Working and living as an expat in the Netherlands offers many opportunities, but also brings with it legal questions. From renting or buying a house to your employment contract, taxes, and residency status: expats have to deal with rules that are often new and complex.

At Arslan Advocaten, we specialize in assisting expats and international employers. We ensure that your rights are protected and that you get clear answers to all your legal questions.

Common legal questions for expats

1. Tax & income

• 30% ruling: tax exemption up to 30% of your salary.

• Partial foreign taxpayer: which income is taxed in the Netherlands.

• Double taxation: how tax treaties prevent double payment.

2. Labor & dismissal

• Employment contract for expats: what to look out for in a contract in the Netherlands.

• Dismissal protection: expats have the same protection as Dutch employees.

• Posting and secondment: the difference between foreign posting and Dutch secondment contracts.

3. Living in the Netherlands

• Rental law for expats: protection against excessive rents, service charges and deposit problems.

• Buying a house as an expat: mortgage conditions, tax benefits and legal pitfalls.

4. Residence & work permit

• Highly skilled migrants scheme: salary criteria and residence permit for highly educated people.

• Family reunification: rights of partners and children.

• Residency status in case of dismissal: what if your contract ends?

5. Family law & inheritance law

• International marriage law: which law applies in case of marriage or divorce?

• Inheritance law for expats: how estates are divided between countries.

Examples from practice

• Example 1: An expat from India did not get his deposit back after the end of his rental contract. With our help, he finally got the full deposit back plus interest.

• Example 2: An American employee was dismissed during his secondment. Due to quick legal assistance, he received both a transition fee and additional compensation.

• Example 3: A Spanish expat bought a house in Amsterdam without a building inspection. We helped him to recover the costs from the seller after hidden defects.

Checklist for expats in the Netherlands

• 📄 Always read your employment contract carefully (or have it checked).

• 💶 Check if you are eligible for the 30% ruling.

• 🏠 Know your rights as a tenant or buyer of a property.

• 🛂 Arrange your residence and work permit in time.

• ⚖️ Contact a lawyer if in doubt or in case of a conflict.

Why choose Arslan Advocaten?

• Extensive experience with expat cases in the field of labor law, tax law, rental law and family law.

• Personal guidance in clear language, tailored to expats.

• We work together with tax advisors and notaries for a total solution.

• Transparent costs and, where possible, free legal aid.

FAQ for expats in the Netherlands

1. Do I, as an expat, have the same labor rights as Dutch?
Yes, you have the right to equal treatment and the same dismissal protection.

2. Can I apply for the 30% ruling when I come to work in the Netherlands?
Yes, if you meet the conditions (distance requirement and income limit).

3. Do I have rent price protection as an expat?
Yes, expats have the same rights as all other tenants in the Netherlands.

4. Can my residence permit expire if I get laid off?
That depends on your residence status. We can assess this directly for you.

5. Can I buy a house without Dutch nationality?
Yes, possible. Mortgaging could involve additional terms and conditions.