidate will hold the sufficient right to work and if a permit is required that they will be able to obtain the permit. If the critical skills employment permit application is refused, the employment agreement would be rescinded. Permit holders may apply to the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service for permission to reside and work without the requirement for an employment permit upon completion of the Critical Skills Employment Permit’s duration.

The eligibility criteria

Occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of €32,000 for a restricted number of strategically important occupations contained in the Critical Skills Occupations List a relevant degree qualification or higher is required. All occupations with a minimum annual remuneration of over €64,000, other than those on the Ineligible List of Occupations for Employment Permits or which are contrary to the public interest. A non-EEA national who does not have a degree qualification or higher, must have the necessary level of experience. The prospective employee concerned must have secured a 2-year job offer in respect of the eligible occupation from the prospective employer.

Further criteria include:

The prospective employee concerned must possess the relevant qualifications, skills and experience that are required for the employment. An employment permit will not be granted to companies unless 50% or more of the employees in the firm are EEA nationals at the time of application. However, this restriction may be waived in respect of start-up companies within 2 years of their establishment (that is, registered as an employer with Revenue) and which are supported by the enterprise development agencies, Enterprise Ireland, or IDA Ireland (this applies to client companies of Enterprise Ireland or IDA Ireland only).

The details of what is required are set out on the application form and include:

• A full description of the proposed employment,
• Starting date,
• Annual remuneration excluding bonuses, and
• Information in respect of the qualifications, skills or experience required for the employment.

Application process

An application for a Critical Skills Employment Permit can be made online on the Employment Permits Online System (EPOS). There is a User Guide (PDF document) available on the online system which guides the applicant through the process and details the documentary requirements for each employment permit type.

Before you start an application please see the Critical Skills Employment Permit Checklist (PDF document) which will assist the process.

There are up to three stages in the passage of an employment permit application:

Application received (awaiting processing): Once an application is submitted and the associated fees, if appropriate, are recorded the application is then placed in the relevant processing queue. Please note that applications are processed strictly in date order by Employer Type and applicants can keep track of the current processing dates. They can also check the progress of their specific application online on the Online Status Update Enquiry facility.

Processing stage: This stage is where the application is considered by a decision maker, an official with decision making authority. The processor may request additional information, if required, which should be returned within 28 days. The processor will then either grant an application or refuse it for specific reasons.

Review: Where an applicant wishes a refusal decision to be reviewed then they may do so within 28 days on the prescribed Submission of a Decision for Review Form. The review will be considered by a separate and more senior official. The confirmation of a refusal decision on review does not preclude the applicant from submitting a new application following all of the relevant procedures for the specific employment permit type.

Fee

The processing fee for a Critical Skills Employment Permit is €1,000 (which must be paid by the applicant, GitLab does not cover the costs of an application). If an application is unsuccessful, 90% of the fee will be refunded.

There is more information here.

EU Blue Card Germany

GitLab may be able to offer employment agreements to selected highly skilled candidates seeking employment already in Germany, who apply for, or already hold a German EU Blue card.

Please note: GitLab does not cover any costs for the application nor does it guarantee the issuance of the EU Blue card. The employment agreement offered includes the condition that the candidate will hold the sufficient right to work and if a Blue card is required that they will be able to obtain the Blue Card. If the Blue Card is denied, the employment agreement would be rescinded.

The EU Blue Card Germany, is a German residence permit for highly skilled workers. You can apply for a German Blue Card if you:

• are from a non-EU country
• hold a recognized academic and professional qualification
• have at least 5 years of relevant work experience
• are offered a qualified position meeting the minimum salary requirements. Please note the salary requirements are subject to change each year.

Application process

You can apply for an EU Blue Card from the Foreigner’s Office in Germany. Depending on your current location you may need to obtain an entry visa from your most local German embassy.

1. Apply for a Long-Term Relocation to Germany, as you will need a German employment agreement for the EU Blue Card application
2. Set up a visa appointment for employment purposes from the German embassy or consulate
3. Collect the required documents: your local German embassy will provide a list of required documents which usually includes an employment agreement, validation of academic qualifications, and travel health insurance.
4. Once you have arrived in Germany you will need to register for residence and obtain either Public or private health insurance. 1 On the date of your appointment, you will be asked to submit your Visa application, provide the visa documents and pay a processing fee. You may also be asked to participate in an interview. Please note: This is only an appointment for an entry visa for employment. You will still need to apply for the Blue Card after arriving in Germany.
5. Wait for a decision (can take 1 to 3 months for the entry visa).
6. Travel to Germany: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a visa, allowing you to enter Germany.
7. Register your Germany residence which you will you need to enroll for health insurance (You can choose private or Public), and open a bank account.
8. Once you have your residence, health insurance and bank account submit your EU Blue Card application at the Ausländerbehörde (German Foreigner’s Authority).

Applying for the Blue card when you are already in Germany

If you are already in Germany, and you are offered a position that makes you eligible for a Blue Card, you can apply at the local Ausländerbehörde (German Foreigner’s Authority). You must start the process at least six weeks before your current residence permit expires.

Germany Blue card required documents

• Valid passport
• 35mm x 45mm biometric picture
• Employment agreement
• Application of residence permit
• Declaration on the employment relationship. This is required if you need further approval by the Federal Employment Agency.
• Your residence registration in Germany. When you enter Germany, you have to register your address within the first two weeks. Submit the certificate of registration as proof that you primarily live in Germany
• Academic qualification, or if required recognition of the qualification by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
• Proof of health insurance (if Public submit your electronic health card along with a confirmation of health insurance, if Private submit the certificate from the insurance company along with proof you have paid your contributions

More detailed links on the process:

• Schengenvisainfo.com/EU-Blue-Card
• Germany-visa.org
• EU Immigration portal

Changing Employer

If there is a change in employer within Germany and the blue card has been held for less than two years then you will need to apply to the immigration service in Germany (LEA). If it has been held for more than two years you are free to change employer without needing to amend the blue card, but the new employment contract must still meet the required threshold for eligibility.

Right to Immigrate to Germany via Blue card

Everyone that meets the following requirements can request to immigrate and relocate to Germany, but you will also still need to pass the formal visa application process to qualify. The requirements are:

1. When using the compensation calculator you must meet the salary requirement for Requirements to receive a Blue Card

• The following pay elements are not included in the salary criterion and can’t be used to meet the minimum salary requirement: The value of payment made in kind; Uncertain, non-regular pay elements (for example overtime allowances, variable bonus and payments from funds).
• Note: This calculation should be based on what GitLab would pay the team member in Germany in accordance with the compensation calculator, not based on the team member’s current salary.

1. You have been a team member at GitLab for one year.
2. You are not on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP).

Resources

Our #gitlab-germany Slack channel is a good place to ask immigration-related questions.