Working and living as an expat in the Netherlands brings many opportunities, but also legal questions. From renting or buying a home to your employment contract, taxes and residence status: expats have to deal with rules that are often new and complex.
AtArslan Advocatenwe specialize in assisting expats and international employers. We ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive clear answers to all your legal questions.
Common Legal Questions for Expats
1. Tax & income
30% ruling (30% ruling): tax exemption up to 30% of your salary.
Partial foreign tax liability: which income is or is not taxed in the Netherlands.
Double taxation: how do tax treaties prevent you from paying twice?
2. Labor & dismissal
Employment contract for expats: what to look out for with a contract in the Netherlands.
Dismissal protection: expats have the same protection as Dutch employees.
Temporary assignment and secondment: difference between foreign assignment and Dutch secondment contract.
3. Living in the Netherlands
Tenancy law for expats: protection against excessive rents, service costs and deposit problems.
Owner-occupied home as an expat: mortgage conditions, tax benefits and legal pitfalls.
4. Stay & work permit
Knowledge Migrant Scheme: salary criteria and residence permit for highly educated people.
Family reunification: rights of partners and children.
Residence status upon dismissal: what if your contract ends?
5. Family Law & inheritance law
International matrimonial law: which law applies to marriage or divorce?
Inheritance law for expats: how inheritances are divided between countries.
Practical examples
Example 1: An expat from India did not receive a deposit back after his rental contract expired. With our help, he still got the full deposit back plus interest.
Example 2: An American worker was dismissed during his secondment. Through rapid legal assistance, he received both transition compensation and additional compensation.
Example 3: A Spanish expat bought a house in Amsterdam without a building inspection. We helped him recover costs from the seller after hidden defects.
Checklist for expats in the Netherlands
📄 Always read your employment contract carefully (or have it checked).
💶 Check whether you qualify for the30% scheme.
🏠 Know your rights as a tenant or buyer of a home.
🛂 Arrange your residence and work permit in time.
⚖️ Contact a lawyer if you have any doubts or conflicts.
Why choose Arslan Advocaten?
Extensive experience withexpat mattersin the field of employment law, tax law, rental law and family law.
Personal guidancein clear language, tailored to expats.
We work together withtax advisors and notariesfor a total solution.
Transparent costs and, where possible, free legal assistance.
FAQ for expats in the Netherlands
1. As an expat, do I have the same employment rights as Dutch people?
Yes, you are entitled to equal treatment and the same protection against dismissal.
2. Can I apply for the 30% ruling if I come to work in the Netherlands?
Yes, provided you meet the conditions (distance requirement and income limit).
3. Am I entitled to rental price protection as an expat?
Yes, expats have the same rights as all other tenants in the Netherlands.
4. Can my residence permit expire upon dismissal?
That depends on your residence status. We can assess this immediately for you.
5. Can I buy a home without Dutch nationality?
Yes, that's possible. Financing via a mortgage may have additional conditions.