Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Ommen

About Citizenship by Investment Law in Ommen, Netherlands

The Netherlands does not offer citizenship by investment. There is no legal route to buy Dutch nationality in Ommen or anywhere else in the country. Instead, the Dutch system provides several residence options that can be investment or business based. After a qualifying period of lawful residence and successful integration, an eligible resident may apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship through naturalization.

The most relevant option for investors is the residence permit for foreign investors. This route requires a qualifying investment in the Dutch economy and thorough compliance checks. Other business routes include the self-employed entrepreneur permit, the startup visa that transitions to self-employed status, and corporate routes for company directors or highly skilled employees. All these are residence pathways. Naturalization is a separate, later step governed by Dutch nationality law and is handled locally through your municipality, such as the Municipality of Ommen, once you meet the nationwide criteria.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer experienced in Dutch immigration and investment matters can be essential because the process is legal and documentary intensive. You may need help to select the correct route among investor, entrepreneur, or employment-based permits based on your goals and background. You will likely require assistance structuring the investment, for example forming a Dutch BV, meeting due diligence standards, and documenting the lawful source of funds.

Legal counsel can coordinate with notaries, tax advisers, and financial institutions subject to Dutch supervision, align your business plan with the economic value criteria assessed by authorities, and ensure timely municipal registration in Ommen. A lawyer can also prepare your family applications, advise on travel and residence continuity rules that affect future naturalization eligibility, and manage any objections or appeals if the Immigration and Naturalisation Service issues a negative decision. When the time comes, a lawyer can guide you on naturalization requirements such as the language and integration exams and the Dutch approach to dual nationality.

Local Laws Overview

Citizenship by investment is not available in Dutch law. The Netherlands follows a residence first model. Key national frameworks apply equally in Ommen.

Residence permit for foreign investors. This permit generally requires a minimum investment of 1,250,000 euros in a Dutch company, a Dutch fund that invests in Dutch companies, or a recognized seed fund. The investment must add value to the Dutch economy, often tested under a points system that looks at innovation, job creation, and business substance. The origin of funds must be lawful and verifiable. Financial and integrity checks apply, and the capital typically must remain invested for a multi year period. The permit is temporary and renewable, does not grant citizenship, and does not by itself waive tax or integration obligations.

Entrepreneur and startup routes. The self-employed entrepreneur permit uses a points based assessment of your business plan, personal experience, and economic benefit. The startup visa allows one year to develop an innovative business with an approved facilitator, after which applicants usually switch to the self-employed route if the business progresses.

Path to permanent residence and naturalization. Many residents become eligible for permanent residence after five years of lawful residence with stable income and integration. Naturalization as a Dutch citizen generally requires at least five years of continuous lawful residence, passing the civic integration exams that include Dutch language, showing good conduct, and attending a naturalization ceremony at your municipality. The Dutch system typically requires you to renounce your previous nationality upon naturalization, with several exceptions set by law. Rules can change, so current requirements should be confirmed before you apply.

Physical presence and continuity. To preserve a residence track that supports later permanent residence or naturalization, you should actually live in the Netherlands, be registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database in Ommen, and avoid long absences. IND practice looks at interruptions such as being outside the Kingdom for more than six consecutive months or for several periods of four months each in the qualifying period.

Taxes and compliance. Becoming a Dutch resident usually brings Dutch tax obligations on worldwide income according to the Netherlands tax system, which distinguishes between employment income, substantial shareholdings, and savings or investments. Investors often need coordinated tax and immigration planning because residence status, corporate structure, and source of income can affect tax outcomes. Dutch health insurance, municipal registration, and timely renewals of permits are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Netherlands offer citizenship by investment in Ommen?

No. The Netherlands does not have a citizenship by investment program. You may be able to obtain a residence permit through investment or business activity and later apply for naturalization if you meet national eligibility requirements.

What is the minimum investment for the Dutch investor residence permit?

