British expats in the Netherlands now have no-deal Brexit relief

Expats in the Netherlands still can’t quite relax and let Brexit do its worst.

With a no-deal Brexit creeping closer every day and no end in sight for those Britons living, working and retiring in Europe, lawyers are doing their best to clarify the present situation. For UK expatriate professionals working in the Netherlands as well as their families, there are slight improvements as regards their long-term futures, but nothing’s set in tablets of stone and students will be required to purchase private health insurance.

At best, the right of permanent residency for Britons in the Netherlands is no longer being debated as it’s expected to be taken from the voted-down agreement and inserted into any new agreement. According to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service, in the case of a no-deal Brexit, those and their families living, studying or working legally in the country before March 29 will be allowed to continue as normal, but will be required to apply for a residence permit when being asked to do so by the authority.

To get the permit, expats must either be employed or self-employed and continue in their jobs, whilst inactive expatriates must prove they have financial resources to ensure they’re not a burden on the state. They must also have comprehensive healthcare coverage via insurance. Students will need to be studying at a recognised public or private education facility as well as having enough financial resources to support themselves, including paying for private healthcare insurance. If British students meet the same conditions which apply to EU citizens, they will keep their rights to student finance and statutory tuition fees. After five years of legal residence in the Netherlands, expats will be allowed to apply for a permanent residency permit.