COVID-19 immigration measures

Last updated: 19 October 2020

For employees and employers

Due to the measures of the Dutch government to combat COVID-19, the Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND), the Municipalities, the Municipal Health Services (GGD) and other public services have taken several measures and adjusted their services.

Want to know which measures and adjustments of services apply to your situation? View the table below.

More information
Our immigration specialists have compiled remarks per immigration-related measure. To make this information easily accessible for you, there are separate pages for these remarks. You can visit these pages by clicking the link on the associated measure in the table below.

Prior to arrival in the Netherlands Action required For whom? Where? When?
The IND has approved your application (and you do not need an entry visa (MVV)) and you want to travel to the Netherlands ✓ Employee n.a. Depending on your residence purpose, travelling to the Netherlands is possible again
The IND has approved your TEV-application (including entry visa (MVV) and you want to collect your MVV ✓ Employee Dutch Embassy or Consulate As soon as possible, depending on the schedule of the Dutch Embassy or Consulate, if open
You are not able to collect your entry visa (MVV) within 3 months ✓ Employee Dutch Embassy or Consulate As soon as possible, depending on the schedule of the Dutch Embassy or Consulate, if open
Your entry visa (MVV) has expired and your were not able to travel to the Netherlands before the expiration date of your MVV ✓ Employee Dutch Embassy or Consulate As soon as possible within 3 months of the expiration date of your MVV, depending on the schedule of the Dutch Embassy or Consulate, if open
You have a valid entry visa (MVV) for the Netherlands or another Schengen country and you want to travel to the Netherlands Employee n.a. n.a.
Your employee is not able to come to the Netherlands ✓ Employer IND Within 4 weeks of the start date of the employment or start date of the Dutch residence permit
Upon arrival in the Netherlands Action required For whom? Where? When?
Collection of your first Dutch residence permit ✓ Employee IND or by delivery As soon as possible or your Dutch residence permit will be sent to your home address
You have to provide your biometric details ✓ Employee IND As soon as possible, after receiving the letter of the IND
You have to register yourself in the Dutch population register (BRP) at the local Municipal Authorities ✓ Employee Local Municipal Authorities As soon as possible after arrival
You have to register your certificates in the Dutch population register (BRP) at the local Municipal Authorities ✓ Employee Local Municipal Authorities As soon as possible after your first appointment for registration
You have to undergo a TB test ✓ Employee Nearest Municipal Health Services (GGD) Within 3 months of your arrival date
You have to open a Dutch bank account to receive your salary ✓ Employee Dutch bank As soon as possible
During your stay/employment in the Netherlands Action required For whom? Where? When?
Your employee (temporarily) no longer meets the salary criteria ✓ Employer IND Within 4 weeks of the date that the employee does no longer meet the salary criteria
Your Dutch residence permit will expire and you should normally collect a residence endorsement sticker, because your new Dutch residence permit is not available yet, but your case is not urgent Employee n.a. Not known
Your Dutch residence permit will expire and you want to collect a return visa, because you want to travel, but your case is not urgent Employee n.a. Not known
You want to exchange your foreign driving licence into a Dutch driving licence ✓ Employee Local Municipal Authorities Within 185 days of your registration date at the Dutch population register
Your EU driving licence will expire between 1 February 2020 and 30 November 2020 ✓ Employee Local Municipal Authorities As soon as possible, when the Local Municipal Authorities still offers this service.
Your Dutch residence permit expired/you no longer have the right to stay in the Netherlands, but you can not travel back to your country ✓ Employee & Employer n.a. As soon as you have the opportunity to travel back to your country
Your employee is abroad and is not able to return to the Netherlands ✓ Employer IND Depending on your travel history and previous stays abroad
Outside the Netherlands Action required For whom? Where? When?
You are outside the Netherlands and have a valid Dutch residence permit, but cannot travel to the Netherlands ✓ Employee Authorities As soon as possible
You are outside the Netherlands and your Dutch residence permit has expired or is about to expire ✓ Employee Dutch Embassy or Consulate As soon as possible, depending on the schedule of the Dutch Embassy or Consulate, if open
You are / your employee is outside the Netherlands and need / needs a Citizen service number (BSN), but cannot travel to the Netherlands ✓ Employee & Employer Authorities n.a.
Extension of your stay in the Netherlands Action required For whom? Where? When?
Your Dutch residence permit will expire ✓ Employee IND Possible as from 3 months prior to the expiration date
Your short-stay visa will expire soon or has expired ✓ Employee IND Preferred: 1 month before expiration date of short-stay visa
I have extended my short-stay visa in the Netherlands. I can travel to my country of origin via another Schengen country ✓ Employee n.a. n.a.
Your permit-exempt term will expire soon or has expired and you cannot leave the Netherlands ✓ Employee n.a. As soon as possible
Brexit Action required For whom? Where? When?
You need to apply for a Dutch residence permit for after Brexit ✓ Employee IND As soon as possible, at least prior to 31 December 2020

Publication date: 8 April 2020