Family reunification

Last update: 3 December 2025

You have an asylum residence permit and you want to apply for family reunification. Read how you apply for a residence permit and visa (MVV) for family reunification.

Video

Watch the video 'How do I apply for family reunification if I have been granted asylum in the Netherlands?’

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Video Transcript: Gezinshereniging na Asiel Description (translated): An instructional video about applying for family reunification in the Netherlands after receiving asylum. Organization: IND Date: [Insert the date of the video]

[Voice-overtekst] (leave as original) You’re watching the instructional video ‘How do I apply for family reunification if I have been granted asylum In the Netherlands?’

[Image description] (translated) We see the title screen with the reunited family on the left.

[Voice-overtekst] (leave as original) You have received a positive decision on your asylum application.

[Image description] (translated) We see the main person with a letter in his hand. There is a check mark on the letter.

[Voice-overtekst] And you want to live in the Netherlands with your family from abroad.

[Image description] Split screen. On the left we see the main character in front of a Dutch background, on the right their partner and child with exotic buildings in the background.

[Voice-overtekst] Your family member then needs a residence permit.

[Image description] We see a hand holding the partner's residence permit.

[Voice-overtekst] Your family member must also have a special visa to travel to the Netherlands: a provisional residence permit. In Dutch we call this an MVV.

[Image description] We see the partner's passport.

[Voice-overtekst] You can apply for the residence permit and MVV at the same time at the IND, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service.

[Image description] The image splits. We now also see the IND building.

[Voice-overtekst] There's a lot to consider when submitting such an application. So it is important to prepare properly. We will now take you through the necessary steps.

[Image description] We see the main person sitting behind their laptop. They open the laptop.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 1. Check if you meet the requirements.

[Image description] Screen for step 1: we see the IND website on the laptop.

[Voice-overtekst] For example, your family member had to belong to your family before you came to the Netherlands.

[Image description] We see a photo of the main person and their partner with the exotic buildings in the background.

[Voice-overtekst] You can apply for family reunification for certain family members, such as your partner or child.

[Image description] We see the partner and child in the image.

[Voice-overtekst] Or for your parent, brother or sister, if you were under 18 when you applied for asylum.

[Image description] The image splits. On the left, we now see a younger version of the main person, and on the right we see the father, brother, and sister of the main person.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 2. Collect all the necessary documents. With these you show that you meet the requirements.

[Image description] Screen for step 2: we see the hands of the main person holding various documents.

[Voice-overtekst] Which documents you need depends on your situation and the country you are from.

[Image description] Split screen with on the left a close-up of the main person and on the right a globe.

[Voice-overtekst] Read on our website what exactly you have to send along with your application.

[Image description] We see a close-up of the laptop with the text 'documenten'.

[Voice-overtekst] Gathering the documents can take time. For example, because some have to come from abroad…

[Image description] We see an official-looking hand sliding documents to the partner's hand.

[Voice-overtekst] and need to be translated.

[Image description] We see a document with lines of text. The lines gradually change color.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 3. Submit the application.

[Image description] Screen for step 3: we see the main person behind their laptop.

[Voice-overtekst] Submit the application within 3 months after the positive decision on your own asylum application.

[Image description] We see a calendar, three pages fall off. Above it is the text 'within 3 months'.

[Voice-overtekst] For this, begin by filling in the application form. You can do this online. We will then guide you step by step through all the questions.

[Image description] We see the laptop with the button 'online aanvraag', and a cursor clicking on it.

[Voice-overtekst] Upload the documents and submit the application digitally.

[Image description] The screen changes to the icons 'upload' and 'send'.

[Voice-overtekst] You can also print out the application form and post it to us, along with all the copied documents.

[Image description] We see the main person putting the form in the mail.

[Voice-overtekst] You can also print out the application form and post it to us, along with all the copied documents.Our website states if the application costs money. If you have to pay, we will let you know how to do this.

[Image description] We see a split screen: on the left the laptop with a euro symbol and text line, on the right a door with a mailbox through which a letter is delivered.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 4. Wait until your application is ready to be processed.

[Image description] Screen for step 4: we see an hourglass.

[Voice-overtekst] After we receive your application, you will have to wait until we start processing it. How long this usually takes can be found on our website.

[Image description] Split screen: on the left we see the main person walking down the street with groceries, on the right a laptop with an hourglass icon.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 5. The IND will process your application.

[Image description] Screen for step 5: We see a calendar.

[Voice-overtekst] As soon as we start processing your application, we have 9 months to decide.

[Image description] Zoom in on the calendar, several pages fall off. Above it appears the text '9 months'.

[Voice-overtekst] It could be that we need more information from you or we that we need to do some research. Then it will take more time before you receive our decision.

