Contact

News & Insights

Student Finance Court Ruling A Boon to Expats

The case focused on the rights of expats to claim a type of fee assistance called “student finance”. Not only does student finance provide a loan on favourable terms, it also reduces the overall fee burden from the standard “university tuition fee” to the less demanding “statutory tuition fee”. This has the potential to save expat students and their families as much as several tens of thousands of Euros per year.

Who is Eligible for Student Finance?

Any person who is either an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or a direct family member is entitled to receive student finance. Permanent residence holder permits and refugees are also eligible.

The judge hearing the case at Amsterdam District Court ruled that the law preventing expats from claiming student finance violated European Convention on Human Rights non-discrimination law stemming from the European Convention on Human Rights because it allowed student finance for some independent residence permit holders, but not others, without providing any clear explanation as to why.

The Dutch Minister of Education may still apply to the Central Court of Appeal in Utrecht in order to contest the decision. However, this must be completed before the end of the month or the District Court’s ruling will prove binding.

Talk to Blacktower Today

If you would like help structuring your wealth and building a long-term strategy for your finances, including education fee planning and retirement strategies, talk to Blacktower’s expat financial advisers in the Netherlands today.

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, investment recommendations or investment research. You should seek advice from a professional adviser before embarking on any financial planning activity. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this communication is correct, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions.

Other News

Moving to Portugal – Important matters to consider

InvestPortugal offers an attractive regime of taxation to European Nationals considering a move here.

The regime is entitled (NHR) which stands for Non-Habitual Residents. Uncommon with other EU nations, a flat rate of taxation at 20% is applied to income derived in Portugal and a near total exemption for international income. For most European nationals, the NHR regime offers a simple and efficient residency programme.

The absence of wealth, inheritance and gift tax, coupled with a residency permit which allows free movement within the Schengen area, makes NHR extremely popular.

Read More

UK Property – Still a Good Investment?

Door painted with Union FlagBack in 2018, for the first time in a decade, rents across the UK fell, which was good news for many. However, it prompted landlords to consider whether the notion of ‘easy money’ was coming to an end. So, what is a good investment property?

Read More

Select your country

Please select your country of residence so we can provide you with the most relevant information: