IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Netherlands has increased the amount of time that non-EU nationals can remain in the country without a work permit in order to attend business meetings.

What does the change mean? Non-EU nationals can attend business meetings in the Netherlands for up to 13 weeks in a 52-week period. The previous rule allowed for up to four weeks in a 13-week period for work permit-waived business meeting visits.

  • Implementation time frame: The new regulation took effect July 18.
  • Visas/permits affected: The change affects the amount of time non-EU nationals can remain in the Netherlands without obtaining work permits.
  • Who is affected: Non-EU nationals attending business meetings – including meetings to negotiate contracts – in the Netherlands.
  • Business impact: The new regulation makes it easier for non-EU nationals to remain in the Netherlands for longer periods of time in order to attend business meetings.

Background: In January of 2014, the Netherlands moved to expand the time non-EU nationals would be allowed in the country to attend business meetings before having to obtain a work permit. The 2014 bill was meant to broaden the waiver for business meetings and bring the Netherlands into accord with international agreements. A hitch in the bill’s language led to confusion, however, as the legislation stipulated that the allowable time frame would be set at 13 “uninterrupted” weeks in a 52-week period. The new regulation is meant to correct what was widely believed to be a drafting error. Under the new regulation, non-EU nationals can attend business meetings in the Netherlands without a work permit for 13 weeks in a 52-week period whether or not that time is uninterrupted.

BAL Analysis: While the time frame has changed, allowable activities for those in the Netherlands without a work permit have not. Those with any questions about what activities are permitted when attending a business meeting should contact their BAL attorney.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the Netherlands. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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