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EU Long-Term Residence Permit
NetherlandsNetherlands•Europe
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EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 6 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €254

Stay Duration

5 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Netherlands flag

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living
5% more than United States
Avg Salary€42,000
Quality of Life
206/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Permanent-equivalent residence for non-EU nationals who have legally resided in an EU country for 5+ years.

The EU Long-Term Residence Permit grants permanent-equivalent status to non-EU nationals who have lived legally in the Netherlands for at least 5 consecutive years. It removes the need for a separate work permit and confers rights comparable to Dutch residents, including EU-wide mobility.

Valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely, the permit requires passing the civic integration exam, maintaining sufficient income, and not exceeding absence limits (6 consecutive months or 10 total). The fee is EUR 254 and the IND must decide within 6 months. Dependents may join and work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals who have built a stable life in the Netherlands and want near-permanent status with full work rights and EU mobility.

Netherlands

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have lived in the Netherlands legally with a valid residence permit for at least 5 consecutive years.

Must have not been outside the Netherlands for more than 6 consecutive months at a time, or more than 10 months in total over the 5-year period.

Must possess a valid passport.

Must have sufficient, sustainable, and independent income.

Must have passed the civic integration exam (or be exempt).

Must be registered in the Personal Records Database (BRP) of the municipality.

Must not pose a threat to public order or national security.

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

20,815 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Proof of income (such as employment contract and salary slips)

Civic integration diploma (or proof of exemption)

Passport photos

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Near-permanent status
  • EU-wide mobility rights
  • Full work rights

Worth Knowing

  • 5-year residence requirement
  • Integration tests in some countries

Application Process

1

Collect documents

Gather all required evidence, including passport, proof of income, and civic integration diploma.

2

Apply

Submit the application online using DigiD or in writing by post.

3

Pay for application

Pay the required application fee.

4

Wait for decision

Await the IND's decision, which must be made within 6 months.

5

Collect residence permit

Once approved, make an appointment to collect your residence document at an IND desk.

Application Forms

Aanvraag verblijfsvergunning EU langdurig ingezetene of een verblijfsvergunning regulier voor onbepaalde tijd—

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