Residency in NL in the long run
For how long is a residence permit issued?
Initially one is granted a permit for a limited period of time. Entrepreneurs initially get a permit for two years. Highly skilled migrants get a permit equal to the length of their labor contract which can vary from a few months to five years. Spouses, partners family member get permits which has the same duration as their host and can run up to five years.
Can this be extended?
Yes! For the extension of the permit the IND assess if the requirements are still met in which case an extension will follow. This extension is usually given for a period of five years.
What requirements?
If you were admitted in as a highly skilled migrant than at the time of extension you will still need to be employed by a recognized sponsors and earn a salary of €4612 (over 30) or €3381 (under 30).
For non-Japanese or non-US entrepreneurs extension will depend on whether the entrepreneur has earned an annual gross income at least equal to minimum wage (roughly €22.000 gross).
Japanese and US entrepreneurs will need to show the €4.500 is still present in their business and that there has been significant business activity.
Anything more possible than just extension?
After five years consecutive legal stay one is eligible for permanent residency of Dutch citizenship. Permanent residency requires the applicant shows sufficient and durable income. Both permanent residency and citizenship require that the applicant has passed integration exams or language test. Essentially one needs to show he/she speaks fluent Dutch. In addition, Dutch citizenship requires one to give up his/her own citizenship.
If you have not managed to master Dutch you can always continue to extend the current permit. After 67 years of age one is exempted from the integration requirement, so at some point (however far in the future) one will be able to obtain permanent residency.
What next?
For questions, reach out to our team at our contactpage or info@arslanlitadvocaten.nl