Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Velp

1. About Golden Visa Law in Velp, Netherlands

Velp is a town in Gelderland within the municipality of Rheden, and residents often pursue long term stay via national immigration routes rather than local rules. The term Golden Visa in the Netherlands historically referred to a residence permit granted to foreign investors who met specific investment criteria. This program was national in scope and managed by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

As of 2021 the Netherlands ended new applications for the investor visa route, effectively closing the traditional Golden Visa to new applicants. Existing investors with ongoing applications could continue under the applicable rules, but new paths to Golden Visa residency are no longer available in the same form. People in Velp seeking residency now typically pursue other lawful routes such as entrepreneurship, highly skilled migration, or family-based residence permits.

In Velp, like elsewhere in the Netherlands, residency decisions remain subject to national law and IND guidance. Municipalities such as Velp (via the municipality of Rheden) handle local matters like BRP registration and housing while the eligibility process for residency is governed by national legislation. For anyone considering residency through investment or related avenues, legal counsel helps navigate changes in policy and ensure compliance with current rules.

Source: The Dutch investor residence permit program is no longer available for new applicants since 2021, with ongoing cases subject to the applicable rules.

Source reference: IND - Investor residence permit, Wetten over overheid.nl (official Dutch law portal)

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Certain situations in Velp require precise legal guidance to protect your interests and ensure compliance with Dutch immigration law. Below are concrete scenarios where a Golden Visa or related residency matter benefits from professional legal support.

• You plan to pursue an alternative residency route after the investor program ends and need a lawyer to compare options such as startup, highly skilled migrant, or family-based permits and to prepare a tailored plan for Velp residence registration.
• Your investment structure was established before policy changes and you need to ensure all documents and funding sources meet current IND requirements and anti-money-laundering rules.
• You want to bring dependents to Velp and must prepare family member applications, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, and translations suitable for IND submission.
• You already hold a Dutch investment or business stake and require assistance converting that interest into a qualifying route under existing law, plus help with document legalization and corporate filings.
• You require BRP registration and municipal documentation in Velp and need a lawyer to coordinate between the gemeente Rheden and IND for a smooth process.
• You face delays, errors, or requests for additional information from the IND and need a lawyer to communicate with the authority, organize evidence, and protect your timeline.

3. Local Laws Overview

Golden Visa matters in Velp operate under national immigration law, but several specific Dutch regulations shape how residency is granted and maintained. Below are two to three named legal frameworks with context for Velp residents.

• Vreemdelingenwet 2000 (Aliens Act) governs the admission and residence of non-EU nationals in the Netherlands, including eligibility criteria, grounds for refusal, and appeal procedures. For Velp residents, this is the primary statutory backbone for any residence permit application. Effective date: originally enacted in 2000 and amended repeatedly.
• Vreemdelingenbesluit 2000 (Aliens Decree) implements concrete rules under the Aliens Act, including application forms, procedural steps, and administrative conditions that impact residency requests made from Velp.
• Basisregistratie Personen (BRP) and Wet BRP govern how residents are registered in the municipal population database, which affects address verification, municipal services, and eligibility for certain permits. Velp residents must be BRP-registered at the gemeente (municipality) level, typically through Velp's governing body via the gemeente Rheden.

Recent changes in policy affect timing, documentation, and acceptable investment structures for any remaining pathways that resemble a Golden Visa. For precise text and current implementation, consult the official law portals and IND guidance referenced below.

For authoritative texts, see: Wetten Overheid.nl - Dutch laws portal and IND - Investor residence permit. Additional national guidance is available at Rijksoverheid - Immigration and naturalisation.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Golden Visa in Velp and is it still available?

The traditional Golden Visa refers to the Dutch investor residence route, historically requiring a high value investment. As of 2021, new Golden Visa applications are no longer accepted. Velp residents should explore current alternatives such as startup or highly skilled routes if eligible.

How do I apply for an investor residence permit in the Netherlands now?

Applications for new investor residency are not available. If you already have an ongoing case, your matters will be processed under existing rules. A lawyer can help verify status and advise on viable replacement options.

Do I need to live in Velp to qualify for residency via investment?

Residency requirements are national and not tied to living in a specific town. However, you must be BRP-registered with the local gemeente, which in Velp is under the municipality of Rheden. A lawyer can coordinate this with IND requirements.

How long does residency processing typically take in the current regime?

Processing times vary by route and complexity. For historical investor routes, timelines ranged from several months to over a year, but new investor applications are not currently accepted. A Dutch immigration attorney can provide a current timeline for your situation.

What investment thresholds applied to the Golden Visa historically?

The investor threshold was approximately €1.25 million previously. Since the program closed for new applicants, there is no active threshold to meet for a Golden Visa today.

Can my family join me if I pursue a new eligible route in Velp?

Family reunification or extension depends on the route chosen. A lawyer can assess whether dependents qualify under a given permit and prepare required documents.

What are the main costs besides the investment amount?

Costs include legal fees, translation and legalization of documents, apostilles, notary charges, and potentially municipal registration costs. A lawyer can provide a precise budget for your case.

Do I need Dutch language proficiency to obtain residency?

Some routes require language or integration criteria, while others focus on work, business activity, or family ties. A lawyer can map out language requirements for your chosen path.

Is there a residency path from investment to permanent residency?

Historically there were pathways from investor status to permanent residency, but new Golden Visa routes are closed. Other routes may lead to long-term or permanent residency depending on eligibility and Dutch policy at the time.

What if my application is delayed or denied?

A lawyer can request clarifications, gather supporting documents, and help appeal decisions when applicable. Timely legal intervention improves chances of a favorable outcome.

Do I need a Dutch lawyer or can I hire an advisor from abroad?

A Dutch immigration lawyer or licensed solicitor is recommended to navigate local procedures, BRP rules in Velp, and IND standards. Local expertise helps avoid common document and timing errors.

5. Additional Resources

• IND - Immigration and Naturalisation Service - Official body handling residence permits and policy guidance for the Netherlands, including investor routes and current alternatives for residency. https://ind.nl/en
• Rijksoverheid - Immigration and naturalisation - National government portal with information on how migration and residency work in the Netherlands. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/immigratie-en-naturalisatie
• Wetten Overheid.nl - Official portal hosting Dutch statutes including the Vreemdelingenwet 2000 and related regulations that govern residence rights. https://wetten.overheid.nl/

6. Next Steps

1. Identify your best current option with a Dutch immigration attorney who understands Velp specifics and recent policy changes. Timeline: 1-2 weeks to schedule an initial consultation.
2. Gather all necessary personal and financial documents including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and proof of funds. Timeline: 2-4 weeks for document collection and verification.
3. Assess local registration needs in Velp and arrange BRP registration with de gemeente Rheden as applicable. Timeline: 1-3 weeks after selecting a route.
4. Request a formal eligibility assessment from your lawyer to confirm which paths remain viable given current laws. Timeline: 1-2 weeks for a written opinion.
5. Prepare a tailored plan with a clear budget and milestones outlining steps, documents, and expected timelines for Velp residency matters. Timeline: 2-3 weeks to finalize plan.
6. Engage a Dutch immigration attorney and sign a service agreement to formalize representation and communications with IND. Timeline: 1 week for engagement and onboarding.
7. Submit required applications or adjust strategy as policies evolve with ongoing monitoring by your legal team. Timeline: depends on route but plan for 6-18 months if applicable.