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Residence Permit for Family and Partner
NetherlandsNetherlands•Europe
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Residence Permit for Family and Partner

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

4–8 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €339

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
Netherlands flag

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living
5% more than United States
Avg Salary€42,000
Quality of Life
206/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Renewable residence permit lasting as long as the sponsor's permit, up to 5 years, for partners and minor children joining a Dutch citizen or lawful resident.

The Netherlands Residence Permit for Family and Partner allows spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners, and minor children of Dutch citizens or lawful residents to join them. The sponsor must hold a valid Dutch permit and earn at least EUR 29,735 per year.

The permit runs for the sponsor's permit duration (up to 5 years) and is renewable. Holders get full, unrestricted labor market access. Applicants from many countries must pass a Civic Integration Exam (CEFR A1) before arrival. The IND usually decides in 90 days (legal max 6 months). Adult fee EUR 254; under 18 EUR 85.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals who are a genuine partner or dependent child of a sponsor lawfully residing in the Netherlands and want a renewable permit with full work rights.

Netherlands

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Cost Breakdown

Adult application feeEUR €254
Child application fee (under 18)EUR €85
TotalEUR €339

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Non-Temporary Humanitarian Residence Permit
Netherlands flagNetherlands

Non-Temporary Humanitarian Residence Permit

Validity5 years
Processing1 day – 6 months
View Visa Details
Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)
Netherlands flagNetherlands

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1 day – 6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport for the applicant

Proof of a genuine, long-term relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or cohabitation proof)

Sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold (statutory minimum wage)

Sponsor must hold a valid residence permit for at least 12 months

Proof of adequate housing in the Netherlands

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

29,735 EUR/yr

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows family members to live together in the Netherlands
  • Grants the holder full access to the Dutch labor market without restrictions
  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years of legal stay

Worth Knowing

  • Strict income and housing requirements for the sponsor must be maintained
  • Mandatory civic integration exams may be required for applicants from certain countries
  • Processing times can be lengthy, requiring significant advance planning

Application Process

1

Sponsor submits the application to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service)

2

Applicant completes the Basic Civic Integration Exam abroad (if applicable)

3

Applicant applies for the Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) at the Dutch embassy

4

Applicant collects the MVV and travels to the Netherlands

5

Applicant registers with the municipality and collects the residence permit from the IND

Application Forms

Go to application portal
7518
Application for the purpose of residence of 'family members'
—
7518Fill online
7525
Application for the purpose of residence of 'family and partner'
—
7525Fill online

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