How long your first permit lasts
ind.nl: “Your residence permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years.” After that you apply for an extension.
When to apply
The IND’s 2026 extension form says to apply before your permit expires, but not earlier than 3 months before the expiry date. Your purpose of stay has to remain the same: running your business under the treaty.
What the IND checks
ind.nl: at extension, “the IND requires the annual accounts and a balance sheet or income statement.” With those it checks two things:
- that your company has actually been active
- that the invested capital remained in the business
Grant Thornton adds that the relevant accounts should be validated by an accountant. The IND’s forms ask for financial documents checked by an independent external expert.
How long an extension lasts
Most guides say the permit is then extended for 5 years. We haven’t found that figure on ind.nl: its pages and 2026 forms give no standard length for an extension. Your decision letter will state the end date.
Permanent residence
After 5 years on a residence permit you can apply for permanent residence instead of another extension. ind.nl confirms the 5-year threshold; check the IND’s permanent residence pages for the other conditions.
If your capital dipped below €4,500
Don’t wait until the renewal to fix it. Talk to a bookkeeper or lawyer as soon as you notice, because the IND checks the whole period, not just the day you apply.