Permanent residence in the Netherlands is a status that gives the right to stay in the country indefinitely and to carry out any legal activity without restrictions. Holders of this permit can freely work in the state, claim benefits, receive quality medical care and free education. Moving to the Netherlands for permanent residence opens access to almost all the rights of EU citizens. A permanent resident does not have only the ability to apply for public office and participate in elections.

To move to the Netherlands, it is necessary to fulfill all the conditions of migration legislation. To obtain permanent status, you will have to live in the country for 5 years, as well as learn the Dutch language at a basic level and demonstrate other aspects of successful integration into society.

Why everyone goes to the Netherlands

The country of tulips and windmills ranks 6th in the rating of the happiest countries in the world, which explains the desire of many foreigners to move to the Netherlands. A stable economy, a wide range of social guarantees and career opportunities make the kingdom an ideal place for family life, work and education. Immigration to the Netherlands opens the way to the EU passport with its many advantages, and also allows you to integrate into an open tolerant society and get a multifaceted cultural experience.

However, despite the obvious advantages of moving, life in the Netherlands has its disadvantages. It is worth considering that it is practically impossible to pass the standard naturalization without knowledge of the language. Additional tests for people who decided to go to the Netherlands for permanent residence, can be very rainy weather, as well as high competition in the labor market, especially in the field of IT, graphic design, communications. Nevertheless, for many people immigration to a unique European country justifies all the difficulties, providing in return a comfortable, safe and stable life.

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Main ways to immigrate to the Netherlands

Before moving to the Netherlands, it is worth choosing the basis that will allow you to obtain a residence permit. The residence permit, in turn, opens the way to permanent residency and a passport of a European country. Among the common grounds for immigration to the Netherlands are:

• Completion of studies.
  A student residence permit for a foreigner may be requested by the accredited Dutch university in which he/she is enrolled. The applicant must prove sufficient income (from 898 EUR per month or 10,776 EUR for a year). The primary residence permit is valid for one year with the right to extend it for the duration of the study program. Within 3 years after graduation from the university it is possible to obtain a residence permit to seek employment in the Netherlands. A non-renewable residence permit is issued for one year, after which it is necessary to change the basis and apply for a new permit, for example, for the purpose of business immigration or employment.
• Employment.
  A Dutch company that hires an employee from outside the EU for more than 4 months can apply for a single work permit (GVVA, gecombineerde vergunning verblijf en arbeid). The conditions for obtaining GVVA are an employment contract providing a salary of at least 2192 EUR per month, availability of suitable housing, health insurance policy. Additional requirements apply to some categories of workers (clergy, employees of culture and art). A residence permit is issued for the duration of the employment contract (but not more than 5 years) with the right to extend it.
• Highly skilled professional activity.
  The residence permit for highly qualified immigrants is issued by a Dutch employer (sponsor) who wishes to hire a professional from outside the EU. The applicant for a residence permit must have an employment contract with a validity period of at least one year and a monthly salary from 2989 EUR. For highly qualified employees there is an accelerated immigration procedure, so the decision on the application is made within 2 weeks. The residence permit is issued for the same term as the employment contract, with the possibility of extension.
• Founding a startup.
  To start an innovative business in the Netherlands, you can apply for a Dutch startup visa. The Dutch startup visa is granted for one year, during which time the company must be founded. The conditions for obtaining a Dutch startup visa are to sign a contract with a certified coordinator who has experience in managing startups and to have a business plan. The applicant will also need to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK, Kamer van Koophandel) and have sufficient funds for self-support. When the startup visa expires, a new permit must be issued (for example, through entrepreneurship, self-employment).
• Entrepreneurial activity.
  For self-employment in the Netherlands, you must register online at the KVK portal as an entrepreneur or self-employed person, pay a flat fee (82 EUR) and then apply for a residence permit. Depending on the legal form of the company, additional information (income data, business plan, proof of qualification, etc.) may be required. The residence permit is issued for a maximum of 2 years with the possibility of its extension an unlimited number of times. After 5 years you can apply for a residence permit, after which there will be no need to apply for a work permit.
• Humanitarian reasons.
  Persons who have been persecuted (for political, religious or other reasons) have the right to request asylum in the Netherlands. The Migration Service will provide a decision on the case within 9 days, but the case can be further processed for another 6 months under an extended procedure. You will also need to attend an interview to prove your purpose of moving to the Netherlands and to confirm your identity. The document is issued for 5 years, all costs are covered by the government. Permanent residence for refugees is available under standard conditions.
• Family reunification.
  Residents or citizens of the Netherlands have the possibility to apply for a residence permit for their relatives (spouses, partners, minor children). The sponsor needs to provide the family members with housing and have sufficient income. Among other conditions - confirmation of family ties, absence of criminal records of applicants for residence permit. The permit is valid for up to 5 years with the right to extend. Spouses or partners of the Dutch can immediately apply for citizenship without residence in the Netherlands (if they have been in a relationship for 3 years) or after 3 years in the country.

