I am a highly skilled migrant and am about to lose my job. What should I do?

If you are a highly skilled migrant and are about to lose your job, the rules about employment depend on whether you are from a non-European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) country or from a country in the EU/EEA i.e. EU countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Dutch rules

If you are from an EU/EEA country you can stay in the Netherlands if you so wish. However, if you are from a country outside of the EU/EEA, the loss of employment has consequences for your right to stay here. You will need to find a new job with a sponsor recognised by the IND and the salary should match the requirements (website of IND). If your residence permit is based on the Dutch rules for highly skilled migrants, you must start a new job within three months after losing your current job, otherwise the IND will automatically withdraw your residence permit. If you hold your residence permit for two years or more, you are allowed to start a new job within six months in stead of three. However, the period of time you have to start a new job will never exceed the expiry date of your residence permit.

EU rules

If your residence permit is based on the EU Blue Card, different rules apply. Check the website of the IND to find out which rules apply in your situation. In this case you have a maximum of six months after losing your job to find a new one that fits the requirements. Check your residence permit to see if it is based on the Dutch or European rules.

We suggest you start looking for another job as soon as you know you might possibly lose yours.

No matter where you’re from, it is important to get in touch with a specialised lawyer who can check if your employer is following the rules regarding dismissal and negotiate on your behalf.