Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Enschede

About Golden Visa Law in Enschede, Netherlands

Many people use the term "Golden Visa" to mean a residence-by-investment program. The Netherlands does not operate a single, nationwide program called "Golden Visa" that mirrors the schemes in countries such as Portugal or Spain. Instead, the Dutch immigration system offers a number of residence routes that may suit investors, entrepreneurs and wealthy third-country nationals. These routes include permits for self-employed entrepreneurs, startup founders, highly skilled migrants, some investor-related permits and family reunification options. Applications and final decisions are handled by the national Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - while local tasks such as registration and municipal services are handled by the Gemeente Enschede.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- Complex eligibility assessment: Dutch immigration rules are detailed and frequently updated. A lawyer or specialist immigration adviser can assess which route best matches your circumstances and prepare a strategy.

- Document preparation and verification: Many routes require legalised and translated documents, credible business plans, financial proof and contracts. Lawyers help prepare filings to meet IND expectations and reduce risk of refusal.

- Business and corporate structure: If you plan to invest through a company, set up a BV or operate as a self-employed entrepreneur, you may need legal advice on corporate law, shareholder agreements and compliance with Dutch company rules and KvK registration.

- Family reunification and residence rights: Lawyers guide you through family permit applications, proof-of-relationship requirements and timing so your partner and children can join you.

- Appealing refusals and administrative law: If the IND or another authority refuses an application, a lawyer experienced in immigration litigation and administrative law can manage appeals, requests for review and procedural remedies.

- Tax and cross-border issues: Immigration often involves tax residency and structuring questions. Working with a lawyer and a Dutch tax adviser avoids unintended tax liabilities and ensures efficient planning.

Local Laws Overview

- Legal framework: Dutch immigration is governed by the Vreemdelingenwet and implemented by the IND. EU and Schengen rules also shape short-stay rights and border rules. Local implementation - municipal registration, housing and some social services - is managed by Gemeente Enschede.

- Residence categories relevant to investors and entrepreneurs: Typical routes used by investors include the residence permit for self-employed persons, the startup visa for founders with innovative plans, and several other permits such as highly skilled migrant or EU Blue Card for qualified workers. Eligibility criteria, documentation and assessment standards differ by route.

- Business registration and permits: Any business activity in Enschede must be registered with the Kamer van Koophandel - KvK. A registered Dutch business entity - for example a BV - has local legal, tax and reporting obligations. If you plan to employ people, you must also comply with Dutch employment law and social insurance rules.

- Municipal registration and civic obligations: Upon arrival you must register with the Gemeente Enschede and obtain a Burgerservicenummer - BSN. Municipal registration is essential for opening a bank account, enrolling in healthcare and obtaining many official services.

- Health insurance and social security: Statutory health insurance is mandatory for residents who work or live in the Netherlands. You will also be subject to Dutch social security and payroll rules if you are employed.

- Family and long-term residence: After continuous lawful residence - commonly around five years under many routes - you may become eligible for permanent residence and later naturalisation subject to additional conditions such as integration requirements and civic integration testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a Golden Visa in the Netherlands?

There is no single Dutch scheme universally called a Golden Visa. Instead, investors and wealthy third-country nationals typically look at existing immigration routes - such as self-employed entrepreneur permits, the startup visa, highly skilled migrant permits and occasional investor-related permits - that can result in residence rights in the Netherlands.

Can I buy my way into residency in Enschede with a set minimum investment?

The Netherlands does not operate a uniform buy-in residency program with a standard minimum figure like some other countries. Eligibility for investor-related routes depends on the type of investment, business plan, economic merits and IND assessment. You should obtain tailored legal and financial advice rather than rely on a fixed investment threshold.

How do I start the process while I am still abroad?

Start by consulting an immigration lawyer or specialist to identify the right route. If you require an MVV (provisional long-stay visa), you will usually begin your application via the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. For some categories you can start the application directly with the IND from abroad. Prepare translated, legalised documents, a clear business plan if applicable, and proof of funds.

Do family members get residency as well?

Most long-stay residence permits allow family reunification for spouses/partners and dependent children, subject to specific requirements such as proof of relationship, adequate housing and sufficient income. The exact rules and processing times vary by permit type and nationality.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Processing times vary by route and by whether an MVV is needed. Simple cases may take a few weeks, while complex business or investor-related applications can take several months. IND publishes indicative processing times, but local factors and document completeness strongly influence timing.

Will I automatically qualify for permanent residence or citizenship later?

Permanent residence is not automatic. Most applicants must reside lawfully for a continuous period - usually around five years - and meet conditions on income, integration and good conduct. Naturalisation as a Dutch citizen has additional requirements such as language and integration tests, and possible renunciation of previous nationality depending on circumstances.

What documents are commonly required?

Common documents include a valid passport, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record checks from countries where you have lived, proof of sufficient funds, bank statements, tax documents, a business plan if applying as an entrepreneur, KvK registration documents if applicable, and certified translations. The IND will list specific requirements for each permit type.

Do I have to register with the Gemeente Enschede after arrival?

Yes. You must register with the municipality where you live to obtain a BSN and access municipal services. Registration is essential for opening a bank account, getting health insurance and many other administrative steps. The municipality also handles local permits and housing-related matters.

How much will legal help and application fees cost?

Costs vary. IND application fees are fixed by category and change periodically. Legal fees depend on the lawyer’s experience and the complexity of the case - simple advice or document checks cost less than full application preparation or appeal work. Expect to budget for IND fees, document legalisation, translation, notary or corporate costs and professional fees for lawyers and tax advisers.

How do I choose the right lawyer in Enschede or the Netherlands?

Look for lawyers specialising in immigration and residency-by-investment or in business immigration. Check professional qualifications, experience with IND cases, client references and whether they collaborate with tax advisers and notaries. Ask about fees, typical timelines and success rates before engaging an adviser.

Additional Resources

- Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - for official residence permit rules and application requirements.

- Gemeente Enschede - for municipal registration, BSN, local permits and housing information.

- Kamer van Koophandel - KvK - for company registration and entrepreneur information relevant to business-related residence routes.

- Belastingdienst - Dutch Tax and Customs Administration - for tax residency, corporate tax and personal tax obligations.

- Dutch embassies and consulates - for MVV and initial visa procedures when applying from abroad.

- UWV - for employment-related checks if you are hiring staff or using work permits.

- Professional associations - such as immigration law firms, Dutch bar associations and certified immigration advisers - for referrals to qualified lawyers and advisers.

Next Steps

- Assess your goals: Clarify whether your priority is business activity, investment returns, family relocation or eventual permanent residency and citizenship. This determines the most suitable permit route.

- Gather documents: Start collecting passports, birth and marriage certificates, criminal record checks, banking and financial proof and any business documents. Arrange certified translations and apostilles if required.

- Seek specialist advice: Contact a Dutch immigration lawyer or authorised immigration adviser to evaluate your situation and prepare an application strategy. Ask for a clear fee estimate and timeline.

- Plan local logistics: Research housing in Enschede, prepare for municipal registration, and plan for health insurance and bank account setup once your residence permit is granted.

- Coordinate tax and corporate setup: If you will invest or run a business, consult a Dutch tax adviser and, where relevant, a notary to structure the investment or company correctly and meet ongoing reporting obligations.

- Prepare for contingencies: Allow time for additional document requests, potential appeals and integration requirements. Working with experienced advisers reduces delays and improves the chances of a successful outcome.