1.Residence in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a restrictive immigration policy. Residence permits are, however, granted in case you would like to live and work in the Netherlands, bring in your partner, work as an employee or in self-employment or if you would like to work as a highly skilled migrant. A number of conditions need to be met, like availing of a valid passport, having sufficient means of support and of course you need to meet the requirements that apply to the reason of your stay.

Our office has vast experience with getting you and/or your partner the right residence permit. We can take all the necessary steps while you are still in your home country. We can also assess whether you comply with the Dutch rules to obtain a residence permit. If needed, we can contact local Dutch embassies, take care of applicable registrations, e.g. for civic integration (“inburgering”) and take care of other formalities.

Once you are in the Netherlands, our office can take care of all your registrations with e.g. the Dutch immigration services and the municipality in which you will stay. We can apply for a tax/social security number and assist in opening a Dutch bank account. In due course we can assist you in renewing your permit, apply for a permanent residence or even Dutch citizenship.

2. Work Permits for foreign employees

Work permits are normally required for hiring individuals from outside the EU for working or for temporary assignment in the Netherlands. For some temporary employment or for so-called “highly skilled migrants” (see below) work permits are not required. An important condition for obtaining such permit is that candidates are not available within the EU.

Our office has extensive experience in obtaining work permits for professionals (consultants, accountants etc), other labor migrants and their relatives. We can take care of the entire procedure with the Dutch immigration services (including the applications) or merely assist you in the process where needed. Once in the Netherlands, we can take care of all registrations with e.g. the Dutch immigration services and the municipality in which the employee will stay. Furthermore, we can apply for a tax/social security number and assist in opening a Dutch bank account.

3. Highly skilled migrants

For highly skilled international employees (“knowledge migrants”), Dutch work permits can be obtained without the need to prove that personnel within the EU is not available. To qualify as a highly skilled migrant, the gross salary for employees aged 30 or older should be at least € 52,010 per year and if the employee is under the age of 30 at least € 38,141 (in 2013). For Dutch university graduates (but also for highly educated migrants, see below), the annual salary should be at least € 27,336 (in 2013).

For bringing in highly skilled migrants, the employer needs to be registered with the Dutch immigration service as a sponsor, Dutch Chamber of Commerce and the Dutch tax authorities. Our office can take care of all these registrations for the employing company. We can also take care of the applications with the immigration services for the employee. Once in the Netherlands, we can take care of the registrations with the municipality and the Dutch immigration services and also assist in opening a bank account and obtaining a health insurance. In due course, we can assist in renewing the residence permit.

4. Highly educated migrants

In case you are highly educated, you may qualify for a temporary Dutch residence permit for one year. As such, you are provided the opportunity to find employment as a highly skilled migrant (see above) or start an innovative company in the Netherlands. You are regarded for this purpose as highly educated in case you have earned at least a Master’s degree within the last three years from a Dutch university or from a top 200 university according to the Times Higher Education Supplement and the Jiao Tong Shanghai University.

Other conditions are that you avail of sufficient means and that you score at least 35 out of 40 points in a specific test, for which points are assigned as follows:

Furthermore, if the highly educated migrants succeeds in setting up an innovative company in the Netherlands within this orientation year, he can request to have his temporary residence permit changed into a residence permit to work on a self-employed basis. Requirements need to be met (see below).

5. Residence permits for self-employed / entrepreneurs

Foreigners (non EU/EEA/USA/Japan) can obtain a Dutch residence permit in case they start a business or a branch of a foreign company (see below) or invest in an existing business in the Netherlands. For this, a work permit is not required but the applicant needs to be self-supportive. In addition, at least 90 out of 300 points need to be earned with a specific test, whereas at least 30 of 100 points need to be earned in each of the following categories:

USA and Japan

American and Japanese entrepreneurs / investors are eligible for a residence permit without having to comply with a point system pursuant to treaties concluded with the US and Japan. There are conditions though, which include a minimum investment amount of € 4,500 and registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Except for practicing law or medicine, any kind of business / self-employment qualifies.

6. Wealthy immigrant residence permits

Wealthy foreign individuals may soon acquire a Dutch wealthy immigrant residence permit to retire in the Netherlands. For this, there will be no other requirement than proving the existence of financial assets of at least € 1,250,000. This “millionaire’s permit” is meant to stimulate the Dutch economy with assets spent by successful foreigners. The permit is issued for five years.

Wealthy immigrants that meet the financial asset test do not need any specific purpose for stay (e.g. employment, work, study etc). There is also no Dutch language requirement or the need to pass a civic integration test in the home country. Furthermore, work in employment or as entrepreneur is allowed without any of the aforementioned restrictions or requirements.

The regulation has already been enacted and its effective date is expected somewhere in 2013.