What is the difference between a National PR (Type II) and EU Long-term Resident (Type V)?

Type V (EU) permits easier movement to other EU countries in the future whereas Type II is exclusively Dutch. The applicant is also eligible to do both but should choose Type V to be the most flexible.

Should I be able to apply in case my current permit will run out in 2 months?

Yes! You may exercise a maximum of 3 months prior to your 5 years anniversary or expiry of your current permit.

Can I lose my original passport in case I receive PR?

No. Permanent Residency will not deprive you of your original nationality. Naturalization (Citizenship) is the only requirement often demanding that you renounce your birth passport.

Netherlands PR Requirements Guide 2026

Is the Netherlands finally beginning to become home? When you have been in the country of tulips and technology almost half a decade, the year 2026 will be the most crucial time to set your future. The last step to enjoying freedom of living and working in the Netherlands without sponsor is going through the Netherlands PR Requirements Guide 2026.

Eligibility history and residency history Core Eligibility and Residency History

The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) seeks stability to grant permanent residency (PR). The main criterion is straightforward, you should be 5 years long and have an active residence permit in the Netherlands.

The “Continuous Stay” Rule

5-Year Continuous Residence: You are not allowed to have changed your “main residence” to be outside the Netherlands. This implies that there can be no absences which surpass 6 months of consecutive absences or 4 months consecutively in 3 years.
Continuous Legal Stay: You have to have renewed your permits in time. A single day will get your 5-year clock back to zero.
Non-Temporary Purpose of Stay: When submitting your application, your permit must have a permanent purpose (e.g. highly skilled migrant or family purpose).

Integration, Language Standards (2026)

Among the changes that have received the most publicity in 2026 is the increase in the threshold of the Civic Integration Exam.

Language Level A2 vs. B1: The A2 level has been the norm, but 2026 has significant incentives to B1 level in those who will be covered by the newer Wet Inburgering 2021. Look at your particular integration letter at DUO and find out what level you are at.
The Components: You have to complete modules in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, as well as:
KNM (Knowledge of Dutch Society): Revised in late 2025 to put more emphasis on the contemporary Dutch labor laws and social security.
MAP & PVT: Newer modules of participation are needed by new arrivals since January 2022.

Financial and Employment Related Requirement

The IND needs an evidence of your Independent and Sustainable Income. You cannot count on the social assistance ( Bijstand ) when you are a resident.

2026 Income Thresholds

The IND revised minimum income requirements as of January 1, 2026:

Couples/Families: Gross are 2294.40/mo. (without holiday allowance).
Single Parents/ singles: gross monthly: €1,606.08.
Validity of Contract: Your employment contract should have been in existence at least 12 months since the time when you were applying.

Administrative Compliance & Legal Fees

Ready to click “submit”? Ensure that you are in order in digital and legal house.

Applications Fee 2026: It now costs an amount of 254 to apply to a Type II (National PR) or Type V (EU Long-term Resident) permit.
DigiD Application: Applications mainly are placed through My IND portal and they need an active DigiD verified by SMS or apps.
VOG: Although this is not always a requirement at the start of the process, a clean criminal record is a prerequisite. A rejection will occur with any fine (exceeding 800) or prison sentence in the past 5 years.
Legalization: All foreign birth certificates or marriage certificates have to be apostilled and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.

FAQs

What is the difference between a National PR (Type II) and EU Long-term Resident (Type V)?

Type V (EU) permits easier movement to other EU countries in the future whereas Type II is exclusively Dutch. The applicant is also eligible to do both but should choose Type V to be the most flexible.
Should I be able to apply in case my current permit will run out in 2 months?

Yes! You may exercise a maximum of 3 months prior to your 5 years anniversary or expiry of your current permit.
Can I lose my original passport in case I receive PR?

No. Permanent Residency will not deprive you of your original nationality. Naturalization (Citizenship) is the only requirement often demanding that you renounce your birth passport.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason this is all about proving that you are a self-sufficient and an integrated member of society, so that you can secure your Netherlands Permanent Residency in 2026. You will be in a position to navigate the 2026 environment safely by being able to take your integration tests earlier than the rest and making sure that your records are correct at the Gemeente you are based at.

Disclosure

This paper is written informative and educative. It is recommended to readers to contact the sources of trust, i.e., the official IND.nl site, to make the right decisions in their lives and to make decisions related to law.