The threshold is generally 1,250,000 euros. The investment must be made into a qualifying Dutch vehicle and must add measurable value to the Dutch economy. Authorities assess the investment and the business plan and perform integrity reviews.

How long does it take to become a Dutch citizen if I move to Ommen on an investor or entrepreneur permit?

There is no accelerated citizenship. Most applicants qualify to apply for naturalization after at least five years of continuous lawful residence, successful civic integration, and meeting all other statutory conditions. Processing times vary.

Can my family join me on an investor residence permit?

Eligible family members such as a spouse or partner and minor children can usually apply as dependants for residence. They must meet their own conditions, including identity, relationship proof, and sometimes integration steps. Their status does not grant citizenship.

Will I have to give up my current nationality to become Dutch?

Dutch law generally requires renunciation of your current nationality when naturalizing. There are legal exceptions, for example in cases where renunciation is not possible or would cause disproportionate hardship. A lawyer can assess whether an exception may apply to you.

Do I have to live in Ommen full time to keep my residence track for later naturalization?

You should make the Netherlands your main place of residence, register at your address in Ommen, and avoid long absences. Extended time abroad can disrupt the continuity required for permanent residence or naturalization.

What documents do I need for the investor route?

Expect to provide a valid passport, clean criminal record evidence, detailed proof of the lawful source of funds, bank statements from supervised institutions, a compliant investment plan, and corporate documents if investing through a company. Additional documents may be required depending on your situation.

Who decides on my application and where do I apply?

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service decides residence applications. You will also interact with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency for business plan assessments and with your local municipality in Ommen for registration and, later, for naturalization appointments and the ceremony.

What integration and language level is needed for naturalization?

Most adult applicants must pass civic integration exams that include Dutch language at approximately A2 level under current rules. Requirements can change, so confirm the latest standards before applying.

Are there tax benefits tied to the investor residence permit?

The permit itself does not grant special tax status. Your Dutch tax position depends on your residence, income sources, shareholdings, and structures. Coordinated advice from a tax adviser and an immigration lawyer is recommended before investing.

Additional Resources

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service manages residence permits and naturalization decisions. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency assesses business plans and innovation or economic value for investor and entrepreneur routes. The Authority for the Financial Markets and De Nederlandsche Bank supervise financial institutions and funds relevant to compliant investment structures.

The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration can provide guidance on individual and corporate tax obligations that arise from residence and investment. The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce registers Dutch companies and provides corporate extracts. The Municipality of Ommen handles municipal registration in the BRP, appointments related to naturalization applications, and the naturalization ceremony.

Next Steps

Clarify your goal. Decide whether your priority is residence in the Netherlands with a long term path to permanent residence and citizenship, or a shorter business presence. There is no citizenship by investment, so planning should reflect a residence first approach.

Select the right route. Compare the investor residence permit with the self-employed entrepreneur permit, the startup visa, or employment based routes. Consider cost, timing, evidentiary burden, and how each route aligns with your business plan and family needs.

Engage advisers. Retain an immigration lawyer and, where needed, a Dutch civil law notary and tax adviser. Early structuring can prevent compliance problems with investment rules, source of funds checks, and tax exposure.

Prepare documentation. Gather identity documents, police clearances where required, proof of lawful funds, bank letters from supervised institutions, business plans, and corporate documents. Translate and legalize documents as needed.

Register in Ommen. Upon arrival, register your address with the Municipality of Ommen to obtain or confirm your citizen service number. Maintain accurate registration to support future permanent residence and naturalization.

Comply and renew. Make the Netherlands your main place of residence, maintain health insurance, keep your investment in place if you hold an investor permit, and file renewals on time. Track travel to avoid disrupting residence continuity.

Plan for naturalization. Prepare for the civic integration exams, monitor any changes to language level requirements, and consult your lawyer on dual nationality rules and potential exceptions. When eligible, book your naturalization appointment at the Municipality of Ommen and attend the ceremony after approval.

This guide is informational only. Individual circumstances differ, and Dutch rules change. Consult a qualified lawyer before taking action.