Permanent vs EU long-term: which Dutch visa is right for you?
Two permanent statuses after five years: the Dutch permanent residence permit, and the EU Long-Term Residence permit, which adds rights to move to other EU countries.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Permanent residence permit (national, type II) (Permanent) | EU long-term residence permit (EU long-term) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Permanent / PR |
| Who it's for | For people who have lived legally in the Netherlands for five continuous years and want to settle. | For long-term residents who want EU-wide rights to move and live in other member states after five years. |
| Government cost | ~€243 (2025) | ~€243 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~90 days (legal maximum) | ~90 days (legal maximum) |
| Length of stay | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Where to apply | Filed with the IND from inside the Netherlands | Filed with the IND from inside the Netherlands |
| Work rights | Free access to the labour market | Free access to the labour market; mobility rights in other EU states |
| Pathway to PR | This is permanent residence; after meeting the requirements you may also apply for naturalisation. | This is permanent EU status; it can also support a later application for Dutch citizenship. |
Which is right for you?
Permanent residence permit (national, type II) (Permanent)
For people who have lived legally in the Netherlands for five continuous years and want to settle.
Full Permanent guide →EU long-term residence permit (EU long-term)
For long-term residents who want EU-wide rights to move and live in other member states after five years.
Full EU long-term guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Permanent or EU long-term?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Permanent residence permit (national, type II) (Permanent) is the lowest at ~€243 (2025). Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Permanent or EU long-term?
Indicatively Permanent residence permit (national, type II) (Permanent) is the quickest at ~90 days (legal maximum). Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Do all of these lead to permanent residence?
Yes. Permanent: This is permanent residence; after meeting the requirements you may also apply for naturalisation. EU long-term: This is permanent EU status; it can also support a later application for Dutch citizenship.
What's the main difference between Permanent and EU long-term?
Permanent residence permit (national, type II) (Permanent) is for for people who have lived legally in the Netherlands for five continuous years and want to settle. EU long-term residence permit (EU long-term) is for for long-term residents who want EU-wide rights to move and live in other member states after five years.