Types of Residency in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the popular countries in Europe for immigrants, and its residency system provides various options for those wishing to live and work in the country. There are different types of residency for individuals coming to the Netherlands:

1. EU Long-Term Residence
2. Netherlands Permanent Residence

We will review and compare these methods below:

Conditions for Residency in the Netherlands

To obtain residency in the Netherlands, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

1. Obtaining temporary residence through one of the immigration routes
2. Knowledge and proficiency in the Dutch language
3. Registered with the municipality
4. No criminal record
5. Timely payment of taxes
6. Financial means to cover living expenses

Necessary Documents for Obtaining Residency in the Netherlands

Securing residency in the Netherlands, whether for work, study, family reunification, or other purposes, requires careful preparation and submission of specific documents. These documents are as follows:

1. Valid Passport
2. Visa Application Form
3. Passport Photo
4. Documents required to prove financial means
5. Health Insurance
6. Criminal Clearance Certificate

Methods of Obtaining Residency in the Netherlands

The Netherlands attracts many immigrants through various methods, including study, work, investment, and marriage, each requiring specific visa types. The easiest way to immigrate often depends on individual circumstances, with education being a common pathway. Below, we will explore the requirements for obtaining residency in the Netherlands through each method.

Residency in the Netherlands through Work

Obtaining and how to get residency in the Netherlands through work has its specific conditions and steps, which we will explore in this section. To work in the Netherlands and engage in the job market of this country, you must first obtain a work visa. The Netherlands offers various work visas to applicants, each with different conditions for residency in the Netherlands through work.

Work visas in the Netherlands are divided into 3 categories.

Documents required for obtaining a work visa in the Netherlands include the following.

• Job offer from a Dutch employer
• Applicant’s educational and work resume
• Valid identity documents
• Completed visa application form
• Health certificate
• Travel insurance
• Letter of financial means required to live in the Netherlands
• Provide residence address in the Netherlands

In the chart below, you can see the unemployment rate of the Netherlands.

Residency in the Netherlands through Study

Studying in the Netherlands can lead to residency, but not directly. International students can work part-time during their studies to help with expenses and gain work experience. After graduation, they have one year to find work in their field.

Once employed, they can transition from a study visa to a work visa. After 5-6 years of working and paying taxes, they may apply for permanent residency and citizenship. The essential documents for studying in the Netherlands are as follows.

• Tuition Fees in the Netherlands

Tuition fees in the Netherlands vary by university type and degree level. Generally, tuition fees for international students at the bachelor’s and master’s levels typically range from €6,000 to €15,000 per year. Additionally, living costs (such as housing, food, transport, and other expenses) should also be considered, which can range from €800 to €1,200 per month.

• Top Universities in the Netherlands

The following is a list of top universities in the Netherlands:

1. Submit academic documents along with transcripts from previous courses
2. Provide IELTS English language certificate with the score requested by the university
3. Letter of financial means to attend the Netherlands
4. Final acceptance letter from the university
5. Provide identity documents including passport, birth certificate, etc.
6. Health certificate from a doctor
7. Passport photo
8. Letter of no criminal record

Residency in the Netherlands through Investment

Obtaining residency in the Netherlands through investment is the easiest way to immigrate and can also lead to citizenship. Company registration, residency through property purchase, and setting up a startup are the main methods of investment in the Netherlands. We will examine these three methods further.

Residency in the Netherlands through Financial Means

One way to immigrate to the Netherlands is through financial self-support, which allows individuals to prove they can financially support themselves and their families. While the Netherlands does not offer residency through this method, countries like Austria, Spain, and France do. Once residency is obtained in these countries, you can live and travel freely in the Netherlands and other European nations. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

Residency in the Netherlands through Property Purchase

It is possible to invest in and obtain residency in the Netherlands through property purchase (residency in the Netherlands by buying property), but buying property in the Netherlands does not lead to obtaining citizenship and residency in the Netherlands. Other countries in Europe, like Spain, Portugal, and Greece do grant residency to investors through property purchases.

