Asylum family reunification

Last update: 12 June 2026

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.

Reason for your asylum residence permit (status)

You can get an asylum residence permit for 2 reasons: 

  • Refugee: you are a refugee under the Geneva Convention. You are personally at risk of persecution in your country. For example, because of your race, religion or political opinion. 
  • Subsidiary protection: you fled for another reason. For example, because of war. 

We call this your status. 

Check your status in your decision

Have you received a decision from the IND stating that you are granted an asylum residence permit? If so, you can find your status in that decision. On the first page of the decision, you will find the grounds on which you were granted the residence permit. 

Status before 12 June 

Did you receive a decision from the IND before 12 June? Your status is then described in the following way:

  • You are granted an asylum residence permit under Article 29, paragraph 1(a), of the Aliens Act (Vw) (in Dutch: U krijgt een verblijfsvergunning asiel op grond van artikel 29, eerste lid, aanhef en onder a, Vw)

This means that you are a refugee.  

  • You are granted an asylum residence permit under Article 29, paragraph 1(b), of the Aliens Act (Vw). (in Dutch: U krijgt een verblijfsvergunning asiel op grond van artikel 29, eerste lid, aanhef en onder b, Vw) 

This means that you have subsidiary protection.

In My IND, you can view this decision until about one month after you have received your residence permit. Can you no longer view your decision? Then call the asylum family reunification information line.

Status after 12 June

Did you receive a decision from the IND after 12 June? Then your card states what your status is. On the back it says ‘vluchteling’ (refugee) or ‘subsidiair beschermde’ (subsidiairy protection). 

Video family reunification asylum

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

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Transcribed text
Video Transcript: Gezinshereniging na Asiel
Description: An instructional video about applying for family reunification in the Netherlands after receiving asylum.
Organisatie: IND
Datum: 10-06-2026

[Voice-over text]
You’re watching an instructional video from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, the IND. The subject of this video is: ‘How do I apply for family reunification if I have been granted asylum in the Netherlands?’

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

[Voice-over text]
You have received a positive decision on your asylum application.

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

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

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

[Voice-over text]
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 an airplane ticket and a MVV.

[Voice-over text]
You can apply for the residence permit and MVV at the same time at the IND.

[Image description]
The image splits. Left we see the MVV and the residence permit. On the right we now also see the IND building.

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

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

[Voice-over text]
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-over text]
You can apply for family reunification for certain family members. For example, for your partner to whom you are legally married, and for your child who is under 18 years of age.

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

[Voice-over text]
Were you under 18 when you applied for asylum? Then you can apply for family reunification for your parents, and for your brothers and sisters who are under 18 years of age.”

[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-over text]
You will find all requirements on our website.

[Image description]
We see a closeup of the laptop with the text 'requirements'.

[Voice-over text]
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-over text]
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-over text]
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 'documents'.

[Voice-over text]
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-over text]
and need to be translated.

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

[Voice-over text]
Step 3. Submit the application.

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

[Voice-over text]
For this, begin by filling in the application form. You can do this online.

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

[Voice-over text]
We will then guide you step by step through all the questions. Upload the documents and submit the application digitally.

[Image description]
The screen changes to the icons 'upload' and 'send'. The cursor clicks on both buttons.

[Voice-over text]
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-over text]
Read on our website when you can submit the application. This way, you will not apply too late or too early.

[Image description]

We see a closeup of the laptop with the IND website. The page shows a calendar.

[Voice-over text]
On our website you can also read if you have to pay for the application.

[Image description]
We see a new page on the website, with a Euro currency symbol on it.

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

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

[Voice-over text]
After we receive your application, you will have to wait until we start processing it. The waiting time is different for each person. 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-over text]
Step 5. The IND will process your application.

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

[Voice-over text]
We have 9 months to make a decision.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Voice-over text]
Is the decision positive? Then your family member will be granted the visa to travel to the Netherlands, the MVV.

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

[Voice-over text]
Your family member makes an appointment with the Dutch embassy to collect the MVV and then 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-over text]
Step 7. Registration in the Netherlands.

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

[Voice-over text]
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-over text]
Always make an appointment for this.

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

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

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

[Voice-over text]
Want to know more? Find all the relevant information on this page. This was a video from the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, part of the Ministry of Justice and Security.

[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 will 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? You can read which documents and appendices you must submit with your application for each family member below.

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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 appendices you must submit 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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  • Syria (سوريا )

  • Eritrea (ኤርትራ)

  • Somalia (Soomaaliya)

  • Yemen (اليمن)

  • Afghanistan (افعانستان)

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

English translation of documents per country

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  • Syria

  • Eritrea

  • Somalia

  • Yemen

  • Afghanistan

  • Turkey

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 are applying for your married partner or (adopted) child under the age of 18. Or for your parents and brothers or sisters if you were under the age of 18 during the asylum application.

Do you have subsidiary protection? A waiting period of 2 years applies.

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.

Written application forms

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

You received an asylum residence permit less than 3 months ago because you are a refugee. You are applying for your married partner or (adopted) child under the age of 18. Or for your parents and brothers or sisters if you were under the age of 18 during the asylum application.
You have had an asylum residence permit with subsidiary protection for at least 2 years. You are applying for your married partner or (adopted) child under the age of 18. Or for your parents and brothers or sisters if you were under the age of 18 during the asylum application.

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. 

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 document

Your family member’s residence document is valid for 3 years.

Type of residence permit

The residence document is type III, asylum residence permit.

Other applications

Replacement of the residence document

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

Renew the residence document

Will your family member’s residence document expire soon? Then, your family member can renew the residence document

Residence permit for long-term EU residents

Have you lived in the Netherlands for 5 years after you received your asylum residence permit? You can then maybe apply for a residence permit for long-term EU residents.