Netherlands · Permanent Residence
Permanent Residence in the Netherlands
After five consecutive years on a valid Dutch residence permit, a founder whose current permit has a non-temporary purpose, such as self-employment, can apply for permanent residence. The IND first checks eligibility for EU long-term resident status.
- Startup route
- Start-up residence permit
- Minimum capital
- No set capital; living funds for the full year
- Permanent residence
- 5 consecutive years on a valid residence permit
- Citizenship
- 5 years (10-year bill proposed in 2025)
Permanent residence permit
Applicants need at least five consecutive years with a valid Dutch residence permit, with their main residence in the Netherlands for the whole period and every extension filed on time. The permit held at the moment of applying must be for a non-temporary purpose. Other conditions are meeting the income requirement, registration in the municipal population register (BRP) and a pass in the civic integration exam at language level A2, unless exempt. The IND first examines whether the applicant qualifies for an EU long-term resident permit and otherwise considers the national permanent permit. The status itself has no end date, while the card is renewed every 5 years.
- Qualifying period
- 5 consecutive years on a valid residence permit
- Government fee
- EUR 254 (EUR 85 for applicants under 18)
- Processing time
- Decision within 6 months; can be extended
- Integration exam
- Civic integration exam at A2, unless exempt
- Card renewal
- Every 5 years, EUR 85
- Validity
- Permanent status with no end date
Requirements
- Five consecutive years with a valid residence permit and main residence in the Netherlands.
- A current permit issued for a non-temporary purpose of stay.
- Income meeting the IND income requirement.
- Registration in the BRP municipal population register.
- A civic integration exam pass at level A2 or an exemption.
- No false or withheld information in the current permit application.
How to apply
- Check that every permit was extended on time and that the 5 years are unbroken.
- Apply to the IND from 3 months before the current permit expires and pay EUR 254.
- Wait for the decision, which the IND must give within 6 months.
- Collect the permanent residence document and renew it every 5 years.
How founders reach the 5-year mark
A typical founder spends one year on the start-up permit and then holds the self-employed permit in 2-year blocks. Because the permanent residence test looks at the purpose of the permit held when applying, the self-employed permit, a non-temporary purpose, is the one that matters at that point. Founders confirm with the IND how the start-up year is counted in their own case before relying on it. Late extensions can be costly: the IND requires that every permit was extended on time, so a gap between permits can restart the clock. The Netherlands has no permanent residence by investment.
Questions and answers
Which language level is required for Dutch permanent residence?
The IND page for the permanent residence permit asks for a pass in the civic integration exam at language level A2, unless the applicant is exempt. The same A2 level currently applies to naturalization, so one exam result can serve both applications when the timing lines up.
What is the difference between permanent residence and EU long-term resident status?
Both give indefinite residence, but the EU long-term resident permit (type V) is a status based on EU rules, while the permanent residence permit (type II) is a national status. When someone applies, the IND first checks whether they qualify for the EU permit and, if not, considers the national permanent permit or an extension of the current one.
When can the permanent residence application be filed?
The current permit must still be valid on the application date, and applications can be made from 3 months before it expires. People who have already lived in the Netherlands on a residence permit for more than 5 years can choose the moment that suits them.
Official sources
- Permanent residence permitind.nl
- Fees: costs of an applicationind.nl
- Residence permit self-employed personind.nl
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Netherlands.
Startup visa
1-year start-up permit with an RVO-recognized facilitator; not extendable
02Temporary residence
Self-employed permit for up to 2 years at a time after an RVO points test
03Permanent residence
Permanent residence after 5 years; civic integration exam at A2
04Citizenship
Naturalization after 5 years; renouncing other nationality usually required