Published: 23.02.2026
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.
According to the source, these are planned changes rather than an immediate replacement of the current rules: the government wants to shorten asylum procedures and change the route to naturalisation. For asylum applicants, this could mean a faster and less extensive process, combined with stricter consequences for refusing to cooperate. For long-term migrants, the key proposal is to replace the permanent residence route with temporary permits and a six-year path to naturalisation. The issue matters most to people planning to seek asylum or Dutch citizenship, but the proposals are not yet the same as rules already in force.