[Image description] The hand of the IND official slides a page to the left, page to the right, page 3 appears in the middle with a few lines and a question mark.

[Voice-overtekst] You can track your application online in My IND.

[Image description] We see a laptop with the steps on a timeline. Above it is 'Mijn IND'.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 6. You receive the IND’s decision.

[Image description] Screen for step 6: we see a letter from the IND.

[Voice-overtekst] Is the decision negative? Then your family member is not allowed to come to the Netherlands.

[Image description] We see a split screen: on the left a document with a cross, on the right the partner abroad.

[Voice-overtekst] Do you disagree with the decision? Then you can object.

[Image description] The image of the partner is replaced with a document that says 'bezwaar'.

[Voice-overtekst] Is the decision positive? Then your family member will be granted an MVV and a residence permit.

[Image description] The document with a cross is replaced with a document with a check mark. On the right we see the MVV and residence permit.

[Voice-overtekst] Your familly member makes an appointment with the Dutch embassy to collect the MVV, and uses it to travel to the Netherlands.

[Image description] We see a split screen: on the left the Dutch embassy, on the right the MVV and a plane ticket.

[Voice-overtekst] Step 7. Registration in the Netherlands.

[Image description] Screen for step 7: We see the IND building.

[Voice-overtekst] After arriving in the Netherlands, your family member must report to the IND within 3 days.

[Image description] Split screen. From left to right: A calendar with three marked days and the IND building with the partner.

[Voice-overtekst] Always make an appointment for this.

[Image description] We see a laptop with the button 'make appointment', and a cursor clicking on it.

[Voice-overtekst] Your family member will receive the residence permit during the registration with the IND.

[Image description] We see an official-looking hand sliding a residence permit into view.

[Voice-overtekst] These are the steps you need to take when applying for family reunification.

[Image description] We see the main person closing their laptop.

[Voice-overtekst] Want to know more? Find all the relevant information on this page.


[Image description] End screen.

Requirements, process and costs

The application process for the residence permit consists of the following steps:

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  • 1. Check requirements
  • 2. Collect documents
  • 1. Apply
  • 3. Apply
  • 4. Pay for application
  • 5. Wait for the decision on the application
  • 6. Decision on the application
  • 7. Make appointment for MVV visa sticker and travel to the Netherlands
  • 8. Registration in the Netherlands

Documents

Below you'll find the documents you need for your application, such as a passport or marriage certificate. The exact documents you need to submit depend on your age at the time of your asylum application.

Adult applicant: documents required for family reunification

Were you over 18 when you applied for asylum? Read below to find out which documents and attachments you must send with your application for each family member.

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Underage applicant: documents required for family reunification

Were you under 18 when you applied for asylum? Read below to find out which documents and attachments you must send with your application for each family member.

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Completing your application

Did you apply for family reunification and are there any documents missing from your application? Please complete your application as soon as possible. Read how to send copies of documents on the page Submitting additional documents. You can only send original documents with a form that is included with the receipt confirmation. Do you no longer have the receipt confirmation? Then ask your contact person at VWN or Nidos for help.

Documents per country

Most applicants for family reunification come from the following 6 countries:

  • Syria
  • Eritrea
  • Somalia
  • Yemen
  • Afghanistan
  • Turkey

Are you from one of these countries? Then check your country to see which documents you can submit to prove your identity and family relationship.

The documents are divided into 3 groups:

1. Usually sufficient immediately2. Usually additional research required3. Additional research required or insufficient
  • Documents from this group are the best evidence.

The IND will likely not need to conduct further research into your identity or family relationship.

If you no longer have the documents from group 1, please send as many documents from groups 2 or 3 as possible.

The IND will likely need to conduct further research into your identity and family relationship.

If you no longer have the document from group 1, please send as many documents from groups 2 or 3 as possible.

The IND will likely need to conduct further research into your identity and family relationship.

Assessment of documents

Send as many documents as possible. The more documents the IND has, the better they can assess your application. The IND will review all the information you submit. Do you no longer have any documents from group 1? Or do you no longer have any documents at all? Then explain this in a separate letter.

Sometimes there are no documents in group 1. In that case, send as many documents from groups 2 and 3 as possible. Do you not have any documents from groups 1, 2, and 3, but you do have other documents? Then send these documents as well. Always send a copy of your passport if you have one.

Difference between a certificate and an extract

A certificate is an original document that you receive on the day you get married or on the day you register your child's birth. You can request an extract from the register of your marriage or birth afterwards.

Additional research

If you have insufficient documentation and a valid reason, the IND may initiate additional research. If the IND decides to conduct additional research, you will receive a letter. This letter will explain what research the IND will conduct, such as DNA testing or an interview with you and/or your family member. If you have insufficient or no documentation and no valid reason, the IND may also decide not to conduct additional research. In that case, your application will be rejected.

