Maximum absence periods for residence permit holders

All residence permit holders in the Netherlands, whether temporary or permanent, are subject to specific limits on the time they can spend outside the country. Violating these limits can result in complications with renewing your residence permit, challenges in future naturalization, or even the revocation of your permit.

General rule

To retain your residence permit, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) must consider the Netherlands your primary place of residence. IND assumes that your primary residence has changed if you exceed the following limits:

• More than 6 consecutive months: If you are absent from the Netherlands for over 6 consecutive months, IND considers that you have moved your main residence outside the Netherlands.
• More than 4 consecutive months in each of the last three calendar years: If you are absent for over 4 consecutive months per calendar year across three years, IND considers your primary residence has shifted.

These requirements apply equally to temporary and permanent residence permit holders.

Examples

• Absent from November 1 to May 1: This is exactly 6 months and does not violate the limit.
• Absent from November 1 to June 1: This exceeds 6 months, and IND may revoke your residence permit.
• Absent from December 1 to May 1 across three consecutive years: The absence spans 5 consecutive months but splits between calendar years. This does not count as exceeding the limits.
• Absent from July 1 to December 1 across three consecutive years: Each year includes 5 consecutive months of absence. IND may consider this a violation.

Important: The IND assesses absences based on your primary place of residence and a clear link to the Netherlands. Even if you meet the absence limits, the IND can still revoke your permit if they determine your “center of life” (e.g., work, family, or other significant ties) is no longer based in the Netherlands. Ensure your ties remain strong and documentable.

Exceptions for certain residence permits

Highly skilled migrants, researchers, and investors

For Highly Skilled Migrants (HSM), researchers (under EU Directive 2005/71/EG), or investors, the rules allow absences of up to 8 months within the past 12 months. Key points include:

• Absence periods are cumulative: The 8-month limit includes all absence periods within a rolling 12-month timeframe.
• Not tied to a calendar year: The 12-month period rolls forward, including the previous 12 months from any given date.
• Professional activities only: Absences must relate to work or professional activities, not prolonged vacations.
• Conditions must be maintained: During your absence, you must continue to meet the requirements of your permit, such as salary thresholds for HSM permits.

These exceptions do not apply to family members of HSMs, researchers, or investors.

Students

Students with residence permits can remain outside the Netherlands for up to 1 year consecutively under the following conditions:

• The residence permit remains valid during the absence.
• The absence is part of an academic program, such as exchange programs or study abroad required by a Dutch university.

For students in EU university programs, the combined absence limit is 360 days.

EU long-term residents

Holders of EU long-term residence permits (langdurig ingezetenen EU) are allowed extended absences:

• Within the EU: Up to 6 consecutive years while living in another EU country.
• Outside the EU: Up to 12 consecutive months.

This flexibility makes EU long-term resident status ideal for individuals with international mobility needs.

Final thoughts

Understanding the rules around absences is crucial for residence permit holders in the Netherlands. While clear limits exist, maintaining strong ties to the Netherlands is equally important to safeguard your permit. If you have specific questions or concerns, consult the IND website or seek guidance from a qualified immigration professional.

What counts as your “center of life”? How do you interpret absence periods, and is this based on a calendar year? Find answers in our next article!