Residency in the Netherlands through Company Registration

Company registration in the Netherlands is based on a point system where applicants are scored based on their business plan, the amount of personal investment, work experience, and the applicant’s age.

Company registration in the Netherlands requires a minimum investment of €1,250,000, which is significantly higher compared to other European countries like Austria and Germany. Due to the high investment amount and the complexities involved in obtaining residency in the Netherlands through company registration for some cases, many applicants intending to start a business in the Netherlands often choose to go through the startup program.

Residency in the Netherlands through Startup (Entrepreneurship)

Startup in the Netherlands is one of the best investment methods that does not require a high expenditure. The core of this method is having a new idea.

The Netherlands offers a startup visa for entrepreneurs with innovative business plans. After submitting and getting approval for the business plan, applicants receive support to launch their startup. The process takes 2-4 months. While an IELTS score of 6+ is recommended, it’s not required. With €50,000-€60,000, you can start your business, and after 5 years of working and paying taxes, you can apply for permanent residency.

Artist Residency in the Netherlands

Artists and musicians outside the EU can apply for a residency permit in the Netherlands through two routes: securing a job offer from a Dutch employer or working as self-employed. The Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science evaluates applicants based on cultural significance, although criteria may vary.

Working with a Dutch cultural institution can strengthen the application. Applications should be submitted at the Dutch consulate, with proof of cultural value and business details. Upon arrival, registration with the Chamber of Commerce is required.

Residency in the Netherlands through Marriage

Marriage is another main way of obtaining residency in the Netherlands. Marriage in any country, resulting in residency, has its specific conditions and laws. Marriage in the Netherlands has its specific rules. Individuals marrying Dutch citizens must live together for at least 3 years and provide evidence of this.

To obtain residency in the Netherlands through marriage, a Dutch citizen must prove they lived with their partner at a Dutch address and can financially support their partner. Same-sex marriage is allowed, and individuals of legal age can marry. A genuine marriage to a Dutch citizen can lead to permanent residency after 3 years. Required documents for residency include proof of residence, financial support, and marriage authenticity.

• Provide identity documents
• Divorce certificate or death certificate of the person’s ex-spouse, if applicable
• Official marriage certificate
• Provide the person’s home address in the Netherlands
• Have the necessary financial means

Residency in the Netherlands and Obtaining Citizenship through Birth

Residency in the Netherlands through birth is also possible. In general, obtaining citizenship through birth in all countries follows two general rules: citizenship through soil and citizenship through blood.

In the Netherlands, citizenship is granted through blood, meaning a child automatically inherits Dutch citizenship if one parent is Dutch, even if born outside the country. Unlike countries like the U.S., Canada, and Brazil, which follow the principle of soil (citizenship through birth on the country’s land), the Netherlands does not grant citizenship based on birthplace alone. Therefore, having a child born in the Netherlands does not automatically confer Dutch citizenship if the parents are not Dutch citizens.

Residency in the Netherlands through Asylum

Asylum in Netherlands is a last resort for obtaining residency, defined by the Geneva Convention for those fleeing life-threatening situations due to political beliefs, religion, social group membership, gender, or race. While the Dutch government accepts asylum seekers, many applications, are rejected due to unsubstantiated claims.

Asylum-seeking is risky, involving dangerous travel and living in poor conditions, and often leads to social burdens. The Malekpour Institute does not provide asylum services but offers alternative immigration methods.

Cost of Residency in the Netherlands

When immigrating to the Netherlands, you need to consider the costs associated with obtaining residency permits. These costs are as follows:

• Family residence permit in the Netherlands: 210 euros
• Permit for children under 18 years: 70 euros
• Work residence permit: around 200 to 400 euros
• Student residence permit: 210 euros
• Investment residence permit fee: over 2 thousand euros

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

The cost of living in the Netherlands is cheaper than in many Western European countries, but the quality of life is comparable. Amsterdam, the capital, and some major cities in the Netherlands are more expensive than others. On average, the cost of living in large Dutch cities is estimated at €2,200 per month for an individual. For a family of 4, this cost is about €4,200 per month.

