Residence with your minor Dutch child (Chavez)

Last update: 1 July 2025

In order to live with a Dutch child under 18, as a caring parent, (half)brother or (half)sister,  you need a residence document. Read what the conditions are and how you can apply for the document.

Requirements, process and costs

The process for the application for the residence document consists of these steps:

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  • 1. Check requirements open minus
  • 1. Check requirements open minus
  • 2. Collect documents open minus
  • 3. Travel to the Netherlands open minus
  • 4. Apply open minus
  • 5. Pay for application open minus
  • 6. Wait for decision on application open minus
  • 7. Decision on application open minus
  • 8. Collect residence document open minus

Application forms

Download the correct written application form.

Written application forms

Application for a first residence document or a new residence document for the (half) brother or (half) sister:

The residence document

What else you need to know about your residence document:

Working with your residence document

You are free to work in the Netherlands. Your employer does not need a work permit (in Dutch: tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). On the back of your residence it says in Dutch Arbeid vrij toegestaan, TWV niet vereist (Free to work. Work permit not required).

Validity residence document

The period of validity of the residence document is usually 5 years. Your residence document will expire sooner in the following situations:

  • You are the parent of a minor Dutch child: your residence document expires on the day your Dutch child turns 18
  • You are the (half) brother/(half) sister of a minor Dutch child: your residence document expires on the day that the Dutch child or you yourself turn 18.

Type of residence document

The residence document is type Family members EU/EEA, residence document for family members of Community nationals.

Other applications

Replace residence document

Has your residence document been damaged, lost or stolen? Then have the residence permit replaced. Go to the page residence permit damaged or change details or residence permit lost or stolen.

Renew residence document

Will your residence document expire soon? Then you can renew the residence document. Please use the form for the parent or for the (half) brother or (half) sister:

You have to pay for the application. Find out what amount you have to pay on the web page Fees: application costs (under 'Costs residence permit: Family').  After you have submitted the application, you will receive a letter explaining how you can pay

De aanvraag kost geld. Kijk voor het bedrag dat u moet betalen op de pagina Leges: kosten van een aanvraag.Dan krijgt u een brief waarin staat hoe u kunt betalen.

Permanent residence permit

Have you had a residence document as a family member of a minor Dutch child for at least 5 years? Then you may be able to apply for a permanent residence permit. Does your decision regarding your Chavez permit state that you have temporary residence? You are still able to apply for the permanent residence permit. The IND knows that your stay is non-temporary according to EU rules.

End of residency when the minor Dutch child turns 18

Has the Dutch child or the (half)brother or (half)sister of the Dutch child turned 18? Then the right of residence of you or the (half) brother / (half) sister ends automatically. Do you want to stay in the Netherlands after the right of residence has expired? Then check if you meet the requirements for a different residence permit.