If there are doubts about which way of moving to the Netherlands is suitable for you, you can ask for help from international law experts. Lawyers will choose the best basis for immigration based on your circumstances and individual preferences. You will learn more about emigration programs from your country of origin to Europe during a free consultation with Immigrantinlaw specialist.

Requirements for obtaining permanent residence in the Netherlands

Those who plan to emigrate from their country to the Netherlands, it is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons, as well as to prepare a strategy for legalization of stay in the kingdom. Your move should begin with the choice of the basis, because from this factor will depend on the stages and duration of the path to permanent residency.

To move to the Netherlands for permanent residence, in most cases (except for residents of EU states, Australia, Japan and some other countries) you will need a long-term visa, which will allow you to cross the border and stay in Holland for more than 3 months. Upon arrival in the kingdom, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit valid for up to 5 years and subject to renewal. After the expiration of the five-year term, you will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, which has no time limit.

Conditions for applying for a permanent residence

To qualify for permanent residence in the Netherlands, it is necessary to meet the requirements of the migration legislation. To apply for permanent residence you need to:

• reside continuously in the territory of the state for at least 5 years before applying with a current residence permit (with some exceptions);
• be registered in the personal data base (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP);
• renew the current residence permit in a timely manner;
• be able to support yourself (the amount of income depends on the applicant's category);
• pass the integration test/exam for knowledge of the Dutch language or provide evidence of exemption from it.

It stands to mention that permanent residence permit is allowed only for those who have not stayed outside the country for more than 6 consecutive months with some exceptions (additional study abroad, research activities and others).

Documents for relocation

Before applying for permanent residence in the Netherlands, it is necessary to collect all the required documents, as well as legalize and/or translate them into Dutch, English, German or French. The standard dossier includes:

• passport;
• proof of health insurance;
• valid residence permit;
• proof of sufficient income (bank statements, employment contract, etc.);
• BSN (burgerservicenummer) number confirming registration with BRP;
• recent photographs;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• certificate of passing the integration exam (minimum A2) or proof of exemption (for example, Belgian passport);
• receipt of payment of the fee.

Depending on the basis and program of the move, additional documents may be required, such as a marriage or birth certificate (for family reunification).

Financial aspect of immigration

To immigrate to the Netherlands for permanent residence you will need to show proof of income, the amount of which varies depending on the number of people included in the application. To live in the country with a partner, the applicant needs to receive a salary of at least 2192 EUR per month, and if he is a single parent - from 1534 EUR. The table below summarizes the main costs of applying for a permanent residence:

The process of applying for a Dutch permanent residence permit

If you plan to move to the Netherlands for permanent residence, it is worth considering that the path to the desired permit in most cases will take 5 years. To become a permanent resident of the country, you need to pass the following stages:

1. Visa request.
   Planning to leave for permanent residence from outside the EU, you first get a long-term visa, which is analogous to a temporary residence permit (MVV, Machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf). The permit is applied for at a Dutch consulate. MVV can also be requested remotely by a sponsor (for example, a Dutch employer or a university) on the portal of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). To obtain a visa you will need a passport, photos, proof of the basis for the move (self-employment, study and others). The application processing time is 10 working days. The permit is valid for 90 days.
2. Registration of place of residence.
   Within 5 days of arrival in the Netherlands, you must register your BSN number by contacting the municipality of your place of residence. Registration with the BRP is free of charge. As a result, you will receive a statement with a 9-digit number.
3. Registration of residence permit.
   After entering the Netherlands, you must obtain a residence permit by applying to the IND and confirming the purpose of your stay in the country. The application for a residence permit will be considered within 90 days. The permit is valid for up to 5 years with the possibility of unlimited extension if you continue to meet the requirements of the migration law. The decision to extend your residence permit will be made within 2 weeks.
4. Obtaining a permanent residence permit.
   After 5 years of continuous residence in the Netherlands, you can apply for permanent residency, provided you are integrated into society. You can apply for a permanent residence permit online or by sending an application by mail. Processing takes up to 6 months if the file is complete. In case of a positive decision, you can personally pick up the document at the IND office, having made an appointment in advance.

