Family reunification (gezinshereniging) is one of the most common residence permit categories in the Netherlands, allowing non-EU nationals to join their partner, parent, or child who is legally residing in the Netherlands. Whether your family member is a Dutch citizen, holds a work visa, or has permanent residence, there’s a clear pathway to bring your family together. The Netherlands places strong emphasis on family unity, though the process involves specific income requirements and documentation.
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Overview
The Dutch family reunification system covers:
- Partners: Spouses, registered partners, and unmarried partners (including same-sex partners — the Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage)
- Children: Minor children (under 18) of residents
- Parents: In limited circumstances, elderly parents who are dependent
There are two main categories: family reunification (bringing family from abroad to join you) and family formation (starting a new family relationship with someone in the Netherlands). The requirements differ slightly between them.
Eligibility Requirements — Partner Visas
- Relationship: You must be married, in a registered partnership, or in a durable exclusive relationship. For unmarried partners, you’ll need to demonstrate the relationship is genuine and long-term.
- Age: Both partners must be 21 or older (for family formation) or 18+ (for family reunification of existing couples).
- Income requirement: The sponsor in the Netherlands must earn at least 100% of the Dutch minimum wage on a permanent or long-term contract (approximately €2,070/month gross in 2024). The income must be independent — not from social assistance.
- Civic integration abroad (MVV requirement): For most nationalities, the foreign partner must pass the Basic Civic Integration Exam (basisexamen inburgering) at a Dutch embassy before receiving the MVV. This tests basic Dutch language (A1 level) and knowledge of Dutch society.
- Housing: The sponsor must have adequate, independent housing.
Exemptions from the Civic Integration Exam
Several nationalities are exempt from the pre-arrival civic integration exam, including nationals of the EU/EEA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the UK, the USA, and several others. These nationalities can skip the exam entirely and still receive the MVV.
Application Process
- Pass the Basic Civic Integration Exam at a Dutch embassy (if required). Study materials are available through DUO (the Dutch education service).
- Sponsor applies to the IND for a regular provisional residence permit (MVV) and residence permit on behalf of the family member.
- Submit supporting documents: Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, photos, communication evidence), income evidence (payslips, employment contract, tax records), housing proof, and legalized/apostilled documents.
- IND processes the application: Typically 3-6 months.
- MVV collection at the Dutch embassy in the family member’s country.
- Travel to the Netherlands and collect residence permit.
- Register at the municipality.
- Begin civic integration in the Netherlands (attend Dutch language and society courses within 3 years).
Costs and Fees
- Application fee: €192 (partner) or €72 (minor child)
- Civic integration exam abroad: €150 per attempt
- Document legalization/apostille: €50-€500 depending on country
- Translation of documents: €50-€200 per document
- Civic integration in NL: Courses are largely self-funded (€2,000-€5,000) but government loans are available
- Health insurance: €120-€170/month once in the Netherlands
Timeline
- Civic integration exam preparation: 2-6 months of study
- IND processing: 3-6 months
- MVV collection and travel: 2-4 weeks
- Total from start to arrival: 6-12 months
- Residence permit duration: Matches the sponsor’s permit (up to 5 years)
Rights of Family Members
- Work rights: Partners receive a residence permit with unrestricted work authorization. They can work for any employer or be self-employed.
- Study: Family members can study at Dutch institutions.
- Independent permit: After 5 years (or if the relationship ends after specific durations), family members can apply for an independent residence permit.
- Permanent residence: After 5 years of continuous residence, eligible for an independent permanent permit.
Tips
- Start the civic integration exam early. The Dutch A1 exam requires genuine study — most people need 3-6 months of preparation. Free online materials are available through DUO.
- Income stability matters. The IND scrutinizes employment contracts. A permanent contract (vast contract) is strongest. Fixed-term contracts need to cover the visa duration.
- Document your relationship thoroughly. For unmarried partners, provide extensive evidence: photos together (spanning the relationship), communication records, travel bookings for visits, statutory declarations from people who know your relationship.
- Legalize and apostille documents. Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other official documents must be legalized by the correct authorities in your home country. This process can take weeks.
- Partners of Kennismigrant holders: If your sponsor holds a Kennismigrant visa, the family reunification process is faster and the civic integration exam abroad may be waived. Your partner receives a “dependent” permit with full work rights.