5 Things to take into account when coming to the Netherlands

When migrating to another country there is a lot to arrange and a lot to think about. All of this can be summarized in the following 5 subjects: 

1. Immigration Law: Can a foreign national reside and work legally in the Netherlands? 

2. Labor Law: If so, under which conditions? 

3. Tax Law: How is this handled fiscally? 

4. Social Security: Which social security law applies? 

5. Pension 

All of this is next to the actual relocation. 

Let’s start at the beginning: Who is allowed to legally reside and work in the Netherlands? 

In principle, nationals of one of the following countries may reside and work in the Netherlands without a residence- and/or work permit or any other prior consent of the Dutch authorities. 

Consequently, nationals of other countries cannot reside freely in the Netherlands, nor work freely in the Dutch labour market. 

Difference between short and long stay 

In the Netherlands a residence permit is only required in case someone with a non-EU / European Economic Area (EEA) / Swiss nationality wishes to reside in the Netherlands for longer than 90 out of  180 days.  

If someone wants to spend a maximum duration of 90 out of 180 days in the Netherlands it depends on the nationality of that person if a Schengen Visa (otherwise known as a Short Stay Visa) is needed.  

Difference between residing and working 

The fact that you are allowed to reside in the Netherlands does not immediately mean that you are also allowed to work in the Netherlands and vice versa. Always check if your legal residence also allows you access to the Dutch labour market or if anything else, such as a work permit, is needed.