It will no longer be possible for newly established companies to apply for a European Blue Card.

The new European Blue Card directive makes the conditions for qualifying for this residence permit more flexible. But not for newly incorporated companies.

As an additional condition for the European Blue Card, it is now stated that ‘economic activity’ must take place at the company established in the Netherlands.

The IND has implemented this condition in the IND policy rules as follows. The company established in the Netherlands must:

• Submit proof of having its location where the company’s economic activities are carried out, such as a rental or purchase agreement of the office space.
• At least one full-time (FTE) employee must already be employed by the company in the Netherlands. This must be demonstrated by submitting a collective wage statement.
• Submit a declaration of payment behavior issued by the Netherlands Tax Authorities that there is no arrears in paying all premiums and taxes.This statement may not be older than three months.If these conditions are not met, a European Blue Card cannot be applied for.

This ‘requirement’ did not apply under the ‘old’ European Blue Card.