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  • Syrië (سوريا )

  • Eritrea (ኤርትራ)

  • Somalië (Soomaaliya)

  • Jemen (اليمن)

  • Afghanistan (افعانستان)

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Application forms

You can submit this application online. Do you need to use both online application forms? Then first submit the online application for a "provisional residence permit – persons making a journey in connection with family reunification with an asylum seeker." Then submit the other application.

Online Application for a 'Regular Provisional Residence permit - persons making a journey in connection with family reunification with an asylum seeker'

You were over 18 when you applied for asylum and are applying for your partner or (foster) child. Or you were under 18 and unaccompanied when you applied for asylum and are applying for your parent(s).

Online Application for a 'Regular Provisional Residence permit - Family Reunification Asylum Art. 8 ECHR'

You want to apply for an mvv for other family members, such as brothers and sisters.

Written application forms

Download a form if you prefer to fill in the application in writing and send it by post.

My family member will apply on their own at the Dutch representation abroad:

Appointment family reunification of refugees IND

Your family member must travel to the Netherlands within 90 days after collecting the MVV. After arriving in the Netherlands, your family member reports within 3 days to the IND. Registration is by appointment only. Does your family member need reception? Then the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) will make this appointment for you.

Arrange reception COA

Do you live in a reception centre from COA or NIDOS? Or you live in a place of residence that is not suitable for all of your family members to live in? Then you need to ask the COA for reception for your family member. You do this by e-mail. Ask for reception after the journey for your family member has been booked, but before they depart to the Netherlands.

Asking COA for reception by e-mail

This is how you ask the COA for reception for your family member:

  • Send an e-mail to the COA in which you ask for reception for your family member. Send the e-mail to this e-mail address: FMMZZevenaarDuiven@coa.nl.
  • Put the following details in the e-mail:
    • Your first and surname, your telephone number and e-mail address.
    • The first names and surnames of all your traveling family members.
    • The V-number of all your traveling family members.
    • Date of arrival in the Netherlands of your traveling family members. This is also the day your family members will need reception for the first time.
  • Within 2 working days you will receive a confirmation email from the COA saying where your reception is.

Appointment with the IND by COA

Did you send an e-mail to the COA for reception? The COA will then make an appointment for you at the IND. You do not have to make an appointment yourself. 

Make an appointment at IND when having a place of residence 

Make appointment

Important information when making the appointment 

  • Only make an appointment if you have a suitable place of residence for all your family members. Do you not have a suitable place of residence? The COA will then make an appointment for you.
  • Only make an appointment after booking your family members’ journey to the Netherlands, but before their departure to the Netherlands.
  • Make an appointment for all family members who need to register at the IND.  Fill out their V-numbers and first names and surnames.
  • Fill out your e-mail address or the e-mail address of your counsellor from VWN if you have one. 

Cancelling appointment 

What if the appointment made cannot go through? For example, because your family member arrives in the Netherlands later than planned? Then cancel the appointment via the link in the e-mail confirming your appointment. As soon as this is possible, make a new appointment for your family member.

The residence permit 

Find out what else you need to know about the residence permit:

Your family member will receive a derivative residence permit

Your family member will receive a derivative asylum residence permit. This means that the residence of your family member depends on your asylum residence permit. The IND can withdraw your family member’s residence permit if there is no longer a family relationship with you. For example, if your family member is a child who will go and live on their own within a year.

Your family member can apply for an independent asylum residence permit

Your family member may also apply for asylum in the Netherlands on their own. The IND then assesses whether your family member has a right to an independent asylum residence permit. 

Working with the residence permit

Your family member may work in the Netherlands with a temporary derivative residence permit. Their employer does not need a work permit (in Dutch: tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). On the back of the residence permit it says ‘Free to work. Work permit is not required (in Dutch: Arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist). 

Legal obligations

A sponsor has an obligation to provide information and an administrative obligation. Your family member has an obligation to provide information. Read more about the legal obligations of the sponsor for a family member and the foreign national’s obligation to provide information

The IND checks whether you meet your obligations. Are you violating your obligations? You then may get an administrative fine

Validity of the residence permit

Your family member’s residence permit is valid for 5 years.

Type of residence permit

The residence permit is type III, temporary asylum residence permit.

Other applications

Replacement of the residence permit

Has your family member’s residence permit been damaged, lost or stolen? Then, have the residence permit replaced. Go to the page residence permit damaged or change of personal details or residence permit lost or stolen.

Extend the residence permit 

Will your family member’s residence permit expire soon? Then, your family member can extend the residence permit

Permanent residence permit

Has your family member had a residence permit for 5 years? Then, your family member can apply for a permanent residence permit.