Best Retirement Visa Lawyers in Ommen

About Retirement Visa Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Immigration in the Netherlands is regulated at the national level by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, known as the IND, under the Aliens Act 2000 and related regulations. There is no dedicated retirement visa for the Netherlands. People who want to retire in Ommen usually rely on other residence categories that fit their situation, such as joining a spouse or partner, living in the Netherlands as an EU or EEA citizen with sufficient means, obtaining a residence permit for investors, or using another qualifying purpose of stay.

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can generally live in Ommen without a residence permit if they are self-sufficient and have comprehensive health insurance. Non-EU nationals typically need a provisional residence permit known as an MVV for long stays, followed by a residence permit that matches their purpose of stay. The correct pathway depends on factors like nationality, family ties, financial means, investment plans, or eligibility under specific schemes.

Because rules change and the details matter, applicants should confirm the latest requirements with the IND or a qualified immigration lawyer before making plans.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Choosing the correct residence route if you want to retire in Ommen can be complex. A lawyer helps you identify a viable legal basis for residence when there is no standalone retirement visa. They can also assess eligibility, manage risks, and present your case clearly to the IND.

Common situations where legal advice is helpful include assessing whether you qualify as an EU or EEA citizen with sufficient means, joining a Dutch or EU spouse or partner, navigating the investor residence option, understanding whether an MVV is required for your nationality, organizing evidence of sustainable and adequate income, and proving that private pensions or savings meet Dutch rules.

Legal counsel is also valuable if you have previous immigration refusals, a criminal record, complex tax or pension arrangements, health insurance questions, document legalization or translation needs, or if you want to appeal an IND decision. British nationals with post-Brexit questions and people seeking to combine EU free movement rules with family situations may also benefit from tailored legal guidance.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration rules are national, but several local steps apply when settling in Ommen. After arrival with the correct visa or permit, you generally register your address in the Municipal Personal Records Database known as BRP at the Municipality of Ommen. This registration generates a citizen service number known as BSN, which you need for taxes, health insurance, and banking. Proof of lawful residence and a valid rental or ownership agreement are typically required for registration.

Health insurance is mandatory for residents. Depending on your status, you must arrange Dutch basic health insurance within a set time after registering in the BRP. Some newcomers use private international insurance to cover the initial period. The specific requirement depends on your residence permit conditions and social security position. For some nationalities and situations, a tuberculosis screening through the local health service GGD may be required after arrival.

Key national points include the possible need for an MVV long-stay visa before entering the Netherlands, biometrics and identification checks at the IND or a service desk, and proof that you have sufficient resources and will not be a burden on the Dutch social assistance system. If you apply under family reunification, the sponsor in the Netherlands typically must meet an income threshold that is updated twice per year. If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you must be self-sufficient and have health insurance, but there is no fixed national sum because the test focuses on whether you can support yourself without relying on social assistance.

If you stay 90 days or less in any 180-day period and you are visa-exempt or hold a Schengen C visa, you are considered a short-stay visitor and cannot register as a resident. Buying property in the Netherlands does not, by itself, grant a residence right. After five years of continuous lawful residence, some people may qualify for EU long-term residence or naturalization if they meet integration and other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a retirement visa for the Netherlands?

No. The Netherlands does not offer a dedicated retirement visa. People who wish to retire in Ommen usually apply under another residence category, such as joining a spouse or partner, using EU or EEA free movement rights if eligible, applying as an investor, or using another permitted purpose of stay.

Can an EU or EEA citizen retire in Ommen without a residence permit?

Yes, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can live in the Netherlands if they are self-sufficient and hold comprehensive health insurance. Registration at the Municipality of Ommen in the BRP is still necessary for residents, and family members who are non-EU citizens may need a residence card as family members of an EU or EEA citizen.

I am not an EU citizen. What are realistic pathways if I want to retire in Ommen?

Common pathways include joining a Dutch or EU spouse or partner if relationship requirements are met, using an investor residence permit if you meet the investment criteria, or qualifying for another purpose such as self-employment. There is no standard permit for financially independent retirees. A lawyer can assess whether your income, savings, or pension might satisfy any existing category.

Do I need an MVV long-stay visa before I arrive?

