This is the latest Brexit newsletter for British citizens living in the Netherlands. It is issued by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in English. Subsequent issues will be published when there is more news. Previous newsletters are available from the archive below. It is not currently possible to receive this newsletter by e-mail.
These are difficult and uncertain times as a result of the coronavirus crisis. It is important to stay in touch with us if you are unable to submit your application for a residence document on time. Our Brexit line is happy to help you with any questions you have about your application: +31 (0)88 04 30410. This line can be reached from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00.
Are you one of the few thousand UK nationals living in the Netherlands who has not yet applied for a residence document? Then make sure you apply online to the IND as soon as possible. You no longer need an invitation letter from the IND to apply for a residence document. Submit your application before 31 December, 2020 and preferably before then. If you submit your application soon, the IND can still take a decision before the end of 2020. Then you can prove your right to live in the Netherlands as before from the beginning of 2021.
From 31 January 2020 (Brexit), the IND invited UK nationals living in the Netherlands by letter in stages to apply for a residence document online. This was so we could check and decide on all applications on time. In July 2020, the last registered UK nationals received an invitation from the IND. Since August 2020, the IND is no longer inviting UK nationals to apply for a residence document. You can now apply immediately if you have not already done so.
Not all the British living in the Netherlands have applied for a residence document. Despite letters and calls on social media, it appears that we have not been able to reach everyone. That is why the IND is asking for your help. Do you know someone British in your neighbourhood who needs help, such as someone who is elderly, visually impaired or who cannot read? Please talk to them and let them know that it is important to apply for a residence document. If necessary, please help them to submit their application. It is important for all UK nationals to arrange their residence on time for after 31 December 2020. This can only be done by applying for a residence document under the Withdrawal Agreement from the IND.
Has the IND approved your application for a residence document for after Brexit? Then do not forget to make an appointment online to have your biometrics taken. The IND can only prepare your residence document if you have provided your biometric data (fingerprints, photo and signature). When you visit an IND desk, various coronavirus measures apply inside the building, such as the use of a face mask. The IND asks you to follow these measures during your visit so biometrics can be taken safely. Do not wait any longer and make your appointment for biometrics now.
In order to continue living in the Netherlands after 31 December 2020, you need to apply for a residence document. There are 2 types of residence document under the Withdrawal Agreement. How long you have already lived in the Netherlands determines which type of residence document to apply for.
Apply for temporary residency if you have lived in the Netherlands for less than 5 years. The document is valid for 5 years. After living in the Netherlands for 5 years in a row, you have built up a permanent right to live here. Then you can apply for permanent residency.
Apply for permanent residency if you have lived in the Netherlands for more than 5 years in a row. You can build up the 5 years by living according to EU provisions. The time that you live here under the Withdrawal Agreement also counts. Your residence document is valid for 10 years. You need to renew your document after 10 years, like a passport. The IND will take a photo of you if your application is approved.
Are you currently working as a British frontier worker (cross-border commuter) in the Netherlands? Would you like to continue to do so from 1 January 2021? This is possible if you come under the Withdrawal Agreement. From 1 January 2021 you will need a frontier worker's document for this purpose. You will soon be able to apply for one online from the IND. Only with this document can you show that you can continue to work as a frontier worker in the Netherlands. You can also use it to easily travel in and out of the Netherlands. By mid-October 2020, the application for a frontier worker's document will be available on our web page about frontier workers after Brexit.