Practice Area
Immigration Law
Your pathway to living and working in the Netherlands
Overview
Immigration law is essential for international talent coming to the Netherlands and companies hiring foreign employees. The Brainport region attracts highly skilled migrants from around the world, and navigating Dutch immigration procedures requires specialized legal knowledge.
At Law & More, we assist both individuals and companies with all aspects of Dutch immigration law. From highly skilled migrant visas and the 30% ruling to family reunification and naturalization, our immigration lawyers provide clear guidance through complex procedures.
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What We Do
Highly skilled migrant permits (kennismigrant)
30% ruling applications and disputes
EU Blue Card applications
Partner and family reunification visas
Orientation year for graduates (zoekjaar)
Company sponsorship registration
Permanent residence and naturalization
Business immigration for entrepreneurs
Immigration compliance for employers
Why Choose Law & More
Specialized immigration law expertise
Experience with Brainport tech companies
Fast processing and clear communication
Multilingual team for international clients
End-to-end visa and permit support
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about immigration law answered by our experts
The 30% ruling allows employers to provide 30% of an employee's salary tax-free to compensate for extraterritorial costs. Requirements: employee must have specific expertise scarce in the Dutch labor market, recruited from abroad, and earn minimum €46,107 (2026) or €34,827 for under 30s with master's. Maximum duration is 5 years. Substantial changes in 2024 reduced the period from 8 years.
IND aims to process applications within 2 weeks for recognized sponsors. First-time sponsors may face 90-day processing. Requirements: job offer from recognized sponsor, minimum salary (€6,000/month for 30+, €4,500 for under 30 with master's in 2026), and position matching required expertise level.
Partners of highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders, or Dutch/EU citizens generally receive unrestricted work permits. Partners on other residence permits may need separate work authorization. Processing time varies but typically 2-3 months for partner permits.
The zoekjaar (search year) allows recent graduates from Dutch universities or top-200 foreign universities to stay in the Netherlands for one year to find work. No job offer required upfront. Must apply within 3 years of graduation. During the year, unrestricted right to work. Many use it to transition to highly skilled migrant permits.
Key Legal Terms
Important terminology explained in plain language
30% Ruling (30%-regeling)
Tax benefit allowing employers to pay 30% of salary tax-free to compensate foreign employees for extraterritorial costs. Maximum 5 years. Requires specific expertise, recruitment from abroad, and minimum salary thresholds. Application must be within 4 months of starting Dutch employment.
Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant)
Residence permit for skilled workers from outside EU/EEA. Requires recognized sponsor, minimum salary, and specific expertise. Processing within 2 weeks for established sponsors. Permit tied to employment - changing jobs requires new application. After 5 years, eligible for permanent residence.
EU Blue Card
European-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers. Higher salary requirement than kennismigrant but provides more mobility across EU. Valid initially for 2 years, renewable. Facilitates permanent residence after 5 years.
Civic Integration (Inburgering)
Integration requirement for most non-EU/EEA immigrants to obtain permanent residence or Dutch citizenship. Includes Dutch language exam (level A2) and knowledge of Dutch society. Exemptions for EU/EEA citizens and certain categories. Must be completed within 3 years for most permits.
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