IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Netherlands will lower government filing fees for immigration-related applications starting May 3.

What does the change mean? As part of its cost calculations, the government will not increase any filing fees and will lower fees for a number of residence permit types as well as for employers applying to become a recognized sponsor.

  • Implementation time frame: The new fees apply to applications received by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service on or after May 3.
  • Visas/permits affected: Residence permits for most categories.
  • Who is affected: Companies applying for recognized sponsor status, Highly Skilled Migrant applicants, EU Blue Card applicants, intracompany transfers, students, trainees and others.
  • Business impact: The lower fees pass on cost savings to companies and individuals applying for work and residence permits.

Background: A list of changes to government filing fees for relevant categories is as follows.

Category Current Fee New Fee (May 3)
Recognized Sponsor Application €5,345 €3,861
Highly Skilled Migrant €938 €582
Intra Corporate Transferee €938 €582
EU Blue Card €909 €661
Trainee/Apprentice €802 €570
Student €321 €192
Job Seekers €641 €285
Self-Employed €1,336 €1,325
Extension (most categories) €401 €355
Cultural Exchange (Working Holiday Program, Working Holiday Scheme, Au Pair) €641 €283
Replacement of resident permit €267 €132

BAL Analysis: The lowering of the government filing fees represents significant savings for companies and individuals applying for work and residence permits in the Netherlands, including a 27-percent reduction in the filing fee for recognized sponsor status and a 38-percent decrease in the fees for the Highly Skilled Migrant and EU Blue Card categories.

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.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.