Netherlands · 4 rules · 3 calculators

How many days can you spend in the Netherlands?

It depends on why you’re there. Visiting from outside the EU, you can spend 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area, the Netherlands included. On a Dutch residence permit, more than 6 months in a row outside the Netherlands in one calendar year — or more than 4 months in a row in each of 3 years — and the IND assumes you’ve moved your main residence abroad.

By FlySee Team · Last checked 5 October 2026 · Sources

Visas and stays

How long can you stay in the Netherlands as a visitor?

How many days can you spend in the Netherlands as a visitor from outside the EU? 90 in any 180, counted across all 29 Schengen countries together — days elsewhere in the area use them up too. EES records every entry and exit.

The Schengen area29 countries, one count of 90 days in any 180

Residence permits

Living in the Netherlands: time away on a residence permit

Past those limits, the IND can withdraw the permit or refuse to extend it. Highly skilled migrants, researchers and foreign investors can be away 8 months in any 12; EU long-term residents, 12 months in a row outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland.

Residence permit rules by countryEvery country’s limit on time away

Day calculators for the Netherlands

Netherlands: questions and answers.

Is Netherlands in Schengen?

Yes: Netherlands has been in the Schengen area since 1995, when checks at its borders with the other Schengen countries were abolished. It joined the EU in 1958. It was one of the five countries that signed the Schengen Agreement in 1985.

How many days can I stay outside the Netherlands with a residence permit?

Up to 6 months in a row within one calendar year, and no more than 4 months in a row in each of 3 years. Past that, the IND assumes your main residence has moved abroad.

Can I stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days as a visitor?

Not as a visitor from outside the EU: the limit is 90 days in any 180, counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, so days elsewhere in the area use it up too.

How long can I stay in the Netherlands as a UK citizen?

As a visitor, the same as anyone from outside the EU: 90 days in any 180 across the 29 Schengen countries together, the Netherlands included. Since EES, your entries and exits are recorded at the border instead of stamped in your passport.