Permanent residence and Dutch nationality

If you move to the Netherlands, you will first receive a temporary residence permit, for example as a highly skilled migrant or as a family member. How can you eventually obtain a permanent residence permit or Dutch nationality? We list the most important conditions.

Five years of residence

Usually you can only become eligible for a stronger residence permit after five consecutive years of lawful residence in the Netherlands. It is therefore important to avoid so-called ‘residence gaps’.

If a residence gap threatens, sound the alarm in time. We can assess with you whether the gap can be closed, and whether you can qualify for a stronger right of residence despite the gap.

It is also important that you have always lived in the Netherlands during those five years.

There are a number of exceptions to the five-year rule. For example, if you are cohabiting with your Dutch partner, you may qualify for Dutch citizenship after only three years.

In 2024, the government has planned to extend the standard term for naturalization from five years to 10 years. This plan has not yet been worked out. For now, therefore, the term remains five years.

Integration

Currently, an A2-level diploma is still sufficient to obtain a permanent residence permit and Dutch nationality. The Cabinet plans to raise this requirement to B1, but this has not yet happened.

Income

For a permanent residence permit, you must usually show that you have sufficient and sustainable income, for example, with a contract for at least the minimum wage and a duration of at least 1 year. Your partner’s income can often be included as well.

In other cases, too, you can often show that your income is sufficient and sustainable. We can assess with you whether this is the case.

In order to qualify for Dutch nationality, you do not have to show any income.

EU long-term residence, permanent residence, or Dutch nationality?

If you naturalize to Dutch citizenship, you often have to give up your original nationality. Our experts at the nationality desk can assess whether you can still retain your original nationality. If no exception applies to you, you can choose to apply for a permanent residence permit.

The EU long-term resident permit is the strongest residence permit in the Netherlands. This permit allows you to stay away from the Netherlands longer, for example. But the required five-year period of residence is counted less favorably for this permit. For example, a period of study only counts for half. If you do not qualify for the EU long-term resident permit, the IND will consider whether you qualify for the permanent resident permit.

Our attorneys can go over the pros and cons of each option with you and work with you to determine a strategy for your future in the Netherlands.

Webinar

On May 20 at 18:00, the International Centres of The Hague, Leiden and Rotterdam are organizing a webinar on this permanent right of residence and Dutch nationality. Our lawyer Esther Wolthuis is the guest speaker. She will explain this topic and can answer your questions. Admission is free. You can register via this link.