Leaving the Netherlands

You decided to leave the Netherlands; we are sad to see you go and we hope you had memorable times here! But before you leave, there are two things that you need to do. Please be sure that you complete them before leaving the country.

1. De-register from the municipal database

You should de-register from the municipal database within 5 days of leaving the Netherlands. Depending on your municipality you can de-register in different ways:

a. Report your move and de-register online using your DigiD.

You will need to login to the municipal site in which you live (not the DigiD website). You will be directed to login to the DigiD site and then will be re-directed to the appropriate page within your new municipality to de-reigster.

b. Report your move and de-register using the online moving form on the municipality website

If you do not have DigiD there might be the option to use an online form on the municipality website.

c. De-register by sending a notification by post to the municipality in which you live.

Include the following information:

Moving date
Name, birth date, and BSN number
Old address in the Netherlands
New address abroad
Names of the people that are moving with you
Telephone number
Signature
Copy of the ID of the person who is changing the address

d. In person at city hall.

(!) Please note that the date you submit the online form (method “a” & “b”) will be marked as the day of de-registration, if you choose method “c”, you will not have proof that you de-registered. This may be important later so we actually advise using either “a” or “b”.

2. Return your residence permit card to the IND

If you have de-registered from the municipal database, it is not necessary to report your departure separately to the IND. However, the card is the property of the Dutch government and should be returned to them.

You can return it to one of the nine IND offices in the Netherlands before you leave. You can also return it to an expat desk such as the IWCN. If you decide to return it to our office, you do not have to make an appointment.

Check IWCN Opening Time >>

You can also return it by post along with the completed “Reporting form for foreign nationals” to the following address after you pass the immigration at the airport:

IND Bureau Documentation
Postbus 49
9560 AA Ter Apel
The Netherlands

Before you return your residence card, it is a good idea to make a copy of both the front as well as the back of the card for possible future reference.

Kindly make the document invalid before mailing it. You can do this by making a cut in the document or by punching a hole in it. Please do not cut the document in half.

Important note:

It is important that you leave the Netherlands on time. This means that you have to leave on or before the date that your residence permit is no longer valid. Once your permit expires, you are no longer entitled to stay in the Netherlands as a resident.

However, you may be able to stay in the Netherlands for a short stay (maximally 90 days) after your permit expires.
If your nationality is one that has a visa-exempt term, you can stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days during this visa-exempt term.
If your nationality would normally require a short-stay (Schengen visa) to visit the Netherlands, you first have to apply for a Schengen visa in order to be able stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days after your residence permit has expired. Please note that you cannot obtain this visa while in the Netherlands!
Please read the information on the IND website carefully to determine what your options are to stay legally in the Netherlands after your residence permit expires.

Prolonging your stay after your permit expires may result in restrictions to enter Europe in the future. If you remain illegally in the Netherlands, the AVIM (police) or Marechaussee can impose a return decision. The return decision may state that you have to leave within 4 weeks, but it could also state that you have to leave the Netherlands immediately. You can also get an entry ban for Europe. This does not apply to EU/EEA citizens and their family members. See this link for additional information.

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