immigration lawyers in the Netherlands

List of English-speaking immigration attorneys in the Netherlands

Who are the best immigration lawyers in the Netherlands?

Choosing the best immigration lawyer in the Netherlands can be a challenge, especially if you do not speak Dutch and are not familiar with the Dutch legal system. The Dutch Law Institute has therefore compiled the following list of recommended Dutch immigration lawyers to assist English speakers in their search. However, making this selection from the approximately 19,000 lawyers in the Netherlands ('advocaten', members of the Dutch Bar Association) was anything but easy.

Using a variety of sources, the committee compiled the following list of English-speaking immigration lawyers in the Netherlands who can be recommended:

Name	Law firm	Email
Arend van Rosmalen https://www.mynta.nl/en/team/arend-van-rosmalen-ll-m	Mynta https://www.mynta.nl/en/	vanrosmalen@mynta.nl
Jelle Kroes https://www.kroesadvocaten.nl/en/our-team/jelle-kroes/	Kroes Advocaten https://www.kroesadvocaten.nl/en/	kroes@kroesadvocaten.nl
Elles Besselsen https://www.everaert.nl/en/mensen/elles-besselsen-2/	Everaert Advocaten https://www.everaert.nl/en/	besselsen@everaert.nl
Marieke van Eik https://www.prakkendoliveira.nl/en/who-are-we/lawyers/marieke-van-eik	Prakken d'Oliveira https://www.prakkendoliveira.nl/en/	mvaneik@prakkendoliveira.nl
Jan Willem Aartsen https://ahl-advocaten.nl/en/advocaten/jan-willem-aartsen-2	AHL Advocaten https://ahl-advocaten.nl/en/	aartsen@ahl-advocaten.nl
Peggy Franssen https://www.franssenadvocaten.nl/english/attorneys/peggy-franssen/	Franssen Advocaten https://www.franssenadvocaten.nl/english/	franssen@franssenadvocaten.nl

How can a Dutch immigration lawyer assist with corporate relocation?

Companies looking to relocate staff benefit from having a Dutch immigration lawyer manage compliance. This includes ensuring timely work authorization, guiding recognized sponsorship applications, and advising on family reunification. With proper legal support, businesses can navigate Dutch regulations, avoid IND rejections, and maintain smooth operations. The lawyer in the Netherlands also helps coordinate with local authorities and handle any appeals if issues arise.

What documents are required to apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands?

Common documents include valid passport, proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract), financial statements (showing sufficient financial means), and medical insurance. Depending on the situation, additional items like birth certificates or legal sponsorship proof may be needed. A lawyer in the Netherlands specializing in immigration law can verify the exact requirements and ensure everything meets the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) guidelines.

When do I need a recognized sponsor for a Dutch visa application?

The recognized sponsor status is often required for the Highly Skilled Migrant route, intracompany transfers, and certain startup visas. This status confirms that your employer is approved by the IND to hire foreign talent. Working with a Dutch immigration lawyer ensures the sponsor meets all obligations, such as maintaining salary thresholds and submitting timely documentation, to prevent delays or rejections.

What should I do if my Dutch visa application is denied?

Challenging a negative IND decision requires filing an objection or appeal within strict deadlines. A lawyer in the Netherlands can examine the denial grounds and submit a well-reasoned response. Documents showing compliance with Dutch immigration law may be supplemented. In certain cases, new evidence can be added. Prompt action is crucial to protect your right to remain or enter the Netherlands.

Are there specific Dutch language requirements for permanent residency or citizenship?

Candidates usually must pass the civic integration exam, which tests Dutch language skills and cultural knowledge. The exam includes speaking, reading, writing, and comprehension assessments. A Dutch immigration lawyer can confirm which exemptions or alternative qualifications apply in your situation. For citizenship, the process can involve stricter language criteria, so early preparation often helps secure a positive outcome.

How does the Netherlands handle family reunification under immigration law?

Close relatives—spouses, registered partners, and minor children—may join a legal resident under Dutch family reunification rules. Proof of stable financial resources and an appropriate living situation are essential. Working with a lawyer in the Netherlands helps assemble documents, demonstrate genuine family ties, and respond swiftly to IND requests. Delays or refusals can arise if any requirements aren’t fully addressed.

What is the Startup Visa, and can I bring my family?

The Dutch Startup Visa program lets entrepreneurs launch innovative ventures in the Netherlands with guidance from a recognized facilitator. Eligibility hinges on a unique business idea and official facilitator support. A Dutch immigration lawyer can clarify specific criteria for the application, including financial plans. Family members often qualify for residence permits if they meet standard reunification requirements alongside the main applicant.

Can British nationals still work or reside in the Netherlands after Brexit?

Brexit introduced special rules for UK citizens. Those who moved to the Netherlands before the Brexit transition deadline might have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement. Others may need a work permit or residency permit. Consulting an immigration lawyer in the Netherlands can help clarify options, including the applicable route for Highly Skilled Migrants or other recognized pathways.

Is an appeal possible if the IND revokes my residence permit?

Revocation of a Dutch residence permit can be contested if the IND believes conditions are no longer met. An appeal, known as a “bezwaarschrift,” must be filed quickly. A lawyer in the Netherlands can review reasons for revocation, prepare supporting evidence, and argue that circumstances still align with Dutch immigration law. Proper legal counsel can improve your chance of a successful outcome.