The immigration process involves complex bureaucratic procedures, so you will need help in moving and legalizing your status abroad. Turning to specialists gives you the opportunity to save time and money, as well as not to worry about the result of permanent residence registration. International law lawyers will help you to choose the basis for immigration, which will allow you to become a resident of a European country as quickly as possible. With the support of Immigrantinlaw specialists, you will be able to obtain an EU passport in 4-14 months, which opens up many more opportunities than a permanent residence permit.

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Life in the Netherlands after obtaining a permanent residence

Holders of permanent residence in the Netherlands receive practically the same rights as citizens of the state, except for electoral rights. They have the opportunity to work freely in any EU country, enjoy social benefits and assistance, health care system, receive quality education. If you received a Dutch permanent residence, remember that the country must be the main place of residence and the center of your interests. In particular, it is not allowed to exceed the established period of stay abroad (more than 12 consecutive months outside the EU).

Also, permanent residence is an important step towards citizenship. A permanent resident of the Netherlands can apply for a Dutch passport by naturalization, having demonstrated successful integration into society. In addition to rights, permanent residence holders have a number of responsibilities, including paying taxes, complying with the law, and undergoing integration programs in some cases. It is also necessary to notify IND of any changes in personal data (relocation, non-compliance with the conditions of residence permit, family reunification and others).

Main destinations for moving to the Netherlands

Having decided on the basis and program of immigration to the Netherlands, people usually look for the most suitable place to live, corresponding to their requirements, preferences, family composition. Many Dutch cities are famous for their high level of security, developed transportation system, picturesque canals. Immigrants most often choose large settlements, concentrated in the Randstad (agglomeration in the west of the country), because it is easier to find work there and you can comfortably settle down with children. Among the popular cities in the Netherlands for relocation are:

• Amsterdam.
  The capital of the Netherlands is a center of attraction for immigrants, especially highly skilled expats. Amsterdam has many different diasporas and the highest cost of living in the country. The city has a high concentration of offices of international companies (Google, Adidas, Booking and others) and educational institutions, including international ones.
• Hague.
  A safe city with the highest quality of life in the world, which is an important hub for diplomatic and international organizations (UN, Europol, UNICEF and others). The Hague offers great career opportunities, especially in the fields of law and technology. The city has a large number of schools, medical facilities, comfortable recreational areas, including more than 11 kilometers of beaches, and the cost of living and renting housing here is significantly lower than in the capital.
• Eindhoven.
  The high-tech center of Holland particularly attracts students, engineers, and IT specialists. It is one of the greenest cities in the country, where it is not difficult to find affordable housing. Renting a one-room apartment here will cost 1363 EUR per month, which is much cheaper compared to 2031 EUR in Amsterdam. The city is also home to numerous innovative companies (Philips, ASML) and a large airport.

Risks of illegal residence

It is possible to move to the Netherlands only if you strictly fulfill the requirements of the law, otherwise you may be denied a residence permit. The main reasons for denial of residence permits are related to non-compliance with immigration conditions (lack of stable income, incomplete dossier, lack of sufficient language skills). Violation of the visa regime or providing false information when submitting documents can also be grounds for refusal. That is why the help of specialists in immigration is an important component of success.

If you plan to emigrate from your native country and move to the Netherlands, it is worth taking care to apply for a residence permit, because illegal stay in the kingdom entails deportation. Also, the decision of the authorities may include a ban on re-entry for up to 5 years, if the offender does not pose a serious threat to national security and public order. In some cases, illegal stay entails a fine of up to 3900 EUR or imprisonment for up to 4 months.

Why specialist help is important when immigrating to the Netherlands

Immigration to the Netherlands is a long and expensive process that requires a competent approach and knowledge of local legislation, so it is important to entrust most of the tasks to professionals. According to the reviews of people who have moved to the kingdom, the assistance of international law specialists allows you to choose the most convenient and fastest way of legalization in the Netherlands, avoid unnecessary costs and optimize the immigration process. Immigrantinlaw lawyers provide an individual strategy based on a specific request and control the fulfillment of all legal requirements.

In addition, there are simplified immigration programs in Romania, Slovenia and Bulgaria that allow you to become a European passport holder within 4 months and move to any country of association without additional conditions. Sign up for a free consultation to start planning your move now.

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About the author

Diana Weber

Lawyer of international law

Diane Weber is an international law specialist with 10 years of legal practice experience. Her portfolio includes successful stories of citizenship in different European Union countries under simplified procedures. Diana provides detailed advice and helps many people to achieve their immigration goals in a short period of time, including resolving visa issues, assisting in obtaining residence permits and citizenship in the EU countries. In her blog, Diana Weber enjoys providing readers with detailed information about the features of most popular programs for obtaining a second passport.