
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Blog post
Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.
Video
In FC Podcast episode #15, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster, Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons, and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss US entry considerations for the 2026 World Cup, including visa options, policy changes and planning timelines.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.
Awards
Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.
Media mentions
Manager Karnig Dukmajian
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.
Video
Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.
Blog post
Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.
Media mentions
Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler highlights key considerations for managing outbound assignments from Germany, including planning, visa requirements and coordinated global support.
Video
Partner Jack Kim discusses one of many immigration pathways for staying in Canada post-graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Blog post
Senior Client Services Manager Caroline Kanzara-Obinwa explores how global talent shortages and workforce mobility are shaping the future of critical minerals and the energy transition.
Video
In FC Podcast episode #15, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster, Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons, and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss US entry considerations for the 2026 World Cup, including visa options, policy changes and planning timelines.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.
Awards
Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.
Media mentions
Manager Karnig Dukmajian
Media mentions
Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.
Video
Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Media mentions
Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.
Blog post
Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.
