The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has confirmed that the revised version of European Directive 2011/98/EU (2024/1233) entered into force on May 22, 2026. This directive is applicable to most permits for residence and employment in the Netherlands. It covers the following purposes of residence:
- Paid employment.
- Work as a highly skilled migrant.
- European Blue Card.
- Research under Directive (EU) 2016/801.
- Work experience.
- Employment as non-privileged military or non-privileged civilian personnel.
- Orientation year (seeking and engaging in (paid) employment).
The entry into force of the revised single permit directive has resulted in the following changes:
The IND is permitted to extend the legal decision period by 30 days
As from May 22, 2026, the IND can extend the legal decision period by 30 days in the case of first residence applications. This applies to an initial application for the residence purposes of paid employment, employment as a highly skilled migrant, an orientation year and employment as non-privileged civilian personnel. However, the IND has to provide reasons as to why the decision period is being extended, for example because of additional research.
The IND must assess a change of employer within 45 days
This deadline applies to holders of residence permits for the following purposes of residence:
- Paid employment.
- Work as a highly skilled migrant.
- European Blue Card.
- Research under Directive (EU) 2016/801.
- Work experience.
Change of employer within period of validity of the current residence permit
If the holder of one of the above-listed residence permits changes employer within the period of validity of this permit, a legal decision period of 45 days will apply. The IND can extend this period by 15 days in exceptional cases. On the grounds of the EU Blue Card Directive, a statutory 30-day deadline applies when changing employers.
Change of residence purpose
If the holder of this residence permit changes to one of the above-listed residence purposes, a legal decision period of 45 days will again apply. The IND can extend this period by 15 days in exceptional cases. On the grounds of the EU Blue Card Directive, a statutory 30-day deadline applies if an authorized sponsor submits the application.
Decision period expired
If the IND fails to decide within the decision period, the applicant will be legally permitted to work for the new employer for the remainder of the period of validity of the current permit.
Changing employer and extending
The applicant can also directly request an extension of the period of validity of the residence permit when changing employers. Two decision periods then apply:
- A period of 45 days will apply for the remaining period of validity of the residence permit.
- A period of 90 days will apply if the period of validity is extended.
Fees must be paid when extending the period of validity of the residence permit and/or changing the residence purpose. If the requirements have been met, the IND will grant the permit for the term of the employment contract with the new employer.
6-month extension of search period in the event of unemployment
If the holder of a residence permit covered by the Directive becomes unemployed and has held this permit for two years or more, they will be allowed to look for a new job for a maximum period of six months instead of three. The same applies if the permit holder has been the victim of labor exploitation. The period of time permitted to look for a new job will never exceed the period of validity of the residence permit.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.