Published: 14.10.2026

• 2026-10-14The Netherlands plans to raise the naturalisation language requirement to B1

  Under the coalition agreement, the Netherlands plans to replace the current A2 naturalisation requirement with B1. B1 is already the target for many refugees and family members covered by the 2021 Civic Integration Act, while EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are largely exempt.

• 2026-10-13The Netherlands expands powers to enforce the return of foreign nationals

  The Dutch Senate approved the Return and Immigration Detention Act. The law allows authorities to compel certain foreign nationals without a right to stay to cooperate with return procedures; refusal may lead to up to three months in prison or a fine. It also broadens the grounds for declaring disruptive offenders undesirable and abolishes judicial penalties for delayed IND decisions.

• 2026-10-02A Dutch business visa provides temporary entry but does not replace residence permission

  The business visa is intended only for temporary entry and cannot serve as a route to permanent residence in the Netherlands. Long-term relocation therefore requires a separate immigration route.

• 2026-09-30The Dutch government proposed changes to the Box 3 wealth tax system

  The Dutch cabinet has proposed taxing realised gains on shares, bonds and funds at 36% when they are sold. The tax-free allowance is planned to fall from 2027, while from 2028 a €1,000 tax-free return would replace the current allowance; the proposals still require parliamentary approval.

• 2026-09-29The Netherlands extends temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028 and outlines a transition status

  Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the EU and the Netherlands has been extended until 4 March 2028. After it ends, the government plans to offer either a regular residence permit or, for some people, a transition document allowing them to live and work in the Netherlands for up to three additional years without a work permit.

• 2026-09-28Dutch student residence in 2026 requires an MVV, proof of funds and university-led application

  For nationals from outside the EU/EEA, many study routes require both an MVV entry visa and a student residence permit, with the university submitting the combined application. For 2026, the source cites proof of funds of €1,280 per month, an IND decision period of up to 60 days and municipal registration after arrival.

• 2026-09-28The initial asylum residence permit in the Netherlands has been shortened to three years

  From 12 June 2026, recognised refugees receive a three-year asylum residence permit instead of a five-year permit, with the possibility of renewal. Indefinite asylum residence permits are no longer issued; permanent status is to be pursued through EU long-term resident status after five years, subject to the relevant requirements.

• 2026-09-23Biometric passports will be required for Russian travelers entering the Netherlands from 1 October 2026

  A passport used to enter the Netherlands must remain valid for at least three months after departure from the Schengen Area. According to the source, from 1 October 2026, five-year non-biometric passports will no longer be accepted.

• 2026-09-04The Netherlands applies an exit tax to owners of substantial company interests

  When tax residence is lost in the Netherlands, an exit tax may apply to unrealized capital gains. In 2026, the rule concerns owners of a substantial company interest, defined as at least a 5% stake in the capital.

• 2026-08-31Temporary protection for Ukrainians in the Netherlands extended until 4 March 2028

  According to the source, the Netherlands has extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until 4 March 2028. Beneficiaries retain resident rights and social guarantees; after the regime ends, long-term residence will require a regular residence permit or citizenship of an EU country.

• 2026-08-18IND updates information on residence permits for partners

  The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) states that a foreign partner needs a residence permit to live with their partner in the Netherlands. Its official page sets out the requirements and application process and is marked as updated on 24 July 2026.

• 2026-08-05Residence options for Ukrainians in the Netherlands after temporary protection are outlined

  Temporary protection in the Netherlands is not an independent immigration basis for long-term residence; after it ends, a residence permit under the regular rules or citizenship of an EU country will be needed. According to the source, the temporary protection regime is in force until 4 March 2028, while visa-free entry is limited to 90 days in any 180-day period.

• 2026-07-30US citizens have dedicated Dutch relocation routes, including DAFT and family residence

  US citizens are exempt from the long-stay MVV in many residence categories but still need the applicable residence permit. The source describes the DAFT route for qualifying entrepreneurs with at least €4,500 in business capital and family permits requiring identity, relationship, sponsor and income evidence.

• 2026-06-30Requirements and Procedure for Permanent Residence in the Netherlands Outlined

  Applicants for permanent residence in the Netherlands must meet residence conditions, maintain valid residence status, register in the municipal database and pass an integration exam. After entering the country, an address must be registered with the municipality within five days, after which the applicant receives a BSN.

• 2026-06-23The Netherlands began using the EES to register short-term travellers’ entries and exits

  Since 9 April 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has applied to non-EU nationals visiting the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The system automatically records entry and exit dates to monitor compliance with the 90/180-day rule.

• 2026-05-29A Dutch residence permit allows stays exceeding 90 days

  A Dutch residence permit allows a person to live in the country for more than 90 days. The permit is also linked to carrying out activity corresponding to the chosen basis for stay.

• 2026-05-29MVV and a residence permit are required to legalize long-term stay in the Netherlands

  To legalize residence in the Netherlands, an applicant needs a temporary residence authorization known as an MVV, comparable to an immigration visa, as well as a residence permit. The source links these documents to establishing lawful residence in the country.

• 2026-05-29Dutch tax residents are taxed on worldwide income

  The Netherlands taxes residents on their worldwide income, while non-residents are generally taxed on specified Dutch-source income. Income is divided into separate categories, including employment and substantial-interest income.

• 2026-05-29Residents and employees in the Netherlands must have statutory health insurance

  Health insurance under the Dutch Health Insurance Act is compulsory for all residents and employees subject to Dutch wage tax. The source also cites an income-related contribution of 6.10% up to the specified income ceiling.

• 2026-05-26The Netherlands tightens asylum rules under the EU Migration Pact

  From 12 June 2026, recognised refugees will no longer receive indefinite or permanent residence permits, while the initial temporary permit will be shortened from five years to three. Family reunification requirements are also tightened, and the deadline for appealing an IND decision is reduced from four weeks to two.

• 2026-05-25Integration requirements depend on the residence basis and purpose of stay

  Applicants moving to join a partner generally need to pass the basic A1 civic integration exam abroad for an MVV. Naturalisation generally requires an A2-level exam, while partners who move to the Netherlands typically need to reach B1 within three years unless exempt.

• 2026-05-20The Netherlands applies specific procedures for asylum applications

  Asylum applications in the Netherlands must be made in person: to border authorities at the external border or to the IND inside the country. People entering by land must register at the Ter Apel application centre within 48 hours, while arrivals from outside the Schengen Area by air or sea may be subject to a border procedure lasting up to four weeks.

• 2026-05-11Naturalisation in the Netherlands generally requires at least five years of residence

  According to the source, the standard route to Dutch citizenship requires at least five years of residence while maintaining resident status. The source also mentions requirements related to residence permits, language, criminal history and, generally, renunciation of previous citizenship.

• 2026-02-23Dutch coalition agreement proposes changes to asylum and naturalisation rules

  The Dutch government proposes simplifying asylum procedures, tightening the consequences of non-cooperation and limiting legal aid for applicants with little prospect of obtaining residence. It also proposes abolishing permanent residence permits and allowing naturalisation after six years on the basis of two temporary permits, subject to the B1 language requirement.

• 2025-12-28Sanctions complicate bank-account opening and transfers for Russians in European banks

  The source says that Russians are formally allowed to open accounts with foreign banks but often face refusals because of sanctions and source-of-funds checks. Transfers from sanctioned Russian banks may not be accepted by migration authorities when applying for residence or citizenship.