The Netherlands has changed the rules for residence permits granted on the basis of asylum, effective in 2026

Starting June 12, 2026, residence permits for asylum seekers in the Netherlands will be issued for 3 years, and the permanent residence permit has been abolished. Learn more about the IND’s rules

As of June 12, 2026, updated rules regarding residence permits for asylum seekers are in effect in the Netherlands. The changes affect the validity period of residence cards, the procedure for renewing them, and the possibility of obtaining permanent residency. RefugeeHelp reports on this.

We’ll discuss the new residence permit validity periods, the difference between renewing a permit and having your case reconsidered, the revocation of permanent residence permits, and the impact of these rules on citizenship later in this article.

Are you planning to move to the Netherlands or change your residence status in 2026?

The migration guide from Visit World will help you navigate the current rules on residence permits, card renewals, and obtaining an EU long-term resident permit.

The validity period of asylum-based residence permits has been reduced to 3 years

Previously, a temporary residence permit granted on the basis of asylum was valid for 5 years. As of June 12, 2026, it will be issued for a maximum term of 3 years. Every three years, you must apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) to obtain a new residence card.

The reduced validity period does not affect the protection itself. A residence permit for a refugee or a person with subsidiary protection remains valid as long as there are no grounds for its revocation. Only the validity period of the card itself has changed—it is now issued for 3 years.

About working in the Netherlands for foreigners in 2026—find out more at the link.

What should holders of cards issued before June 12, 2026, do?

Individuals who, as of June 12, 2026, already held a temporary residence permit based on asylum may continue to use their card until its expiration date.

Three months before that date, you must apply for a new card—this procedure is called a renewal.

There are no limits on the number of renewals. Each renewal is valid for 3 years, as long as the person continues to need protection.

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Card Renewal and Re-evaluation: The Difference

Renewal and re-evaluation are two separate procedures that are often confused. Renewal means that the old card’s validity period is ending and a new one is issued in its place. The right to residence and protection remains unchanged, and often all that is required is to fill out a form.

A case review has a different meaning. The IND reassesses whether the person still needs protection. This procedure is not automatic and is not conducted every 3 years—it is initiated only when there is a clear basis for doing so, such as a change in the situation in the country of origin.

About the update to the 30% ruling in the Netherlands starting in 2027—read more here.

Grounds for Reviewing a Refugee Residence Permit in the Netherlands

The immigration service may review a person’s status at any time, regardless of the card’s validity period. Grounds for review include:

• the country of origin has become demonstrably safe;
• the person has voluntarily returned to their country of origin;
• false information was found in the submitted documents;
• the person poses a threat to the security of the Netherlands.

To assess a country’s safety, the government uses an official report (ambtsbericht). Changes in the country must be substantial and long-lasting—a minor or temporary improvement is not sufficient. During the review, the IND must first establish grounds for revoking the status, and only then must the individual demonstrate a need for protection.

Permanent residence permits are no longer issued in the Netherlands

As of June 12, 2026, the IND has stopped issuing permanent residence permits based on asylum—previously, such a permit could be obtained after 5 years. Individuals who already held a permanent permit prior to this date retain it. Such a permit has no expiration date, but the card must be renewed every 5 years, as before. These individuals also retain the right to apply for citizenship.

Applications for a permanent permit submitted before June 12, 2026, are treated differently by the IND—as applications for the renewal of a temporary permit. The applicant will receive a letter regarding this, and any fees paid will be refunded. It is no longer possible to submit a new application under the old procedure.

What is the two-tier asylum system in the Netherlands—we explain it in this article.

EU Residence Permit for Long-Term Residents as an Alternative

Instead of the abolished permanent residence permit, there is another option—the EU residence permit for long-term residents. A person is eligible for this permit if they have resided legally in the Netherlands for at least 5 consecutive years with a valid residence permit and currently hold an asylum permit.

The eligibility requirements are stricter than those for the abolished permanent residence permit:

• legal residence in the Netherlands for at least 5 consecutive years;
• stays outside the country not exceeding 6 consecutive months and 10 months in total during this period;
• sufficient and stable income;
• health insurance;
• no threat to public safety;
• passing the integration exam.

How do these changes affect the process of obtaining citizenship?

Naturalization requires a residence permit that is not temporary. Previously, the permanent residence permit served this purpose, but as of June 2026, it will no longer be issued. A temporary asylum permit is not sufficient for obtaining Dutch citizenship—instead, an EU long-term resident permit is required.

An exception applies to certain groups who can naturalize even with a temporary asylum permit:

• children who acquire citizenship along with one of their parents during naturalization;
• individuals who officially have stateless person status;
• individuals living with a family member or partner who has the right to permanent residence or is a Dutch citizen.

Read also: Where is the best place to live in the Netherlands? 5 cities with the best infrastructure and logistics.

Return Visa (TKV): Who Needs It?

A return visa (TKV) is required for a person who leaves the Netherlands for a foreign country and, at the time of return, temporarily does not have a valid residence permit. This document is also required when a residence permit expires while the person is outside the country.

Together with a valid passport, a return visa grants the right to enter the Netherlands. Individuals with a valid residence permit at the time of return do not need to apply for a TKV.

Important! The rules governing the residence of foreigners in the Netherlands change regularly, and deadlines for submitting documents directly affect one’s future status in the country. To stay informed about current requirements—including residence permit conditions, card renewals, applying for an EU long-term resident permit, and naturalization—use the immigration guide to the Netherlands from the Visit World portal. The guide provides structured information on types of residence permits, required documents, deadlines, and the procedure for applying to the IND.

Order the guide to get clear answers to your questions about staying in the Netherlands and to stay up to date on important changes!

Reminder! In a previous article, we explained what to do if you’re sick for a long time and can’t work in the Netherlands.

Photo: Magnific

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Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents for Netherlands;

Legal advice on immigration to Netherlands;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Netherlands;

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