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Abolition of high net worth individual immigration program (“golden visa”)
Since 1 October 2013 it has been possible to for foreigners to apply for a residence permit as high net worth individual. Foreigners who invested an amount of at least €1,250,000 in an investment fund, a SEED fund or in an innovative company could qualify for such a permit.
Several EU Member States have such immigration schemes (“golden visas”) to attract wealthy foreigners. These regulations have been under discussion within the EU for several years due to the risk of criminal activities, such as money laundering. The Dutch government has decided to abolish this high net worth individual immigration program. As of April 17, 2024, it is therefore no longer possible to apply for this residence permit.
In practice, little use has been made of this scheme in the Netherlands. The number of residence permits issued is estimated at 10 to 50 since 1 October 2013.
Foreigners who already have a residence permit as high net worth individual can keep it. The transitional law also stipulates that the residence permit can be extended in accordance with the old rules.