Holland is a small country with a large population. Housing shortages and unemployment are particularly acute problems. The government wants to be able to guarantee that all foreigners admitted to the country will enjoy equal status and have the best possible chance of self-fulfillment. Admitting too many aliens would threaten those efforts. Therefore, only small numbers of foreigners are granted permission to stay in the Netherlands for a prolonged period.

EU and EEA nationals do not need a permit or visa to work or reside in the Netherlands. However, they do need the legal documents required to cross the border (such as a passport). Non-EU/EEA nationals (with the exception of a handful of countries) require an MVV (similar to a visa) to enter the country. This must be applied for with the Netherlands embassy or consulate in the home country before entering the Netherlands.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete Netherlands guide.