Fast Track process
Expat Centre Maastricht Region, Gemeente Maastricht and the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) offer a fast-tracked way of registering new arrivals from both EU/EEA Member States and non-EU/EEA Member States who have relocated to the Netherlands as a kennismigrant (highly skilled migrant), onderzoeker (researcher) or top artiest (professional artist) along with their family members.
The Fast Track process consists of collecting biometrics (passport photos and fingerprints) or issuing residence permits, registering with the municipality and receiving a personal consultation about living and working in Zuid-Limburg. Furthermore, with the Fast Track process, the Burgerservicenummer – BSN (citizen service number), which is the first and most crucial element for a solid landing in the Netherlands, is issued within 5 days of application, instead of the legally stipulated 4 week waiting period.
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To be eligible for a Fast Track registration the applicant's employer must be an IND erkend referent (recognised sponsor). The process is instigated and conducted by employers and they manage the process for their employees. The Fast Track process saves time and reduces the administration required for employers and employees alike.
The IND is present at their service desk located in Maastricht International Centre, every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for the specific purposes of issuing residence permit cards, collecting biometrics, issuing residence endorsement stickers or return visas. Consultations at the IND service desk in Maastricht are by appointment only.
When a residence permit is ready for collection in Maastricht a letter will be sent by the IND. This letter is needed when collecting the permit card.
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- EU citizens working for an IND recognised sponsor can use the Fast Track process to register for their BSN at Expat Centre Maastricht Region. The employee must be registered at an address in one of the participating municipalities of the Maastricht Region.
- These employees are sent their BSN by post within 5 working days after municipal registration at Expat Centre Maastricht Region.
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- Depending on the employee’s country of origin, the IND recognised sponsor files an application with the IND for the relevant work / residence permit.
- IND makes a decision within 2 weeks and informs employer.
- Depending on the employee’s country of origin, they can travel directly to the Netherlands or they may require further permits to be issued in their passport prior to travel.
- Upon arrival in the Netherlands the employee will be informed by their employers about the combined appointment through Expat Centre Maastricht Region.