Netherlands

Japanese nationals, who have been work permit exempt following a Judgement of the Counsel of State on December 24, 2014, will once again require work authorisation on or after October 1, 2016, according to an Interpretative Statement issued by the Dutch and Swiss governments. Therefore, on or after October 1, 2016, Dutch employers will be required to obtain work authorisation for Japanese employees.

Japanese nationals who already hold a residence permit that allows them to work without a work permit will be able to maintain their work-permit exemption for the duration of their current residence permit. When they apply for an extension on or after October 1, they will again require work authorisation.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Japanese nationals who seek to enter the Netherlands on or after October 1 and their employers are advised to work with their immigration professional to submit a work and/or residence permit application. Those seeking to renew their status on or after October 1 are advised to work with their immigration professional to determine the best course of action.