After how many years can I get permanent residence in the Netherlands, and what do I need?

Checked on 2026-10-26

Key facts

Two permanent statuses

The Netherlands offers two permanent residence permits, and when you apply for the national one the IND first checks automatically whether you qualify for the EU long-term resident permit. You do not need to apply for both separately.

National permanent residence permit — issued under Dutch law. The permit has no end date. You must have held a valid Dutch residence permit for 5 consecutive years, always renewing on time, with your main residence in the Netherlands throughout. Only years from age 8 count.

EU long-term resident permit — issued under the EU Long-Term Residence Directive. It gives you rights beyond the Netherlands: you can move to another EU member state under simplified conditions. The permit itself has no expiry date, though the physical card is valid for 5 years and must be renewed.

Which years count

The 5 years must be on a permit for a non-temporary purpose. The IND lists these temporary-purpose permits whose years do not count toward the 5-year requirement: seasonal labour, intra-corporate transfer, cross-border services, trainee or apprentice, orientation year for highly educated persons, au pair, Working Holiday or cultural exchange. Years on a study permit count at half. If you hold a European Blue Card, only 2 consecutive years must be in the Netherlands — Blue Card periods spent in other EU countries can count toward the 5.

Civic integration and income

You must have passed the civic integration exam at language level A2 or hold an exemption. The exam covers reading, listening, writing, speaking and Knowledge of Dutch Society. The income requirement means you must meet the income threshold that applies to your current residence permit at the time of application.

Applying

You apply online or by post while your current permit is still valid. You can apply from 3 months before your current permit expires, but if your 5 years are already complete you can apply at any time. The fee is €254 in 2026 and the IND decides within 6 months.

Related questions

• Dutch citizenship (naturalisation): also requires 5 years and A2 Dutch, but you must in principle renounce your current nationality.
• If your permanent residence application is refused, you can file an objection (bezwaar) with the IND.

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.