Effective Feb. 15, anyone with a visa-exempt nationality is allowed to remain in the Netherlands for 90 days after their regular residence permit expires.

Key Points:

• Visa-exempt foreign nationals with residence permits will not be required to leave the Schengen area to apply for the 90-day visa-exempt period.
• Although they will not be required to submit applications for the 90-day period, visa-exempt foreign nationals must meet all requirements for a short-stay visa.
• The new benefit does not apply if the foreign national’s residence permit has been withdrawn or if a return decision has been issued.

Background: Prior to the change, visa-exempt nationals whose residence permit has expired or been voluntarily canceled first needed to exit the Schengen area before their visa-exempt stay could commence.