Per 1 October 2012, the period after which a foreigner is assumed to have moved his principal residence outside the Netherlands, has been reduced from 9 to 6 months. After this period the Immigration Service can withdraw the residence permit. A highly skilled migrant may remain abroad for a longer period of time under certain conditions. The highly skilled migrant has not moved abroad if:

• he has a residence permit for performing labour which takes place, in full or in part, outside the Netherlands;
• he has been entered into the Municipal Personal Records Database (GBA);
• he continues to be employed by his employer;
• his salary payments are continued in the Netherlands.

These facts indicate that the highly skilled migrant has not intended to change his principal residence outside the Netherlands.