From July 1, 2013, through July 1, 2015, some foreign buyers will not need work permits. For buyers from non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries, a new pilot program permits visits for making purchases worth at least 5 million euros. The buyers must be engaged in inspecting deliveries or receiving instruction in the use of purchased products.

If the buyer is in the Netherlands to receive specific training, the work permit exemption will last for one year. It can be extended to a maximum of two years if the visit will also include inspections or certifications of products. Either way, the employee’s activities must be reported to the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (Institute for Employee Insurance, or UWV) via the correct form within two days before starting work. Failure to file a report on time can incur a fine of 2,250 euros.

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

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