IMMIGRATION ALERTS

EU citizens can work in the Netherlands immediately without permits. Full access to social protections, healthcare, and labour rights from day one. With unemployment at 3.9% and the highest job vacancy rate in the EU, the Netherlands offers one of Europe's most accessible labour markets for EU nationals.

The Netherlands has approved the EU Migration Pact, introducing strict asylum measures from June 12, 2026. Key changes: no permanent residence permits, temporary permits cut from 5 to 3 years, tighter family reunification, and reduced appeal window from 4 weeks to 2 weeks.

The Dutch IND has clarified that family members of Highly Skilled Migrant permit holders may remain outside the Netherlands for up to eight consecutive months for work-related reasons – matching the flexibility already granted to principal visa holders. This removes previous ambiguity and benefits expat families.

Netherlands immigration updates April 2026: MVV issue form no longer required; highly skilled migrant permit renewals now use self-declaration for salary.

In 2025, the Netherlands student visa process has undergone significant changes, particularly for non-EU applicants from countries like Nigeria and Pakistan.

The Netherlands, long celebrated for its open economy and international workforce, has introduced stringent reforms to its Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) visa program in 2025

The proposed overhaul of the Netherlands’ expat tax regime marks a pivotal shift in the country’s approach to attracting global talent. Starting January 1, 2027