It depends on your nationality. Many non-EU nationals must obtain an MVV before traveling for long-term residence. Some nationalities are exempt. The MVV is usually applied for together with your residence permit in a combined procedure. Check your nationality status before making travel plans.

How much income or savings do I need?

The requirement depends on the legal basis of your application. For family migration, the sponsor generally must meet an income level linked to the statutory minimum wage, which the IND updates twice per year. For EU or EEA citizens exercising free movement rights, the standard is that you have sufficient resources not to require social assistance. The IND examines documents such as pension statements, annuities, and bank statements to assess sustainability and adequacy.

Does buying a home in Ommen grant me residence rights?

No. Property ownership does not provide a right to live in the Netherlands. You still need a lawful basis for residence and, for many nationalities, an MVV and a residence permit. However, a stable housing situation helps with municipal registration and can support your application evidence.

What health insurance do I need?

Residents must have health insurance. Depending on your permit and social security status, you may need to take out Dutch basic health insurance within a set period after registering in the BRP. Some applicants use international private cover during the transition. The exact requirement varies by status, so verify it for your case.

Will my foreign pension be taxed in the Netherlands?

Tax depends on your residence status and the applicable tax treaty between the Netherlands and your pension country. Many pensions are taxable in the country of residence, but treaties can allocate taxing rights differently. Contact the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration and a tax adviser to plan correctly before moving.

Can I work part-time if I move to Ommen to retire?

It depends on your permit. Some residence permits allow unrestricted work, some permit work only with a work authorization, and some do not allow work. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can generally work without a work permit. Always check the work endorsement on your residence document.

Can I become a permanent resident or a Dutch citizen later?

Possibly. After five years of continuous lawful residence, you may qualify for EU long-term residence or for naturalization if you meet language and integration requirements, have not spent long periods outside the Netherlands, and meet public order conditions. Time spent as a short-stay visitor does not count toward these periods.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service known as IND for residence rules, MVV procedures, residence permit forms, and appointments.

Municipality of Ommen for BRP registration, BSN, and local residency matters.

Expat Center Twente for regional support in Overijssel, including guidance on registration and settling in.

Dutch Tax and Customs Administration known as Belastingdienst for tax numbers, resident tax status, and pension taxation questions.

Sociale Verzekeringsbank known as SVB for state pension information and cross-border pension topics.

Zorgverzekeringslijn for independent advice on Dutch health insurance obligations and options.

GGD IJsselland for public health services, including any required tuberculosis screening after arrival.

Netherlands embassies and consulates for MVV submissions and legalization of documents before travel.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand known as the Legal Aid Board for information on subsidized legal assistance eligibility.

RDW and the Municipality of Ommen for driving licence exchange and local transport registrations if applicable.

Next Steps

Clarify your basis for residence. Since there is no retirement visa, identify a viable category such as joining a partner, investor residence, EU or EEA self-sufficient residence, or another route. A lawyer can map options against your personal facts.

Confirm MVV requirements. Check whether your nationality requires an MVV and plan the combined residence application timeline accordingly.

Audit your finances. Gather evidence of pensions, annuities, savings, and other income. Ensure funds are sustainable and can be documented with official statements. If applying via a sponsor, confirm that the sponsor meets the current income threshold.

Prepare civil documents. Obtain legalized and, if needed, apostilled and translated versions of birth, marriage, and divorce certificates. Use sworn translations where required.

Arrange health coverage. Secure appropriate health insurance for the period before and after municipal registration. Keep policy documents as evidence for your application and registration.

Plan your address in Ommen. Secure housing and ensure your rental agreement or deed allows BRP registration. Book a registration appointment with the Municipality of Ommen soon after arrival.

Schedule IND steps. Book any required biometrics or document pickup appointments. Keep copies of all submissions and decisions, and track deadlines for additional evidence or appeals.

Coordinate tax and pensions. Contact the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration and your pension providers to implement withholding, treaty elections, and payment routing to a Dutch or EU account if useful.

Keep compliance in mind. Respect 90-180 day limits if you are still a visitor, register on time, complete any TB screening if required, and observe work restrictions on your residence permit.

Seek professional help. If you are uncertain about eligibility, documentation, or timing, consult an immigration lawyer experienced with residence planning for retirees. Early advice can prevent refusals and delays.