Find a verified professional · NL
How to find a verified immigration lawyer in the Netherlands
Immigration advice is a regulated activity — in some markets, giving it unregulated is a criminal offence. Here is which register proves someone may lawfully advise you in the Netherlands, what an independent immigration lawyer actually does for your residence clock, what it costs, and what nobody may promise you.
Last updated:
Why an independent immigration lawyer matters in the Netherlands
The IND decides your case, and the highly skilled migrant route runs through an employer that is a recognised sponsor — meaning the paperwork you depend on is filed by, and in the interest of, your employer. If the job ends, the permit is at risk and the sponsor is no longer motivated to act for you. An independent advocaat is the only party in that chain who represents you.
How to verify a immigration lawyer in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, look for an advocaat registered with the Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten (NOvA) — the register is public. Many who handle residence cases specialise in vreemdelingenrecht (immigration law). 'Immigration consultants' and relocation agencies are not advocaten and are not bound by the NOvA's conduct rules or its insurance requirement.
Typical fees
Usually an hourly rate or a fixed fee per procedure, agreed in advance. If your income is low enough you may qualify for subsidised legal aid (gesubsidieerde rechtsbijstand) through the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand, which the advocaat can tell you about at the first meeting. IND application fees are separate.
The mistake to avoid
Assuming your employer's relocation provider is looking after your position. They are contracted by the employer. Anything that affects your own continuity of residence — a job change, a gap between permits, a family member's status — deserves a second opinion from someone you instruct.
Get matched with a verified immigration lawyer
Tell us where you are going and what stage you are at, and we'll match you with a regulated, independent professional in that market. You instruct them directly and pay them directly — we're only the matchmaker, and no one can promise you an outcome.
Request a match →Are you a immigration lawyer in the Netherlands?
We're selecting a founding cohort of verified firms per market before buyer matching opens. No listing fee in the founding period, top placement, and a per-match rate locked for life — you pay only when you accept and win a match.
Apply to the founding cohort →Frequently asked
Is my employer's relocation agency the same as an immigration lawyer?
No. A relocation provider is contracted by, and acts for, the employer. Only an advocaat registered with the Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten is bound by professional conduct rules and insurance, and instructed by you.
Can I get help with legal costs in the Netherlands?
Possibly. Subsidised legal aid (gesubsidieerde rechtsbijstand) is administered by the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand and depends on your income and the type of case. Ask about it at the first meeting — an advocaat can tell you whether your matter qualifies.