The Dutch government has lifted all COVID-related entry requirements for those traveling to the country.

Key Points:

  • As of Sept. 17, individuals traveling to the Netherlands no longer face COVID-related entry requirements.
  • Dutch authorities no longer require travelers to have proof of COVID-19 vaccination or recovery certificates when entering the country or test for COVID-19 before or after arrival.

Additional Information: In case of new virus variant, an “emergency brake” can be applied to the lifting of entry requirements. More information regarding the Netherland’s decision to lift entry requirements is available here.

BAL Analysis: COVID-19 entry requirements no longer apply to those traveling to the Netherlands. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government has implemented a temporary work rights policy, allowing certain highly skilled foreign nationals who do not have valid residence documents to begin working upon arrival.

Key Points:

  • As of July 22, highly skilled foreign nationals who are exempt from long-term visa (MVV) requirements can begin working in the Netherlands without residence documents.
  • If highly skilled foreign nationals received an approved extension but are waiting for their residence documents, they can continue to work with expired residence documents.
  • Highly skilled foreign nationals will have work authorization for up to four months if their permit approval letter mentions work authorization.
  • Those who meet the aforementioned criteria do not need a residence endorsement (VA sticker) to begin working in the Netherlands.

Additional Information: Highly skilled foreign nationals are reminded that they must make an appointment to collect their residence documents and have their biometrics taken within two weeks of being notified by Dutch authorities.

BAL Analysis: Dutch authorities have granted work rights upon arrival to certain highly skilled foreign nationals because of in-country immigration delays and difficulties in booking appointments.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government increased the gross minimum wage by 1.8% on July 1.

Key Points:

  • The gross minimum wage for full-time employees who are 21 and older increased from €1,725.00 to €1,756.20 per month.
  • The gross minimum wage for those who are under 21 is available here.
  • Minimum wage requirements for work-related residence permits remain unchanged by the July 1  increase.

BAL Analysis: Businesses may see a slight increase in labor costs because of the new minimum wage. Employers should take the new wage minimums into account and adjust their budgets if necessary. BAL will provide updates on salary minimums for foreign workers as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government has confirmed that most Ukrainians with study visas are permitted to work while in the Netherlands.

Key Points:

  • Ukrainian nationals who hold study visas and qualify for the Temporary Protection Scheme can work in the Netherlands without any work-hour restrictions.
  • Employers must notify Institute for Employee Insurance (UWV) if they hire Ukrainian nationals.
  • Foreign nationals who hold study visas from countries other than Ukraine are only permitted to work up to 16 hours per week and full-time during summer months.

Additional Information: More information regarding temporary immigration rights for Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine is available here. The Temporary Protection Directive continues to be amended, and employers and Ukrainian nationals are encouraged to monitor it for possible changes.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government has updated the required income amounts needed for family reunification applications in the Netherlands.

Key Points:

  • From July 1 to Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum income needed to bring a spouse or partner to the Netherlands is:
    • €1,756.20 per month without holiday allowance (increased from €1,725.00).
    • €1,896.70 per month with holiday allowance (increased from €1,837.08).
  • From July 1 to Jan. 1, 2023, the minimum income needed as a single individual is:
    • €1,229.34 per month without holiday allowance (increased from €1,190.70).
    • €1,327.69 per month with holiday allowance (increased from €1,285.96).

Additional Information: The family reunification income thresholds are updated every six months. More information on income requirements for specific applications can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The new thresholds only apply to family reunification applications. Amounts for those who bring dependents under employment-based applications will remain unaffected by the new standard income thresholds.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government has announced appointment delays at the Immigration and Naturalization Services (IND).

Key Points:

  • Applicants should expect significant delays when booking an appointment to collect a residence permit or have their biometrics taken.
  • Dutch authorities have urged individuals with questions to contact IND by telephone because fewer employees are available to answer e-mails at this time.
  • More information regarding the immigration delays is available here.

BAL Analysis: Dutch authorities cited the lifting of COVID-19 travel restrictions, an increase of foreign nationals wanting to live and work in the Netherlands and a labor shortage as reasons for the appointment delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Dutch government has exempted certain Ukrainian nationals from work permit requirements.

Key Points:

  • Individuals in the following categories can live and work in the Netherlands without meeting work permit requirements:
    • Ukrainian nationals who resided in Ukraine on Feb. 23, fled Ukraine on or after Nov. 27, 2021, or were in EU territory on or after Nov. 27, 2021, and can prove that they lived in the Netherlands before Nov. 27, 2021 on the basis of a previously issued residence permit or asylum application.
    • Stateless persons or third-country nationals other than Ukrainian nationals who received protection in Ukraine and had a valid Ukrainian residence permit on Feb. 23.
  • Family members of the categories above, including spouses, unmarried partners in long-term relationships, minor unmarried children and other dependent relatives living in the household with.
  • Beginning April 15, employers must notify the labor inspectorate (UWV) within two business days before an individual in the aforementioned categories begins work.

Additional Information: Those who meet the requirements above will be able to work in paid employment in the Netherlands. Such individuals must register in the municipal records (BRP) and will receive a citizen service number (BSN) required for employment. Employers who fail to notify the UWV after April 15 may be subject to financial penalties.

BAL Analysis: The decision to exempt certain individuals from work permit requirements is welcome news to those affected by the war in Ukraine. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the war in Ukraine may change with little or no notice.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Dutch government has announced that it will lift certain COVID-19 entry requirements on March 23.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who are traveling from an EU or Schengen Area country and EU nationals traveling from countries outside the EU or Schengen Area will no longer be required to take a COVID-19 test, have proof of recovery or proof of vaccination to enter the country.
  • Non-EU nationals remain subject to the EU entry ban; however, exemptions apply to individuals traveling from “safe” countries, those with proof of vaccination and those with travel exemptions.
  • Dutch authorities will still require all travelers to complete a health declaration form before arrival.

Additional Information: From March 23, Dutch authorities will accept a previous antigen test result to prove past recovery from COVID-19. More information regarding the Netherlands entry requirements can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government has provided updated travel and visa guidance for Ukrainian nationals.

Key Points:

  • Ukrainian nationals can currently travel visa-free to the Netherlands and stay for up to 90 days if they hold a valid biometric passport.
  • Once in the Netherlands, Ukrainian nationals can apply for a short-stay visa to stay for an additional 90 days. Short-stay visa holders can freely travel between the 26 Schengen-area countries More information regarding the short-stay visa is available here.
  • Ukrainian nationals can temporarily apply for a residence permit without holding a provisional residence permit (MVV). More information on applying for a residence permit without an MVV is available here.
  • Dutch Immigration authorities are not processing asylum applications made by Ukrainian nationals for the next six months. More information regarding asylum applications for Ukrainian nationals is available here.

Additional Information: More information for Ukrainian nationals traveling to the Netherlands is available here.

BAL Analysis: Ukrainian nationals who are fleeing their country can stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa. Employers and employees are reminded that actions taken as a result of the invasion of Ukraine may change with little or no notice.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Dutch government has announced that it will end its mandatory quarantine and update its COVID-19 entry requirements on Feb. 25.

Key Points:

  • Individuals who are traveling from very high-risk areas, including Australia, the U.K. and the U.S., among others, will no longer be required to self-quarantine upon arrival.
  • Individuals who are traveling from the EU or Schengen area and do not have proof that they are fully vaccinated will now be required to have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country.
  • Travelers can check COVID-19 entry requirements for their departure country on this website.

Additional Information: Travelers who are 12 years old and above must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test if they are traveling from outside the EU or Schengen area. More information regarding the Netherlands’ entry requirements can be found here.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2022 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.