Is your Dutch residence permit going to expire soon? From January 1, 2026, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has increased its application fees by about 4.4%. This change comes every year because of rising prices and wages. For people living and working in the Netherlands as expats, and for their employers, this means the cost to stay longer has gone up a little.
Knowing the Netherlands Work Visa Extension Legal Cost 2026 is not just about the main government fee. You also need to think about other things like the yearly fee increase, new rules for keeping records, and getting help from a lawyer to make sure everything is correct. If you make a mistake, it can lead to big problems, like an “Administrative Gap” that costs a lot to fix.
Non-Negotiable Government Fees (IND Leges)
The IND fees, called “leges,” are set by the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security. Everyone must pay these fees. They go up each year to match inflation and extra work for the IND.
In 2026, the main extension fee is €423. This is the standard amount for extending permits like Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM), Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT), or European Blue Card. For family members, like partners and children, the fee is €254 per person. For children under 18, it is much lower, only €85. This helps families extend their stay at the same time as the main person. The fee increase is 4.4%. Last year in 2025, the fee was €405. So, now it is €18 more. This change happens automatically every January.
The €423 fee includes everything for biometrics. That means taking your fingerprints and making your new residence card. You do not pay extra for that. Good news: the Netherlands does not add extra money for fast processing. If your employer is a Recognised Sponsor (Erkend Referent), they get quick handling, usually in 2 weeks. This is part of their special status, no extra cost.
These fees are fixed. You cannot avoid them. The IND uses this money to process your papers and check everything.
Professional Legal & Attorney Fees
You can try to do the extension yourself. But many expats and companies choose to hire an immigration lawyer. Lawyers help make sure you follow all the strict rules, especially the new salary rules in 2026.
Many law firms in the Netherlands offer a fixed-price package for extensions. This is often called a “Peace of Mind” package. It usually costs between €700 and €1,200. The package includes checking your documents and sending them to the IND. If your case is more difficult, like changing employer or having a special salary with the 30% ruling, lawyers charge by the hour. The hourly rate is normally €180 to €350.
It is smart to start with a consultation. This one-hour meeting costs €150 or more. In the meeting, the lawyer checks if your salary meets the new rules. For people 30 years and older, the salary must be at least €5,942 per month. For those under 30, it is €4,357. These numbers are the minimum gross salary you need. Checking first is important because the IND fee is not refundable if something is wrong. Some agencies in 2026 use success-based billing. You pay a small base fee first. Then, you pay extra only if the permit is approved. This is becoming more popular for people who want less risk.
Hiring help can save you time and stress. A small mistake can cause delays or rejection.
Total 2026 Extension Budget (Estimated)
Here is a simple look at the possible costs.
For one person:
- IND Application Fee: €423
- Legal/Attorney Fee: around €850
- Document Legalisation (like apostilles or translations): about €100
- Total Estimated Budget: €1,373
For a family of 3 (main person + partner + one child):
- IND Application Fee: €423 (main) + €254 (partner) + €85 (child) = €762
- Legal/Attorney Fee: around €1,100 (often a bit more for family)
- Document Legalisation: about €300
- Total Estimated Budget: €2,162
These are average numbers. Your real cost can be different. It depends on your situation, like if you need many translations or a complex case.
Compliance & Audit Risk Keywords
In 2026, the biggest hidden cost is not paying fees. It is the risk if you do not follow the rules.
Sponsors must now keep strong proof of salary payments. From January 2026, they need to save bank statements. These must show the salary went into the migrant’s own bank account. If the IND checks and finds no proof, fines can be more than €10,000. An Administrative Gap happens if you send your extension papers even one day late. Your current permit expires, and you lose time in your “Residence History.” This history is important for permanent residency later. Fixing it with an appeal can cost more than €2,000 in legal fees.
To stay safe, use the 3-month rule. You can apply up to 90 days before your permit ends. If you file in time, you get “fictitious stay.” This means you can keep living and working while the IND decides, even if it takes longer. If the IND is slow and goes over the normal 90 days, a lawyer can send a “Notice of Default” (Ingebrekestelling). This is a formal letter. It pushes the IND to decide in 2 weeks. Sometimes, the IND must pay you a small penalty if they are late.
These rules make 2026 stricter. The IND wants to check everything carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I get my money back if the extension is denied? A: No. The IND fee pays for checking your application. It does not depend on yes or no. That is why you should get a lawyer to check first.
Q: Does my employer have to pay the extension fee? A: In most cases, yes. For Recognised Sponsors, the employer usually pays the €423. But look at your contract. Sometimes legal fees are shared between you and the company.
Q: Are costs for translating documents included? A: No. You pay extra for apostilles, legalisation, or sworn translations. The price changes depending on your home country.
Stay Ahead of the IND
The rules in 2026 are tougher, especially for proof of salary in bank statements and meeting salary minimums. Do not wait until the last day. Plan early to avoid problems.
Would you like me to make a simple “2026 Document Checklist” for your visa type? It can help you prepare everything right the first time.
Disclaimer: This article is only for information and to help you learn. Always check the official IND website (ind.nl) or talk to a qualified Dutch immigration lawyer before you decide anything about money or law. Rules can change, so get the latest details from trusted places.