Humanitarian Non-Temporary, What Is That?
This refers to a type of residual category residence permit that encompasses various reasons for residence. Victims of human trafficking, holders of the EU Blue Card, and dependent family members can claim a humanitarian non-temporary residence permit after varying periods of residence.
As a residence permit, the humanitarian non-temporary is quite strong. Unlike most residence permits, this one does not have labor market restrictions. Individuals may work without restriction, whether as employees, self-employed, both, or neither. Resorting to public funds, which is usually a major issue for most residence permits, is permitted with a humanitarian non-temporary permit. In other words, applying for social assistance has no consequences. The validity period is five years and it is continuously extendable. In many respects (though not all), this permit closely resembles the permanent residence permit.
Many people are unaware that a minor child can qualify for residence based on humanitarian non-temporary grounds after just a year of dependent residence with a parent. The sole requirement is that the child, while still a minor, has had dependent family member residence for more than a year (= one year + one day). Unlike an adult child or dependent partner, there is no integration requirement. The child then receives a residence permit valid for five years, entirely independent of the parent.
Why Would I Apply for an Independent Residence Permit for My Child?
Our first answer to this question is always: why wouldn’t you? The dependent child’s residence permit often needs to be renewed after just one or two years alongside that of the parent. In terms of application, a humanitarian non-temporary residence permit application doesn’t require much more work than a renewal application for a dependent residence permit. The fees for both applications are also the same. However, a humanitarian non-temporary permit is always for five years, whereas a dependent residence permit is often shorter because it is tied to the duration of the referent parent’s residence permit.
The real advantage, in our opinion, lies in decoupling the child’s residence permit from that of the referent parent. We often see gaps in the referent parent’s residence permit. This can happen if the parent’s employer fails to timely request an extension, or if, in the case of the DAFT permit, the significant capital temporarily falls below €4500 for any reason. A gap in the referent parent’s residence permit always leads to a residence gap in the dependent family members’ permits.
By quickly decoupling the child and applying for an independent humanitarian non-temporary residence permit, this risk is neutralized. This allows the child to build an uninterrupted period of residence until they may qualify for a permanent residence permit. (Note that a child aged 13 and older with an uninterrupted residency period of 5 years can qualify for a permanent residence permit.)
Apart from providing security and peace of mind, this also offers a tangible financial advantage. Tuition fees for international students can range from €9,000 to €20,000 per year. For Dutch students, students with EU/EER nationality, and international students with a permanent residence permit, the tuition fee in 2024 is €2,530 per year. This benefit can amount to considerable savings over a four to five-year study program, especially if you have more children.
Conclusion
Firstly, there really is no reason not to apply for a humanitarian non-temporary residence permit for your child. It doesn’t require much time or effort. Beyond the security of residence, you can ensure that you pay the reduced tuition fee for your child, saving thousands of euros.
Questions about the humanitarian non-temporary residence permit? Call us at 020 223 2466, or send us an email. We’d be happy to assist you.
