Permanent Residency in the Netherlands

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Once you’ve lived in the Netherlands for five consecutive years, you may become eligible to apply for a Dutch permanent residence. If you’re looking to move to the Netherlands for work, you’ll be surprised to learn that becoming a Dutch citizen—with a passport that allows you to work anywhere in Europe—also takes you five years.

So, being a permanent resident—or a citizen, for that matter—is something you achieve by living and, for example, working, in the Netherlands. Which means that, if you ever want permanent residency, then you should start by looking for a job.

In this guide, we'll cover the key aspects of obtaining a Dutch permanent residence permit, including the eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and required documents.

What is a Dutch permanent residence permit?

A Dutch permanent residence permit is a legal status that allows non-Dutch nationals to live, work, and study in the Netherlands indefinitely. This permit provides long-term security and access to various benefits, similar to those available to Dutch citizens. There are different types depending on your status:

Permanent Residence Permit

A permit for non-EU/EEA nationals who have legally resided in the Netherlands for five consecutive years, allowing them to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Permanent Residence Long-Term EU

A permit for non-EU/EEA nationals who have lived in the Netherlands or another EU country for five years, granting them long-term resident status across the EU.

Permanent Residence for Union Citizens

A permit for EU/EEA or Swiss citizens who have lived in the Netherlands for five years, allowing them to stay permanently.

Permanent Residence Brexit

A permit for UK nationals who were living in the Netherlands before Brexit, enabling them to remain permanently under similar conditions as before.

Permanent Asylum Residence

A permit for refugees who have been granted asylum and have lived in the Netherlands for five years, allowing them to stay permanently.

Permanent Residence Permit for (Ex-)Privileged Persons

A permit for individuals who previously held privileged status in the Netherlands (such as diplomats) and now wish to reside permanently.

What are the benefits of a Dutch permanent residence permit?

To begin with, you should realise that being a permanent resident is not a requisite for work in the Netherlands. Actually, obtaining a Dutch permanent residence is far from the only way to work legally in the Netherlands. If you are an EU–EEA national or manage to get an EU passport through your ancestry, or even achieve Dutch naturalisation, you can work freely in all the countries of the EU.

If not, you can apply for a temporary or non-temporary purpose residence permits and visas. If you’re an expat looking to work in the Netherlands, that’s what you should be checking now because those visas and temp permits allow you to score permanent residence or citizenship. Not the other way around.

That said, the permanent residence does hold some unique benefits that might sway you in its direction. Unlike other permits, which are often tied to specific conditions like employment or study, a permanent residence permit allows you to live, work, and study in the Netherlands without restrictions and without needing to renew your permit regularly. It provides long-term security, making sure you can stay in the country indefinitely, even if your job or other circumstances change. If you’re thinking, the biggest benefit is that it's a stepping stone toward Dutch citizenship… well, not even that. Becoming a citizen by naturalisation and requesting a permit takes arguably the same time: Five years.

Is there any reason to pursue permanent residence as opposed to the Dutch passport?

This is an ongoing debate. There are some nuances by which being a permanent resident is a good idea. For example, if you want to become naturalised, but the government’s answer is taking too long, maybe you can try to become a resident so you’re covered in case your citizenship gets denied.

Also, permanent residence seems to be the most viable option if you want most of the benefits of citizenship without having to give up your original nationality.

When can you apply for a Dutch permanent residence permit?

To apply for the regular residence permit, you should have…

• Lived legally and continuously in the Netherlands as a main residence for five years with non-temporary purposes. Some people are exempted.
• Registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) at your local town hall.
• Qualifying Income: Income must be independent, sustainable, and sufficient.

• Met the general requirements:

  ◦ Hold a valid passport or travel document.

  ◦ Do not pose a threat to public order or national security.

  ◦ Complete an Appendix Antecedents Certificate (for those over 12 years old).

• Take a tuberculosis test if required, unless exempt.
• Passed the Civic Integration Exam at least at level A2, or are exempt.
• Always met the requirements for your previous residence permits.

What is the Civic Integration Exam?

The civic integration exam is used to demonstrate your knowledge of Dutch language and culture. To register, visit the DUO (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs) website; there are different exams available depending on what you are applying for. For your permanent residence, you need to show an A2 level or higher. This shows you can read short, simple texts. If you think you might qualify for an exemption or dispensation, check if you meet any of the criteria, such as having a Dutch qualification, already being sufficiently integrated, having an illness or other valid reason that makes integration challenging.

The prices for the exam and course depends on when you started integrating. If you are an asylum status holder, the municipality pays for your course and the first 2 attempts of each exam. If you are not an asylum holder, you can either pay for the course yourself or borrow money from DUO (only for approved schools). Not all schools charge the same for courses. For the exams, however, the prices are set.

You can make your own civil integration plan on DUO’s website.

What documents are required to apply for a Dutch permanent residence permit?

The documents needed are listed in the application form. These include:

• Passport or valid travel ID
• Current residence permit or proof that you have been a Dutch resident for the required period of time
• Proof of income (bank statements or employment contract)

SV salary is the social security salary (in Dutch: sociaalverzekeringsloon or sv-loon in short).

• Proof of civic integration, if required
• Evidence of clean criminal record
• Additional evidence if you qualify for an application before the five-year residence period 💡 Remember to have all your foreign documents legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.

How to apply for permanent residency in the Netherlands?

You can submit this application online using DigiD with SMS verification and internet banking (iDEAL). If you prefer to complete the application on paper and mail it in, you can download the form, which is available only in Dutch.

Your residence permit must still be valid when you apply, and you can start the process up to 3 months before it expires.

You can remain in the Netherlands while your application is processed. The IND has a six-month decision period, but it may be extended if more time is needed to review your application. If this happens, the IND will notify you.

You can follow the application in My IND.

Can your family members get permanent residency?

Your family members have to meet certain criteria to obtain a residence permit together with you.

• Eligibility: Family members such as a spouse, registered partner, or dependent children can apply.
• Requirements: The applicant must provide proof of relationship, identity, and the sponsor's legal status in the Netherlands.
• Documentation: Includes valid passport, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate), and evidence of the sponsor's residence and income.

To know more, check the IND page.

What are Dutch permanent residence permit fees?

As of September 2024, the fees are

• Adult over 18: €228
• Minor under 18: €76

When you apply online, you pay the fee immediately with iDEAL internet banking.

What is the waiting time to get a permanent residence permit?

The max waiting time is six months, but expats claim that their waiting time is around four or five months. One expat explained that they received the decision 4 months after applying, when IND called them for additional info. A day later, they got the confirmation. After that, it was a week for the card to be printed and then two weeks to schedule the pickup.

What if your application is rejected?

If you disagree with a decision made by the IND, you can submit a written objection within 4 weeks, explaining why you believe the decision is incorrect. If the objection is denied, you can then appeal the decision in court.

Talk to an immigration expert

Looking to make the Netherlands your new home? You don’t need permanent residence for that—that’s something you obtain when the Netherlands is already your home. And to begin with the first baby step, the best idea is finding a job and an employer willing to help you through the process of moving there. And the best way to navigate the Dutch permanent residence system is with the help of experienced immigration consultants.

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