Residence Permit Refusal and IND Objection
If the IND refuses your residence permit, file a bezwaar (objection) within 4 weeks via MijnIND or registered post citing why the refusal violates the Vreemdelingenwet. Filing usually suspends deportation; if rejected, appeal to the rechtbank Den Haag within a further 4 weeks.
IND refusals feel final but are routinely overturned on procedural errors or missing evidence. This guide covers the exact objection procedure with a template letter structure.
01Guidance
Legal basis for objecting to IND refusals
Article 72 Vw 2000 and Chapter 7 Awb govern objections. The IND must assess whether the refusal correctly applies immigration policy to your facts. Common overturn grounds: salary miscalculations on HSM permits, incomplete IND file review, failure to consider family life (Article 8 ECHR), and procedural defects such as not requesting missing documents before deciding.
02IND objection timeline
IND objection timeline
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bezwaar filing deadline | 4 weeks from decision date on letter |
| IND objection decision | Often 6–19 weeks |
| Court appeal deadline | 4 weeks after objection decision |
| Urgent suspension request | Days to weeks |
| HSM salary threshold (30+, 2026) | €46,107/year gross |
03Procedure
File an IND objection step by step
- Step 1: Read the decision letter completelyNote the cited refusal ground (e.g. 'salary insufficient', 'employer not recognised'). This is your target.
- Step 2: Collect counter-evidencePayslips, employment contract, IND recognition proof, civil registry documents — address each refusal reason.
- Step 3: Submit bezwaar before deadlineUse MijnIND or send aangetekende post to the address on the decision. Keep proof of filing date.
- Step 4: Request a hearing if neededYou may present your case orally. Lawyers often waive hearing for straightforward documentary cases.
- Step 5: Appeal if objection failsFile beroep at rechtbank Den Haag. Consider voorlopige voorziening to maintain legal stay.
04Template
Template IND objection letter (structure)
IND – Bezwaarschrift Betreft: bezwaar tegen besluit van [datum], kenmerk [zaaknummer] Geachte heer/mevrouw, Hierbij maak ik bezwaar tegen het besluit waarbij mijn aanvraag voor [type vergunning] is afgewezen. Gronden: 1. [Bijv. het indicatieve salaris is onjuist berekend — bijgevoegd loonstroken tonen €X bruto per jaar] 2. [Bijv. de werkgever is IND-erkenninghouder sinds datum Y] Verzocht wordt het besluit te herzien en de vergunning alsnog te verlenen. Bijlagen: [lijst] [Naam, geboortedatum, V-nummer] [Datum]
05Escalation
When IND objections need a lawyer urgently
If your decision includes a terugkeerbesluit (return decision) or entry ban, the 4-week deadline is non-negotiable and consequences are severe. Immigration lawyers file bezwaar plus voorlopige voorziening simultaneously to prevent removal. Self-filing is risky when family members' permits depend on yours.
06Guidance
Evidence that commonly overturns IND refusals
Salary miscalculations excluding holiday pay or 13th month — attach complete year payslips. Employer recognition lapsed — verify IND sponsor list date. Missing documents IND failed to request before negative decision — procedural defect ground. Family life Article 8 ECHR arguments for partners with Dutch children — human rights override strict policy. Incorrect application form version — technical rejection reversible. Medical cases require privacy waiver for records — submit structured. Permanent residence long-stay refusals often turn on integration exam ( inburgering ) exemptions — check diploma list. Always request full decision file ( dossier ) in bezwaar — IND must disclose case material. Urgent deportation triggers voorlopige voorziening same day filing in extreme cases.
07Frequently asked questions