In the table below, we have provided the costs of some consumable items for living in the Netherlands.

Validity of Residency Permits in the Netherlands

The validity of residency permits in the Netherlands varies depending on the type of permit and individual specific conditions. In general:

1. Temporary residence permit: Usually issued for a period of one year and may be renewable. This type of permit is common for people who have come to the Netherlands for study, work, or family reasons.
2. Permanent residence permit: If a person meets the requirements, they can apply for a permanent residence permit after living in the Netherlands for a certain number of years (usually 5 years). This permit is usually valid for an unlimited period.

Reasons for Residency Denial in the Netherlands

Factors that can lead to the rejection of residency applications in the Netherlands include:

1. Incomplete documentation
2. Non-compliance with visa conditions
3. Financial incapacity
4. Failure to provide valid health insurance
5. Criminal history
6. Inability to speak Dutch or English (depending on the visa type)
7. Failure to confirm residence
8. Non-compliance with immigration laws
9. Failure to provide valid educational documents
10. Medical issues (depending on the type of visa)

Permanent Residency and Citizenship in the Netherlands

Obtaining residency and citizenship in the Netherlands requires several years of continuous work, paying taxes, and integrating into society. After five years of residency, individuals can apply for Dutch citizenship and Dutch passport, which requires proficiency in the Dutch language and knowledge of the country’s culture.

The Netherlands is a prosperous destination for immigration, with many individuals seeking to live and work there annually. We recommend consulting experienced immigration experts like the Malekpour Institute for guidance on your journey to Dutch residency and citizenship.

Advantages of Residency in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a high quality of life to immigrants, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, like any foreign country, this country also has its specific rules, regulations, and processes, which can be challenging for immigrants to acclimatize to. If you plan to immigrate to the Netherlands, here are some advantages of living in this country:

1. Access to High-Quality Healthcare
2. Social Benefits
3. Strong Economy
4. Security and Stability
5. Access to Education

Disadvantages of Residency in the Netherlands

Having previously described the advantages of living and residing in the Netherlands, it’s important to be informed about the disadvantages of residing in the Netherlands as well. Below are the primary disadvantages of living in this country:

1. Expensive healthcare
2. High taxes
3. Housing shortage
4. High cost of living
5. Different social customs

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Obtaining Residency in the Netherlands

• How is residency in the Netherlands?

The first step to obtaining residency in the Netherlands is to understand the immigration methods available and choose the best option. Afterwards, you must prepare the necessary conditions and documents based on the selected method.

• What is the best way to obtain residency in the Netherlands?

Your personal circumstances undoubtedly affect the choice of the best method for obtaining residency in the Netherlands; however, generally, a work visa for the Netherlands, studying at Dutch universities, and investing in the Netherlands are among the best ways to gain residency.

• What is the least expensive method to obtain residency in the Netherlands?

Work methods such as obtaining a job offer are among the least expensive ways to obtain residency in the Netherlands. Studying in the Netherlands is also the second least expensive method.

• Do I have to work through a lawyer to obtain residency in the Netherlands?

No. You can learn the rules for obtaining residency in the Netherlands by spending some time. However, undoubtedly, a lawyer can expedite your process and offer their experiences to you.

• What are the ways to obtain residency in the Netherlands?

Purchasing property in the Netherlands does not permit direct residency, but there are options like employment, study, and investment for obtaining permanent residency in the Netherlands.

In this article, we reviewed the main ways to obtain residency, citizenship, and a Dutch passport, along with the cost of living in the Netherlands. As a wealthy EU country with a high quality of life, the Netherlands is a popular destination for study, work, and investment.

The Malekpour Institute offers expert guidance on legal immigration. For a free consultation, contact us. You can also leave your questions about residency in the Netherlands in the comments section for a quick response.