Leaving the Netherlands: what to arrange with your residence permit
Moving on to another country or returning home? Leaving the right way protects your record – and keeps the door open if you ever want to come back.
Last checked: 12 October 2026 · 3-minute read- 1
Deregister at your municipality
Report your departure to the Civil Affairs department (Burgerzaken) of your town hall. The municipality removes you from the BRP and informs the IND – you do not have to end your residence permit yourself.
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Inform the IND – only in some cases
Needed if you did not deregister at the municipality within 4 weeks after leaving, or if you hold an asylum residence permit. You can do this online or with the form for your residence purpose; your employer or partner (sponsor) can also do it for you. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens never need to inform the IND.
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Return your residence card
The card belongs to the Dutch government. Make it invalid first – cut off a corner or punch a hole – and post it to IND Bureau Documenten, PO Box 49, 9560 AA Ter Apel. You can also hand it in at an IND desk by appointment.
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Leave before your permit expires
Staying after your permit has ended means staying illegally. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee can then issue a return decision and sometimes an entry ban – which can make a future return much harder.
Thinking of coming back later?
Former residents can sometimes return through a special route – for example people who grew up here or lost Dutch nationality. See other residence permits.
Only going abroad for a while?
Then you are not leaving the Netherlands. Long absences can affect your permit or your path to permanent residence and citizenship – check with us before you travel.
Travelling during your application?
Need to travel and come back while your application is still running? You may need a return visa or residence sticker.
Need a travel document?
Apply to the embassy or consulate of your own country for a passport. If that is not possible, the Repatriation and Departure Service (DTenV) can help.
Source: IND – Leaving the Netherlands. Yari Immigration Services is an independent advisory firm and not part of the IND.