Can’t get into the Netherlands or can’t get out? DutchNews.nl investigates the situation for expats trying to relocate during the corona crisis and the support and information that is available to them.
Temporary solutions
One aspect of relocation that is causing considerable confusion is visas. ‘The Dutch immigration authorities are still reviewing and processing applications,’ says Gwen Keller, immigration director at Hillbrook Expatriate Tax Solutions, although she says that there are still problems when – like the Chen family – applicants are unable to retrieve their visa due to the closure of all consular embassies and consulates general. In addition, she says, there are issues with obtaining the legalised certificates due to the closure of local authorities which is causing a delay in the submission of applications.
There are some ‘temporary solutions’ in place, she says, and the Dutch immigration department is showing leniency in certain cases so that people can sometimes stay and work in the Netherlands based on their paperwork, for example, even if they’ve been unable to collect their residency card. Keller advises expats to consult the IND website
for corona-related immigration questions and evolving policies.
One change is that the maximum time allowed to collect the
mvv has been extended from 90-180 days if the applicant can prove that the delay is corona-related. For those who need to collect a visa, Keller recommends monitoring the embassies’ websites and making an appointment as soon as they reopen as the backlog is likely to create significant competition for time slots.
If you are working remotely as your relocation has been delayed, there may also be tax implications, says Keller. Non-residents with a Dutch employer are only taxable on the Dutch days worked; so if they work remotely, they remain – in principle – subject to tax in their home country and cannot really profit from the 30% ruling in the Netherlands