How can corporate immigration compliance be maintained for foreign employees?

Maintaining compliance involves strict adherence to Dutch labor and immigration rules, including reporting changes in employment status to the IND. Regular audits and clear record-keeping help prevent penalties. A Dutch immigration lawyer can advise on salary thresholds, contract updates, and any sponsor obligations. By proactively monitoring these elements, companies reduce the risk of fines, visa rejections, or sponsor status revocation.

Challenges in compiling the list of the best immigration attorneys in the Netherlands

By definition, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive, objective and measured assessment of all immigration lawyers in the Netherlands in all respects. Nevertheless, the review committee, which was first assembled by the Dutch Law Institute in 2024, has endeavored to make a careful and useful selection based on a variety of sources. The sources consulted for this purpose were the following:

• Case law: The committee looked at case law and past decisions involving immigration lawyers.
• Legal articles and publications: Attorneys' academic and other legal work was analyzed to assess their expertise within the area of Dutch immigration law.
• Client testimonials and statements from other lawyers: The experiences of clients and other lawyers played a role in understanding the quality of service.

The members of the review committee tried to strike a balance between legal expertise, practical experience and client satisfaction. However, any selection remains subjective to some extent and depends on the quality and availability of information.

Selecting Dutch immigration lawyers obviously involves significant challenges and intricate considerations. Lawyers had to be assessed on multiple aspects, including quality, reputation and specialization. However, not all immigration lawyers are equally assessable based on publicly available information, and there are numerous factors that may influence their performance.

Therefore, we want to emphasize that a listing does not guarantee a successful case, nor is it an absolute assessment of the immigration lawyer's skills. We encourage individuals and companies seeking an immigration lawyer in the Netherlands to always make their own conscious and informed choice and find the appropriate Dutch attorney to suit their particular situation.

Independence and value of this 2025 listing of immigration lawyers

The Dutch Law Institute and the members of the review committee have not been paid for the listing of Dutch immigration attorneys in this list, and do not have any business relationship with the listed immigration attorneys or their law firms.

The Institute and the review committee worked independently and are solely focused on providing objective and useful information to English-speaking individuals and businesses. This means that the selection is purely based on quality and reputation of the selected immigration lawyers, with no undue commercial influences of any kind.

In our experience, this independence ensures that a listing in this directory of Netherlands immigration lawyers has more value than in many other English-language directories in which lawyers can be listed for a fee. After all, unlike such commercial directories, which often charge high fees to be visible, the immigration attorneys in this list are selected on the basis of substantive merit and not because of a financial contribution. This makes the recommendation by the Dutch Law Institute valuable to all who seeking reliable and adequate legal support in the Netherlands.

Other directories of immigration lawyers and law firms in the Netherlands

Legal 500 and Chambers are two prominent directories for law firms worldwide. They offer reviews and rankings of legal services. Yet there is some criticism of the usefulness of these listings.

• One of the most common criticisms is the question of the objectivity of the reviews. Legal 500 and Chambers rely on information provided in part by the firms themselves. This means that firms with better resources and a larger marketing budget are more likely to receive positive mentions. This gives the impression that it is sometimes more about who can invest the most time and resources, rather than the actual quality of service.
• Many lawyers and legal professionals view listings in Legal 500 and Chambers as a popularity contest. The larger the network and the better the relationships with so-called researchers, the greater the chance of a listing. This can result in good but lesser-known law firms not getting the recognition they deserve. The system may be biased in favor of larger firms with extensive networks and connections.
• In addition, the high costs associated with participating in this type of directory are often pointed out. Law firms often have to invest a significant amount of time and resources in the application processes. For smaller firms, this is sometimes not feasible, thus excluding them from participation. This makes the directories in a sense exclusive, targeting firms that can afford the investment, rather than providing a representative overview of the legal market.
• A final point of criticism is that the directories often seem to favor large firms. Niche firms or specialized lawyers are less likely to get the attention they deserve. As a result, clients may mistakenly believe that only large, full-service firms offer high quality, when in reality there are many specialized lawyers who actually excel in specific areas.

So, while Legal 500 and Chambers can certainly provide valuable information, there is clearly also criticism of the way the information is gathered and presented. Objectivity, accessibility and measurement of actual quality remain controversial. For prospective clients, it is important to consider these criticisms when interpreting the rankings. It remains wise to look beyond the listings in these directories and also use other sources and your own research when choosing a lawyer or law firm.

The listing by the Dutch Law Institute does not imply a guarantee or endorsement

The Dutch Law Institute is not responsible for the quality of services provided by the attorneys listed. The listing does not imply that Dutch Law Institute has a formal relationship with the attorneys or their firms. Also, the order of the names does not indicate any preference or ranking; it is arbitrary.

Your experience with a listed Dutch immigration lawyer is important to us

In order to improve the quality of our list, we greatly appreciate your feedback. If you have engaged one of the lawyers or firms on the list, we would like to hear your experiences. This feedback will help us to adjust the list, if necessary, and support litigants even better in the future.

For Dutch immigration lawyers who want to be on this list

Are you an English-speaking, qualified and experienced immigration lawyer in the Netherlands and do you think you should also be on the list of immigration lawyers?

We are open to suggestions and want to continue to improve our list.

Please contact us at mail@dutch-law.com if you feel your expertise would be a valuable addition. All applications are subjected to the same evaluation criteria, with quality, experience, reputation and client satisfaction being key.