How British Independent Professionals Can Work and Live in the Netherlands

_{By Maureen Krösschell}

Are you a British independent professional who would like to work and live in the Netherlands? Or are you an employer who would like to hire a British independent professional? Then, a residence permit on the grounds of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) may be an option for you.

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement

The TCA was concluded after Brexit and includes arrangements regarding trade and immigration. According to the TCA, a British independent professional who wishes to work for a Dutch client in the Netherlands, can apply for a residence permit.

Requirements

The following requirements must be met to be eligible for such a permit:

• The professional must be a freelancer in the UK but cannot have their own registered business in the Netherlands. This type of permit is for professionals who wish to provide services in the Netherlands for one client, and not for entrepreneurs who want to start their own business in the Netherlands.

• There must be a service agreement between the British professional and the Dutch employer. The maximum duration of the service agreement is 12 months, and the professional’s salary must be at least 70% of the Dutch minimum wage.

• The professional must have at least 6 years of relevant work experience and be in possession of a university degree or a comparable diploma. In case of a regulated profession, the professional must meet the legal requirements specific to that profession.

• Lastly, the TCA has a list of different fields of work and different kinds of services. The professional must work in one of these fields or provide services comparable to those mentioned in the list. However, as these are described in broad terms, a wide range of professions and activities applies. Examples of services mentioned in the list are management consulting services, research and development services and financial advisory and consulting services.

The residence permit

If all requirements are met, the professional may obtain a residence permit. The residence permit allows them to work for the specific employer that they have signed a service agreement with. The professional is therefore not allowed to accept assignments in the Netherlands with other clients, unless they have a separate work permit for that.

The residence permit is valid for the duration of the service agreement, which is maximized to 12 months. After that, it is possible to apply for a new residence permit, which then again will be valid for a maximum of 12 months.

More information?

A residence permit under the TCA can be a solution for British independent professionals who want to work in the Netherlands but are not eligible for a residence permit based on an employment agreement or on the point-based system. If you would like to receive more information on a TCA residence permit, please contact our office. We are happy to discuss your situation or assist you with the application!