Signals that you moved
- You deregistered from the BRP
- You ended your job or business
- You closed your bank account
- You emptied, sold or rented out your home
- You cashed out your pension
Main residence
How long can you stay abroad?
You must have your main residence in the Netherlands. The limit depends on your permit.
| Permit | You move your main residence if… |
|---|---|
| Regular permit – temporary or permanent | You are abroad more than 6 months in a row in a year – or more than 4 months a year for 3 years in a row |
| Highly skilled migrant, researcher, investor | You are abroad more than 8 months within 12 months |
| Student | Up to 1 year abroad is allowed to complete your Dutch study |
| EU long-term resident | You are outside the EU more than 12 months in a row – or outside the Netherlands more than 6 years |
| Asylum permit | The IND assesses each case – and whether you still need protection |
| EU, EEA or Swiss citizen | Temporary right: more than 6 months in 12. Permanent right: more than 2 years in a row |
Signals
What the IND looks at
Absence that does not count
- Force majeure – such as serious illness
- Seconded work in another EU country, reported in time
- Study abroad within the limits
- Family of a highly skilled migrant travelling with them
- Military obligations for EU citizens
The IND can withdraw your permit, or refuse to extend it. Keep proof of every reason for a long stay abroad.
EU citizens and long-term residents
A status that travels better
EU long-term resident
You may stay outside the EU up to 12 months in a row – and longer inside the EU.
Former Blue Card holders
Up to 24 months in a row outside the EU, if you became an EU long-term resident.
EU citizens
A permanent right of residence ends only after more than 2 years abroad.
UK citizens
A permanent Withdrawal Agreement document ends after 5 years abroad.
Planning a long stay abroad? An EU long-term resident permit or Dutch nationality may protect you better – eu-permanent.nl.
Return visa
Travelling while your permit is pending or lost
1
When you need it
Your application or extension is still pending, or your card is lost, stolen or expired.
2
In the Netherlands
Apply for a return visa from the IND before you travel.
3
Abroad
Card lost or stolen abroad? Apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate.
FAQ
Questions about your permit
I was abroad 7 months because of illness – is my permit gone?
Not necessarily. Force majeure does not count as moving your main residence. Keep medical proof.
Do separate trips add up?
For most regular permits the 6 months must be continuous. For highly skilled migrants separate periods within 12 months are added up.
The IND wants to withdraw my permit. What now?
You can give your view, and object to the decision. We prepare it and represent you at the IND and in court.
Does a permanent permit protect me?
Partly. The main-residence rule also applies to permanent regular permits. EU long-term resident status allows a longer absence.
Related routes
Staying, coming back or moving on
Stay
Permanent residence
Five years in? A permanent permit or EU long-term resident status travels better.
eu-permanent.nl Open website CitizenshipDutch citizenship
Naturalisation or the option procedure – and keeping your Dutch passport.
dutch-citizenship.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
Coming back with a partner from abroad? The partner route explained.
partner-visa.nl Open website EU lawThe EU route
Lived with your family in another EU country? EU law may bring you back together.
yari-immigration.nl/eu-law-eu-route.html Open websiteInformation valid for 2026, based on ind.nl, government.nl, netherlandsworldwide.nl, belastingdienst.nl, svb.nl and cbs.nl. Rules can change – always check the latest information with us or on the official websites.