Residence permit to work after end of relationship

23 September 2019 Foreigners holding a permit to stay with spouse or partner can work without a work permit. In general, foreigners are freely admitted to the Dutch labour market after holding a residence permit for at least 5 year. The Secretary of State now emphasizes that foreigners whose marriage or relationship ends within this 5 year period, also lose their full access to the Dutch labour market. In case these foreigners apply for a residence permit for the purpose of work, they will need a labour tested work permit. These labour tested work permits are hardly issued. Meaning that the application for a residence permit to work will be rejected.