Work permit requirements for Croatians to end July 1

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Netherlands will lift work permit requirements for Croatian nationals July 1.

What does the change mean? Dutch employers will no longer be required to apply for work permits for Croatian employees.

• Implementation time frame: July 1.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits.
• Who is affected: Employers and foreign nationals seeking to work in the Netherlands.
• Impact on processing times: Croatian nationals will not need to apply for work permits after June 30.
• Business impact: Companies may recruit and hire Croatians without having to sponsor them for work authorization.

Background: Croatia joined the European Union in 2013. Under transitional provisions, the Netherlands opted to restrict labor access for Croatians from that point until now. Legally, the Netherlands could continue to impose restrictions for another two years, but has opted not to do so. A letter from the government stating that restrictions will be lifted is available here.

BAL Analysis: The removal of restrictions will benefit Croatian nationals and the companies that employ them in the Netherlands.

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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