The procedure for obtaining official status of residence in the Netherlands is extremely simple and straightforward. Immigration laws are clearly spelled out and, subject to all the necessary conditions, obtaining a residence permit or citizenship in the Netherlands is much easier than, for example, in France, Belgium or Germany. Naturalization of a foreigner is possible if during the five-year period he officially resided in the territory of the country, of which he worked or studied for 3 years.
The subtleties of the legislation lie in the fact that it is necessary to renew a residence permit annually, strictly on the eve of the expiration of the previous period. Sometimes it is not possible to comply with this rule, and if the immigration service recognizes the reason as disrespectful, you will have to return to your homeland and apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands again.
However, you can start a new registration only after 6 months from the date of departure from the Netherlands, and it is this period that is considered the basis for interrupting the five years required for obtaining citizenship. This is especially critical if a person has already been in the country for 3-4 years. In this case, the entire naturalization procedure will have to be started from the very beginning.
Residence permit in Holland
To obtain a permit for temporary, and then for permanent residence, it is necessary to apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands. Such a document is issued immediately if a foreigner is in an official or civil marriage with a permanent resident of the country, receives an employment contract, buys real estate or organizes his own or joint business with Dutch partners. To obtain a residence permit, an application is submitted to the immigration authorities, for consideration of which 3 months are allotted.
It is very important upon arrival in the country to register within 8 days in the municipality of the place of residence. The residence permit itself in Holland is a plastic card with a photo and information about the date and place of birth, as well as about a partner or employer. The first three years it is issued for a limited period, which will need to be renewed annually.
For those who came to the country to study or for treatment, a residence permit is issued, which will not be counted in the total length of stay. For those who come to care for elderly or sick relatives, a package of documents is required confirming the need to be present in the country.
Permanent residence in the Netherlands
Permission for permanent residence in the Netherlands is granted after obtaining a residence permit and a five-year stay in the country, subject to the provision of all necessary documents and confirmation of financial solvency. In the case of a personal relationship with a Dutch citizen, a check of three years of cohabitation and housekeeping is mandatory.
The essential requirements of the legislation are not just the absence of a criminal record, but also the absence of criminal cases in general, as well as the absence of fines exceeding 450 euros. Such conditions are put forward in order to ensure the implementation of administrative laws by all citizens living in the country.
In order to become a Dutch citizen , you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship:
- spouses or cohabitants after 3 years of cohabitation;
- refugees, entrepreneurs, employees after 5 years with a regular extension of a residence permit;
- university graduates after getting a permanent job.
Buying property in the Netherlands is not in itself considered a basis for obtaining permanent residence. This circumstance is taken into account if it will serve as a source of income from which taxes will be regularly paid.
To obtain permanent residence in the Netherlands , a test for social integration is mandatory, and you can apply only after successfully passing it. It is also necessary to prove the source of a stable income of at least 1500 euros, but after 10 years of residence, such proof is no longer needed.
Documents must be submitted to the Department of Civil Affairs at the place of residence in the Netherlands. First, an interview is conducted in which knowledge of the Dutch language and the level of adaptation are checked, and then all papers are transferred to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, where the final decision is made and Dutch citizenship is assigned.
