Boris Johnson 'needs to step up for British expats' says expert

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After the EU-UK Brexit withdrawal agreement transition period ended on January 1, Britons living in Europe were urged to apply for residence permits. The deadline to apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands is fast approaching on October 1.

Any British person living in the Netherlands without a residence permit will be staying in the country unlawfully.

This means that any Britons without the permit would be unable to receive health insurance or apply for mortgages.

A Dutch Government Immigration Service statement said there would be a flexible policy for British citizens who missed the deadline.

Britons will have until October 2022 to allow for any belated applications to be processed by the authorities.

However, that will be far from an ideal position for any British expats in the Netherlands as they will be regarded as unlawful during that period.

A statement from the Dutch Government Immigration Service said on the flexible policy: “As a result, the unlawful presence becomes – with retroactive effect – lawful.

“In the meantime, however, the societal consequences and those as regards the residency status are of such an impact that it is crucial not to end up in that situation.”

Anyone who moved to the Netherlands in late 2020 will need to provide proof that they arrived with intention to live there. This could be a travel document or a property rental receipt.

Since the UK left the EU, many EU member states have urged Britons to apply for residence permits before time runs out.

After October 2022, British expats in the Netherlands without a residence permit will be treated under the same rules as other non EU-nationals.

The Netherlands is a popular choice with British expats as it is one of the safest countries in the world.

Basic Dutch health insurance covers general medical care, including visits to a GP and hospital care.

Cycling enthusiasts will love the Netherlands as even the Prime Minister cycles to work, along with much of the country.

British expats who can’t speak Dutch won’t face many issues because English is widely spoken and even children are often fluent speakers.

However, Brits looking to apply for permanent Dutch residency and a Dutch passport will need to demonstrate basic Dutch language skills.

While life in the Netherlands can be pricey, the cost of living is higher in London than in Amsterdam.

Time is also running out for expats in many other EU countries to apply for their residency permits. Finland has made a final call for Brits to apply before September 30.

Any British expats who are unsure on the residency permit process should check the UK Government website.

Britons visiting the EU for a holiday have already faced new travel rules after Brexit as they can no longer stay as long as they want.

According to the EU Schengen area rules, Britons can stay within the EU for up to 90 days, every 180 days.

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