Yes, you can apply for Dutch permanent residence up to 3 months before your current permit expires, even if you will only complete 5 years of continuous legal residence during the processing period. The IND assesses whether you meet the 5-year requirement at the time they decide on your application, not strictly at the moment you submit it. However, you must hold a valid residence permit when you apply, and you must continue to meet all conditions until the decision is made.
In your case, your permit expires on 15 July 2027. You can submit your application from 15 April 2027 onward. Since you arrived in the Netherlands on 24 July 2022, you will reach 5 years of continuous legal residence on 24 July 2027. That is after your permit expiry, but the IND will likely decide on your application after that date, so you should meet the 5-year rule by then. The key is that your residence permit must remain valid at the time of application. Because your permit expires on 15 July 2027, you must apply before that date. Applying in the 3-month window (15 April to 15 July 2027) is safe.
You already have your inburgering diploma, which satisfies the civic integration requirement. As a Highly Skilled Migrant, you also need to show sufficient income and continuous legal residence. The IND counts your residence from the date you registered in the Netherlands, typically your arrival date, not the permit start date. Your arrival on 24 July 2022 is the relevant date for the 5-year clock.
Practical steps: First, confirm your exact arrival date and residence history with the IND or your immigration records. Second, apply online via the IND portal as soon as the 3-month window opens. Third, include proof of your inburgering diploma, valid passport, and evidence of continuous residence (e.g., registration records). Fourth, keep your current permit valid until the decision; if it expires before a decision, you may need a return visa or extension. Processing times vary, so apply early in the window.
Honest tradeoff: Applying too early (before the 3-month window) will result in rejection. Applying exactly at 3 months is fine, but if your permit expires before the IND decides, you might face a gap in legal status. To avoid that, ensure your employer or sponsor maintains your permit or apply for an extension if eligible. There is no guarantee of approval, but the timing rule is clear. For language support, Dutch Fluency offers courses, but your inburgering diploma already covers the requirement. Always verify current rules on the IND website, as policies can change.