[update 3 July 2020]
The outbreak of the COVID-19 crisis in the Netherlands has an effect on all residents of the Netherlands. Whether you are holder of a residence permit or just visiting, you may be faced with difficulties to return home. In this article, we will explain how the corona measures will affect foreign nationals who are in the Netherlands and cannot return home.
How many days can I stay in the Netherlands as a visitor?
Holders of a passport that allows free access to the Schengen area and those in possession of a Schengen visa can reside in the Netherlands for 90 days in each 180-day period. If you overstay, a travel ban may be imposed when leaving the Netherlands. Each stay adds up to your 90 days’ clock. We recommend to calculate your Schengen days exactly with the Schengen calculator of the European Commission.
What if I cannot return home before my Schengen visa expires?
As a holder of a Schengen visa you will have to apply for an extension with the Immigration Service (IND). Your visa must expire within 1 month, the airline has cancelled your flight back home and you still meet the conditions for the Schengen visa.
An application for an extension must be submitted by phone. If approved, the extension will be registered in the Visa Information System (VIS), you will not receive a sticker in your passport. You will get a written confirmation.
The IND phone number for the application is 088-043 04 30. If you need any advice, call our office at 020-752 32 00.
What if I cannot return and I am staying here without a visa?
If you are a visa free national, you cannot apply for an extension of the maximum term of 90 days of residence in the Netherlands.
The IND announced that the Dutch government understands that it may be more difficult to return home. The authorities will, therefore, not enforce the 90-days rule very strictly.
However, you must not stay longer than strictly required and must continue to find ways to return home.
What if my residence permit expires?
Normally former holders of residence permits need to leave the Netherlands as soon as their permit has expired. If that is impossible due to travel restrictions, you will have to lodge an application to extend your residence permit.
If an extension of your residence permit is not an option, you will have to leave the Netherlands. However the Dutch government announced that they understand that it might be difficult to leave. This means that the obligation to leave the Netherlands will not be enforced very strictly. However, you must not stay longer than strictly required and must continue to find ways to return home.
I have an appointment at the IND, will it be cancelled?
The IND offices are open for the collection of residence documents. The IND office holding the residence card will be contacting you directly to schedule an appointment. If you still have to submit biometric details, an appointment can be made online.
I cannot pick up my integration diploma, but I want to apply for permanent residence, what should I do?
It is not possible yet to collect your civic integration diploma by yourself. DUO sends the diploma to you by registered mail. You can download an extract (at no cost) from the diploma register.
For more information, please contact Thomas van Houwelingen.
