Residence with Minor Dutch Child (Chavez-Vilchez)

Netherlands•Europe

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Residence with Minor Dutch Child (Chavez-Vilchez)

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 6 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €85

Stay Duration

5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living

5% more than United States

Avg Salary€42,000

Quality of Life

206/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

EU-law-derived residence right for non-EU parents who are the primary caregiver of a minor Dutch child, valid up to 5 years or until the child turns 18.

The Chavez-Vilchez residence permit is a Netherlands EU-law-derived right for non-EU nationals who are the primary caregiver of a minor Dutch child. Grounded in a 2017 CJEU ruling, it prevents the state from indirectly expelling Dutch children by removing their essential carer.

The permit is valid for up to 5 years but expires on the child's 18th birthday. Holders may work freely without a separate work permit. After 5 continuous years, permanent residence becomes available. There is no income or job-offer requirement; qualification turns entirely on the care relationship.

This visa is ideal for non-EU parents who are the sole or primary daily caregiver of a Dutch-national minor child and need legal residence to remain in the Netherlands.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

5 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

Netherlands

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1 day – 6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

You are a third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss).

You are the parent, stepparent, foster parent, or care parent of a minor Dutch child.

You are responsible for the daily care and upbringing of the child.

The child is heavily dependent on you; if you were to leave the EU, the child would be forced to leave with you.

You do not pose a danger to public order or national security.

You have a valid passport or recognized travel document.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or identity document.

Proof of parentage or legal care relationship (e.g., birth certificate).

Evidence of daily care and upbringing responsibilities.

Evidence of the dependency relationship between you and the child.

Completed application form for residence with a minor Dutch child.

Appendix Antecedents Certificate (required for all applicants aged 12 and over).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Full access to the Dutch labor market without needing a work permit
Pathway to permanent residence and Dutch citizenship after 5 years
Allows the parent to remain in the EU to care for their Dutch child

Worth Knowing

Requires proof of actual, non-marginal care and upbringing duties
The dependency relationship must be significant enough that the child would be forced to leave the EU without the parent
The permit is tied to the child's minor status and the ongoing care relationship