Yari Immigration Services
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Short, clear answers about Dutch residence permits – work, family, study, permanent residence and refusals.

Last reviewed: 23 October 2026

General

Is the first consultation really free?
Yes. The first 30 minutes are free, by phone or video call. We look at your situation and tell you which route fits. If you want us to handle your case, you receive a fixed quote first. Book a free call.
Are you part of the IND?
No. Yari Immigration Services is an independent immigration and legal advisory firm in Eindhoven. We prepare and submit applications, and represent clients at the IND and in court – but the IND makes the decision.
What does your help cost?
Our fee depends on the route and the work involved, and is agreed in advance in a fixed quote. IND fees are separate and are paid to the IND.
In which language can we talk?
In English or Dutch, and our team speaks several other languages. Tell us your preferred language when you book.

Work

Do I need a degree for the highly skilled migrant permit?
No. For the highly skilled migrant permit the employer and the salary decide: your employer must be an IND recognised sponsor and pay at least the salary criterion. A degree is required for the EU Blue Card. See hsmvisa.nl.
What salary do I need in 2026?
As a highly skilled migrant: at least €5,942 gross a month from age 30, €4,357 under 30, or €3,122 for eligible recent graduates. The amounts change every 1 January. Source: IND.
My employer is not a recognised sponsor. What now?
The highly skilled migrant route is only possible with a recognised sponsor. Your employer can apply for recognition, or another route may fit – such as the EU Blue Card or a single permit (GVVA). See our page for employers.
Can my partner work in the Netherlands?
Partners of highly skilled migrants and EU Blue Card holders may work without a separate work permit.

Family

How much must I earn to bring my partner?
From 1 July to 31 December 2026 the sponsor needs at least €2,337.00 gross a month without holiday allowance. Savings can sometimes be used instead. See our immigration news.
Does my partner need the civic integration exam abroad?
Often yes, but many nationalities are exempt – for example EU/EEA, Swiss, British, American, Canadian and Australian nationals. Partners of highly skilled migrants are also exempt. See civic-integration.nl.
Can I bring my parents or adult children?
Usually only in exceptional cases – for example strong dependency, based on Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Each case is assessed individually. See Article 8 ECHR.

Study

Can I work during my studies?
Yes, with limits: up to 16 hours a week, or full-time in June, July and August. Your employer needs a work permit (TWV) for you.
What can I do after graduating?
With the orientation year you get 12 months to look for work or start a business, and you may work freely in that period. See orientation-year.nl.

Permanent residence and citizenship

When can I apply for permanent residence?
In general after 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence with a non-temporary purpose, and after passing the civic integration exam. EU long-term resident status is a second option. See eu-permanent.nl.
When can I become Dutch?
In general after 5 years of lawful residence, with a civic integration diploma; usually you must give up your current nationality, with exceptions. The government has proposed extending the 5-year period to 10 years (Rijksoverheid, September 2025). We check the rules that apply to you. See dutch-citizenship.nl.

Refusals and objections

The IND refused my application. What now?
You can usually object (bezwaar) within 4 weeks of the decision. Act quickly: a late objection is usually not accepted. See our guide object to or appeal an IND decision.
May I stay in the Netherlands during the objection?
Your decision says whether you may wait for the outcome in the Netherlands. If not, you may need to ask the court for a provisional ruling within 24 hours. Contact us immediately.
How long does the IND take to decide?
It depends on the application – see our overview of IND decision periods. Source: IND.

Amounts and rules change regularly – always check the latest information on ind.nl or government.nl, or ask us. This page is general information, not legal advice. Yari Immigration Services is an independent advisory firm and not part of the IND.

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