Lost your job as a highly skilled migrant?

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Experienced in Dutch immigration and residence permit law

If you lose your job as a highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant) in the Netherlands, your residence permit does not end on your last working day, but a search period starts. Law & More helps you use that period well: we check the dismissal or settlement agreement, the date your contract ends and the steps towards a new recognised sponsor. The first step is a free introductory meeting in Eindhoven, Amsterdam or by video call, preferably before you sign anything.

Clients rate Law & More 9.6 out of 10 on Klantenvertellen, the Dutch review platform (81 reviews, as of October 2026).

What can we help you with?

calculating how long your search period runs and when it starts;
reviewing a settlement agreement (vaststellingsovereenkomst) before you sign;
checking whether a new employer can take you on as a highly skilled migrant;
the position of your partner and children;
alternatives such as an orientation year or another residence permit;
an objection if the IND revokes your permit.

What happens to your residence permit when you lose your job?

Your permit stays valid during a search period that starts on the day your employment contract ends. If no new employer has registered you with the IND by the end of that period, the IND may revoke your permit.

According to the IND, the length of the search period depends on when you became unemployed and how long you have held the permit:

Your situation	Search period
unemployed before 22 May 2026	up to 3 months
unemployed on or after 22 May 2026, permit held for less than two years	up to 3 months
unemployed on or after 22 May 2026, permit held for two years or more	up to 6 months

The search period can never run beyond the expiry date on your residence card. If your permit expires soon, your real search period may be much shorter. Rules in this area change, so always check the current conditions on ind.nl. Our guide on losing a residence permit explains what revocation means.

Who must notify the IND, and when?

Your employer, as recognised sponsor, must report the end of your employment to the IND, as a rule within four weeks. You also have your own duty to inform the IND of changes that affect your permit.

Ask your employer for confirmation that the report has been made and on which end date. A wrong end date can shorten your search period on paper. The obligations of sponsors and foreign nationals are described on ind.nl.

How do you continue with a new employer?

A new employer must be a recognised sponsor with the IND and must pay a salary that meets the income requirement for your situation. The new employer must register you with the IND before your search period ends.

The salary thresholds differ by age group and for recent graduates, and are adjusted every year on 1 January. Check the current amounts on ind.nl before you accept an offer. Discuss with the new employer when they will submit the application to the IND and from what date you may start work.

Other routes may also be open, such as the EU Blue Card or a permit for self-employment. The orientation year (zoekjaar hoogopgeleiden) is only possible if you apply within three years after completing your studies, doctorate or research, and you have not used it before for that same programme. It is valid for one year, cannot be extended, and allows you to work without a sponsor. See the IND page on the orientation year and our guide on the highly skilled migrant scheme.

What happens to your partner and children?

Their residence permits are usually linked to yours as family members of a highly skilled migrant. As long as your permit remains valid, including during the search period, their permits generally remain valid too.

If the IND revokes your permit, your family's permits are at risk as well. A partner with their own job may be able to switch to an independent permit, for example as a highly skilled migrant with their own employer. Read more about the partner permit of a highly skilled migrant.

When should you sign a settlement agreement?

Only after you know how the end date affects your search period, your pay and your unemployment benefit (WW). The end date in the agreement determines when your search period starts.

A notice period or a period of garden leave keeps your contract, and your permit purpose, running. Under Article 7:670b of the Dutch Civil Code, you have 14 days after signing to withdraw your consent without reasons. You are also entitled to the transition payment under Article 7:673, which in 2026 is capped at 102,000 euros gross or one annual salary if higher.

Your employer may not dismiss you without a UWV permit, a decision of the subdistrict court or your consent. If the dismissal is not justified, challenging it may keep your contract in place. Our guides on the settlement agreement and employment law for expats explain the rules.

How does working with Law & More work?

Introductory meeting: free of charge, in Eindhoven, in Amsterdam or by video call.
Advice and cost estimate: we calculate your search period, assess the dismissal and explain the options and expected costs.
Approach and negotiation: we negotiate the settlement agreement with your employer and coordinate with a new employer where needed.
Procedure or completion: we finalise the agreement, or object to an IND decision or challenge the dismissal in court.

What does legal help after losing your job cost?

We work on an hourly rate that we agree with you in advance. The rate for a lawyer is 250 to 350 euros excluding VAT, and for a partner 300 to 400 euros excluding VAT.

The introductory meeting is free of charge. A one-off advice meeting without further assistance costs 300 euros including VAT. External costs, such as IND fees and the court fee (griffierecht), are charged separately. In a settlement agreement, employers often contribute to the employee's legal costs. Legal aid exists through the Legal Aid Board (Raad voor Rechtsbijstand), but we do not work on that basis.

Who handles your case?

Your residence position is handled by our immigration lawyers Ruby van Kersbergen and Michelle Marjanovic, with Aylin Acar advising on the employment law side. You can find them on our team page. For permits, sponsors and IND procedures in general, see our highly skilled migrant lawyer page.

Frequently asked questions

I lost my job as a highly skilled migrant in the Netherlands: how long can I stay?

You have a search period of up to three months from the day your contract ends. If you became unemployed on or after 22 May 2026 and have held the permit for two years or more, it is up to six months. The period never runs beyond your permit's expiry date. Check the current rules on ind.nl.

Does my search period start when I sign the settlement agreement?

No. The search period starts on the day your employment contract ends, which is the end date stated in the agreement. Signing earlier does not shorten it. A later end date, for example after a notice period or garden leave, gives you more time while you are still employed and paid.

Do I have to tell the IND that I lost my job?

Your employer, as recognised sponsor, must report the end of your employment to the IND, as a rule within four weeks. You also have a duty to inform the IND of changes that affect your permit. Ask your employer for confirmation of the report and the end date used.

Can I use the orientation year after losing my job?

Only if you meet its conditions. You must apply within three years after completing your studies, doctorate or research, and you may not have used an orientation year before for that same programme. The permit is valid for one year and cannot be extended. If you graduated longer ago, this route is not open to you.

What happens to my partner's permit if I lose my job?

Your partner's permit is usually linked to yours. While your permit remains valid, including during the search period, your partner's permit generally remains valid too. If the IND revokes your permit, your partner's permit is at risk. A partner with their own suitable job may be able to obtain an independent permit.

In doubt about your position? Tell us about your situation. We will let you know within one working day what your options are. Use our contact form, call +31 40 369 06 80 or e-mail info@lawandmore.nl.

Law & More, Marconilaan 13, 5612 HM Eindhoven (+31 40 369 06 80) and visiting location Pietersbergweg 291, 1105 BM Amsterdam (+31 20 369 71 21). Available Monday to Friday 08:00-22:00, Saturday and Sunday 09:00-17:00.

This page provides general information and does not replace advice on your specific situation.