IND hasn't processed my residence permit application — what can I do?
IND delays are a common complaint in 2025-2026: (1) Legal term check: regular residence permit 90 days, asylum 6 months, naturalization 12 months. IND confirmation letter shows exact term. (2) On exceedance: send default notice via ind.nl or letter. From day 15 after notice: statutory penalty €100/day (first 14 days free, then 14 days × €100 = max €1,500). (3) No action: administrative court: appeal for non-timely decision, court fee €87. Judgment forces IND decision within 8 weeks + penalty. (4) National Ombudsman complaint: on improper handling (no reply to letters, phone unreachable). (5) IND status check: ind.nl/mijnaanvraag for real-time status. (6) Interim rights: with submitted application you can often work/live in NL until decision (W-document or M-document issued by IND).
Step by step
- 1Check status on IND portalLog in at ind.nl/mijnaanvraag with DigiD. See legal term + current status. Note: “in processing” can still mean exceeded after 6 months.
- 2Call IND customer service088-043 0430 — ask agent about your file. Long wait times (15-45 min). Written file query via online portal often faster (~2 wks answer).
- 3Send default noticeVia IND portal: “I hereby place IND in default for not timely deciding on my application of [date]. Statutory term of [days] expired on [date]. Request decision within 14 days.”
- 4Request penalty procedureAfter 14 days default notice: €100/day statutory penalty for max 14 days = €1,500. IND pays automatically via decision. Mention in follow-up letter: “Request penalty payment + decision on application.”
- 5Administrative court if persistentAppeal for non-timely decision via rechtspraak.nl. Court fee €87. Judgment forces IND within 8 wks + extra penalty possible up to €5,000. Juridisch Loket helps free with drafting.
All contacts
Frequently asked questions
Can I work/stay during waiting time?
Often yes, with W-document or M-document IND confirmation. Regular permit renewal: old pass valid until decision. Asylum: support + housing at COA. Students: studies continue.
Do I actually get €100/day penalty?
Yes, statutory (Wet Dwangsom). After default notice + 14 days exceedance. Max €1,500 (14 × €100). IND pays automatically via decision + separate transfer. Administrative court can impose extra up to €5,000.
What if IND “awaits extra information”?
Pauses statutory term only for genuinely info-requiring cases (e.g. BIG recognition for healthcare permit). Requesting standard documents = often delaying tactic — default notice can still proceed.
How big is the IND backlog in 2026?
IND figures 2025: ~70% of applications exceed legal term. Naturalization: average 18 mo (legal 12). Regular permits: 6-9 mo (legal 3). Asylum: 14 mo (legal 6). Backlog 100,000+ cases.
Can I work/travel during IND wait time?
Work: usually yes, with IND confirmation letter + W-document. Travel: within Schengen yes, outside Schengen often requires IND re-entry permit. On doubt: call IND before traveling.
Does administrative court judgment really have impact?
Yes. Judgment forces IND decision within 8 wks (otherwise extra penalty up to €5,000). In 2025: 6,000+ IND cases post-court decided within term (vs. months-long backlog). Strongly effective enforcement mechanism.
Sources
🔎 Common search queries
Recognise your own search? Our answer above covers all of these variants.
- “IND backlog 2026 wait time”
- “IND default notice penalty”
- “ingebrekestelling IND”
- “IND administrative court appeal”
- “residence permit Netherlands delay”