ACCESS NL > Features > Mind the gap in residence permit
Mind the gap in residence permit
2020-10-22 | By Renée Sauer
When it comes to migration law, following the correct process is the best way to prevent problems. One common problem is a residence gap; an interruption of your continuous stay in the Netherlands. In practice, once you have a residence gap the damage is done; there is seldom a cure.
If your residence permit expires and it is not extended in time, this will cause a gap in your period of continual residence in the Netherlands. Such a residence gap may cause significant problems later on.
Short-term impact
If you are a highly-skilled migrant, a residence gap can cause you to lose an entitlement to a lower salary criterion. If this happens, it could jeopardise your status as a highly-skilled migrant, as you are not meeting the required salary threshold. This in turn could impact your right to work in the Netherlands.
Long-term impact
If you wish to continue living in the Netherlands for the long-term, you may plan to apply for a permanent residence permit or to hope to acquire Dutch nationality. To qualify, among other requirements, you will have to accumulate five consecutive years of stay in the Netherlands (uninterrupted residency).
If you incur a residence gap during this five-year period, you will have to start again from scratch. In other words, you’ll have to start accumulating the five years from day one all over again.
Why you need to avoid the gap
The law offers almost no leniency when it comes to residence gaps. For example, if your employer forgot to renew your permit before the end date, despite you reminding them, it will still cause a residence gap. Likewise, extenuating circumstances such as illness or needing to visit a sick relative will not excuse you in the eyes of the law.
Top tips
Be aware of the end date on your residence permit and have your employer apply for an extension in time. It can be renewed up to three months before the expiration date.
Remember that your residence permit has a “valid till” date – not a “valid up to and including” date – so ensure your employer renews it before the end date.
When things go wrong
In an ideal world, we would all follow the correct process perfectly – but in reality, things can go wrong. If you already have a residence gap, your right to work and residence may already be affected.
If you are in this situation, contact an immigration lawyer for advice on your options.
Questions?
If you have a question about immigration law, please feel free to contact GMW at 070 361 5048 or use the online contact form to submit your question.
You can also read more about Immigration in The Netherlands.
About the author
Renée Sauer specialises in the international aspects of employment law, together with Dutch immigration law. She has extensive experience in dismissal law, as well as employment contracts and conditions, non-competition clauses, illness and reintegration. Renée works at GMW lawyers and is a contributing expert for Legal Expat Desk.
