If you are an EU/EEA national or Swiss national and you want to come to the Netherlands for a short stay, you do not need a visa. Short stays do not exceed a period of ninety days. If you are an EU/EEA national or a citizen of Switzerland, you may stay in the Netherlands for three months to look for a job. Once you find a job, you of course are allowed to stay. But even if you have not found a job within the first three months but are still looking for work, you may stay for another three months.

Other foreign nationals who do not need a visa are also subject to a ninety-day free period in the Netherlands. These link shows a list of countries whose citizens are not subject to visa requirements. The free period for foreign nationals not requiring a visa can be extended to a maximum of 180 days if special circumstances apply. However, at least one of the following situations must apply:

• force majeure
• serious illness of the foreign national's family members
• serious illness of the foreign national
• a very important business interest

In addition, the INS will extend the free period to a maximum of 180 days in the event of an essential Dutch interest. This does not happen often. These situations are highly special and at least the national interest must be at stake.

As soon as there is a current danger to public order, residence is no longer permitted during the free period. The free period will be terminated. There is a danger to public order if an alert has been issued on the foreign national entailing that the foreign national is declared undesirable or if there is a travel ban.