RESIDENCE PERMIT IN THE NETHERLANDS

About one-fifth of the population of the Netherlands are immigrants. Infrastructure, standard of living, culture, comfortable geographical location, universal freedom and values attract not only tourists, but also permanent residents from different parts of the world to this country. For a long-term stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, foreigners are required to obtain a residence permit.

The government of the Netherlands has provided an extensive list of grounds for registration of this document. The most popular are employment, study, business and reunion of close relatives. Just 5 years of permanent and legal residence in the country will allow you to apply for Dutch citizenship.

Next, learn how to get a residence permit in the Netherlands in 2024.

How to get a residence permit in the Netherlands

The process of obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands depends largely on the citizenship of the candidate. Representatives of the European Union and Switzerland to do this is much easier. Foreigners from third countries to obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands must undergo a special procedure, that is, to have sufficient grounds for moving, apply to the diplomatic mission of the Netherlands in their country, collect the necessary documents and fill out an application form.

The local Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) considers applications and issues residence permits in the Netherlands. In most cases, at first a temporary residence permit (MVV), a kind of analog of a long-term visa (type D) is issued. That is, a special mark is pasted in the passport, which allows you to move to the Netherlands and within 3 months to obtain a full-fledged residence permit. The foreigner will be required biometric data – fingerprints and a color photo. The maximum term of consideration of the application for residence permit in the Netherlands is 3 months.

Grounds for a residence permit in the Netherlands

Depending on the purpose of moving to the Netherlands, the requirements for foreigners, terms of validity, cost, conditions and procedure for obtaining a residence permit can differ significantly. In most cases, you will have to agree to a special integration course. This is associated with the study of the Dutch language to accelerate adaptation in the local society.

Residence permit in the Netherlands for the purpose of family reunification

The holder of a residence permit in the Netherlands can be joined by family members, namely spouses, partners and minor children (up to 18 years old). The main requirements concern the sufficient financial security of the immigrant. In 2024, for a married couple, the minimum income excluding vacations should not be less than 2,069.40 euros per month. That is not lower than the official minimum wage in the Netherlands. The cost of registration of residence permit for a spouse – 228 euros and 76 euros for each child.

Residence permit in the Netherlands for the purpose of employment

Working in the Netherlands is a fairly popular reason for obtaining a residence permit. The main problem will be finding a local employer who will issue the foreigner a work permit. Usually an application is made for a special document GVVA , which combines residence permit and work permit. However, there are different options for labor migration to the Netherlands, which have their own conditions for obtaining a residence permit, for example:

• Highly skilled professionals. The cost is 380 euros.

• Seasonal workers. Cost – 228 euros.

• Trainees. Cost – 380 euros.

• Blue Card EU. Cost – 380 euros.

Graduates of Dutch or prestigious world universities, who graduated no more than 3 years ago, can get a residence permit in the Netherlands for one year to look for a job. The cost is 226 euros.

Residence permit in the Netherlands for business purposes

The economy of the Netherlands is very developed and stable, which attracts a large number of foreign entrepreneurs. For long-term business, the local authorities issue residence permits of two types.

• Ordinary residence permit. To do this, you need to register a company in the Netherlands or buy at least 25% of the existing business and on this basis get a residence permit. The sphere of activity should be of interest to the Dutch economy, at least bring profit, and the foreigner should have experience in entrepreneurship and a good business plan. The cost of obtaining a residence permit is 380 euros.

• Startup visa. A temporary residence permit for one year is granted to foreigners with promising innovative projects. If the business turns out to be successful over time, a regular residence permit is issued. The cost of registration is 380 euros.

Residence permit in the Netherlands for the purpose of study

Diplomas of Dutch universities are recognized almost all over the world, and the quality of education is unquestionable. Many universities occupy leading positions in world rankings. However, for foreign students from third countries, the cost of education will cost on average from 6-20 thousand euros per year and more. The cost of registration of a residence permit is 228 euros, plus the minimum requirements for living in the Netherlands is not less than 1,217.96 euros per month.

In addition to the above-mentioned grounds, residence permit in the Netherlands is granted to large investors, provided the infusion into the local economy of at least 1.250 million euros and participants of the international program Au pairs. The maximum period of validity of a residence permit in the Netherlands is not more than 5 years. Very often after that foreigners apply for permanent residence and then Dutch citizenship.