On 31 January 2020 (Brexit), the UK left the EU with an approved Withdrawal Agreement (WA). As a result of Brexit, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens, thus rights of residence have changed.
The WA protects EU citizens lawfully residing in the United Kingdom, and UK nationals lawfully residing in one of the 27 EU Member States at the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020.
The WA guarantees these citizens and their family members broadly the same rights they had before the UK withdrew from the EU: they can continue to live, study, work and travel freely between the UK and the EU.
From 1 January 2021, UK citizens with residence rights under the WA require a special residence document to demonstrate residence and work rights in the Netherlands. The Dutch immigration authority (IND) processes these applications. Applications for these documents are still accepted as the WA provides for a grace period to apply for a residence document. Qualifying Brits can apply for a residence document up to twelve midnight (24.00 CET) at the end of 30 June 2021 at the latest. If you have not already done so, apply for residency as soon as possible.
Avoid illegal stay and illegal employment. For advice, contact Reinier Wolters at r.wolters@valegis.com.
