Cutting Through The Red Tape
Residence Permits
If you are an EU citizen, you no longer need a permit to live here. From 1 May 2006, nationals of an EU or EEA member state who wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months should register with the IND (the Dutch Immigration Authorities). It is a simple procedure and is not technically compulsory, however without this, you might find setting up electricity supplies, bank accounts and the like impossible. There is more information in their brochure.
Non EU/EEA expats will need a resident's permit (a verblijfsvergunning). It costs EUR 430 for adults and children aged 12 and above. The fee for children under the age of 12 is EUR 285.
The Foreign Police no longer handle residence permit applications. You now need to report to the immigration service - the IND. Non EU-nationals will need to apply for a permit within a few days of arriving in the Netherlands.
In Amsterdam, everything is now done through one visit to the office at Johan Huizingalaan 757. You need to take all your papers with you. You will be added to the Amsterdam population register at the same time as your permit application is accepted. When you have made an appointment you will receive a letter (in Dutch) advising you of the papers you need to take with you. In most cases, this will be your passport, work contract, SoFi Number, last three wage slips, rental contract, birth certificate, proof of health insurance and a photograph. (This list may not be exhaustive, check your letter when it arrives). Beware, your photo cannot be from an automatic booth, it must be from one of the shops that produce pass photos.
If you move house, it is essential that you keep your entry in the population register up to date and make sure that the IND are aware of your new address.
IND
All immigration and visa inquiries
0900 1234561 (EUR 0,10 per minute)
31 20 889 30 45 (from abroad)
www.ind.nl (English language option)
