No-fault residence permit, return decisions and entry bans
Netherlands
Third-country nationals without a valid permit must leave, usually within 28 days. The Dutch government describes a no-fault permit (buitenschuldvergunning) for people who cannot leave through no fault of their own. Voluntary return help is available through IOM. Missing the deadline can bring an entry ban, usually of 2 years.
Moving to Netherlands
Practical facts for newcomers, from official sources Finance Living
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
87
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
35.75–49.5%
Income tax (national)
VAT 21%
Box 1 rates include national insurance premiums: 35.75% to EUR 38,883 (8.10% tax + 27.65% premiums), 37.56% to EUR 78,426, 49.50% above; lower first-bracket rate after state pension age.
Living
1
Happiness
#7 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Eligibility
Who it’s for: People in the Netherlands without valid status, or whose application was refused.
No-fault permitNo-fault permit
Sign in to check this route against your profileFor people whose asylum or residence application was refused and who cannot leave through no fault of their own, for example because their home country will not take them back. Several conditions apply.
Proof of trying to returnNo-fault permit
Sign in to check this route against your profile- First show you asked your embassy or consulate to enable your return.
- If that fails, ask the Repatriation and Departure Service (DT&V).
- If DT&V finds you cannot return, it advises the IND, which usually grants the permit.
Return decisionReturn
Sign in to check this route against your profileA return decision follows when you no longer stay legally, and it sets a deadline for you to leave.
Deadline examples in a return decision
- Standard example
- 28 days
- Immediate example
- 0 days
- You may object or appeal.
Official wording
A return decision follows when you no longer stay legally. It sets a deadline, such as 28 days or 0 days. You may object or appeal.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
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- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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