No-Deal Brexit Plans for UK Nationals Published

The situation

The Dutch government has published plans for the treatment of UK nationals residing in the Netherlands, to take effect after March 29, 2019 in case of a no-deal Brexit scenario.

A closer look

The published plans include the following details:

• Transition period. There would be a 15-month transition period, commencing on March 29, 2019, during which time UK nationals already residing in the Netherlands would be invited by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to apply for a residence permit.

• Long-term stays. UK nationals residing in the Netherlands for five years or longer would be able to apply for a permanent residence permit under the same requirements as for qualifying EU nationals. Applicants would be exempt from civic integration.

• Short-term stays. UK nationals residing in the Netherlands for a period shorter than five years would be able to apply for a temporary residence permit under the same requirements as for EU nationals residing in the Netherlands for longer than three months.

• Working in the Netherlands. UK nationals seeking to live and work in the Netherlands after March 29, 2019 would be required to apply for a residence and work authorization, but would be exempt from an entry permit.

Impact

UK nationals who will continue to work and reside in the Netherlands past March 29, 2019 should ensure that they take the necessary steps to obtain any documents required to register or apply for immigration status. UK nationals should also contact their local immigration offices to see if they are able to register or apply for their proper immigration status prior to Brexit Day.

Background

The plans are a part of the government’s contingency planning in case no Brexit deal is concluded between the European Union and the United Kingdom before March 29, 2019.

Other EU Member States, including France and Germany, have also announced contingency plans.

Looking ahead

Further details of the government plans have yet to be announced; all plans must receive final approval from the Dutch parliament. Fragomen will provide updates on the situation as they become available.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].