Netherlands allows family of highly skilled migrants to stay abroad 8 months

Main-residence rules now cover family abroad

The Netherlands now lets accompanying family members of highly skilled migrants stay outside the country for up to 8 months without automatically losing residence rights. The change took effect April 3, 2026 and aligns dependants with the existing rule for the main permit holder, who can work abroad for 8 months in any 12-month period.

The key detail is the rolling 12-month count. Long absences can still matter if they break the Netherlands’ main-residence requirement, so repeated travel needs close tracking.

Who the change affects

The update mainly helps highly skilled migrants and their spouses, partners and minor children. It also matters for employers and recognised sponsors that manage international assignments and family-linked residence permits.

Short-stay visitors and tourists are outside this rule. For remote workers, the change only applies if they actually hold a Dutch highly skilled migrant permit. Working from the Netherlands on a tourist stay is still not allowed under these rules.

MVV paperwork is lighter now

The Netherlands has also cut a step from the MVV long-stay entry-visa process. From April 1, 2026, applicants no longer need a separate MVV issue form at the embassy stage after approval, following a brief transition that started in March.

Recognised sponsors still file most applications and approved applicants still have to collect the MVV sticker and enter the country within the visa’s validity period. The practical effect is less paperwork for work, family and study cases, plus a simpler route for people moving on the highly skilled migrant track.

Read our full Netherlands guide for the complete picture. For more visa updates, keep following Stamped Nomad.