Residence permit for partner
Watch video: How do I apply for a residence permit for a family member?
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Video title is visible in animation: How do I apply for a residence permit for a family member?
Voice-over: You would like a family member to come and live with you in the Netherlands.
Your family member needs a residence permit for this.
You can apply for one from the IND, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
To travel to the Netherlands, your family member also
often needs a provisional residence permit called an MVV.
You can request the residence permit and MVV at the same time.
There are a lot of things to arrange when making an application.
So it’s very important to be well prepared. That’s why we
are going to talk you through all the necessary steps.
Step 1. Take a look at the conditions on our website www.ind.nl.
For example, your family member often has to first pass an exam about the Netherlands
and the Dutch language, called the civic integration exam, at a Dutch embassy abroad.
Step 2. Collect all the necessary documents. On our website you can
see which documents you need to submit with your application.
Start early, because sometimes this can take a long time - for example, because you need to obtain documents from abroad.
These documents often have to be officially stamped. And you need to have them translated.
Step 3. Complete the application form. You can do this online.
On our website we take you through the questions step by step.
This is often quicker and easier than completing a written application.
To submit a written application, you need to print the form and complete the application yourself.
Check your application. Before submitting your application, check whether you have filled everything in and attached all the documents.
In this way you can prevent your application from being delayed. Submit the online application with all the scanned documents on www.ind.nl.
Or post your written application by regular mail with all the accompanying photocopies and attachments.
Step 4. Pay for the application. Applying for a residence permit costs money. On our website you can see how much you need to pay.
Are you applying online? Then you will pay right away. Are you using the printed application form?
Then we will notify you a little later how much you need to pay. Step 5. Wait for a decision.
As soon as we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation letter.
This states how long the IND can take to consider your application. This is known as the decision period, which is 90 days.
The IND sometimes needs the full decision period in order to take a decision regarding your application.
We may also need you to provide additional information. If so, you will receive a letter about this.
The letter will also explain that the decision period will be extended.
Step 6. The decision. We have taken a decision. Has your application been denied?
If you do not agree, you can apply for review. Is the decision positive?
Then you will receive a letter from us to collect the residence permit or MVV.
Submit an application? Visit our website www.ind.nl.
text in animation: Submit an application? Visit ind.nl.
- Download in MP4 HD format MP4 HD | 84.2 MB
Video title is visible in animation: How do I apply for a residence permit for a family member?
Voice-over: You would like a family member to come and live with you in the Netherlands.
Your family member needs a residence permit for this.
You can apply for one from the IND, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
To travel to the Netherlands, your family member also
often needs a provisional residence permit called an MVV.
You can request the residence permit and MVV at the same time.
There are a lot of things to arrange when making an application.
So it’s very important to be well prepared. That’s why we
are going to talk you through all the necessary steps.
Step 1. Take a look at the conditions on our website www.ind.nl.
For example, your family member often has to first pass an exam about the Netherlands
and the Dutch language, called the civic integration exam, at a Dutch embassy abroad.
Step 2. Collect all the necessary documents. On our website you can
see which documents you need to submit with your application.
Start early, because sometimes this can take a long time - for example, because you need to obtain documents from abroad.
These documents often have to be officially stamped. And you need to have them translated.
Step 3. Complete the application form. You can do this online.
On our website we take you through the questions step by step.
This is often quicker and easier than completing a written application.
To submit a written application, you need to print the form and complete the application yourself.
Check your application. Before submitting your application, check whether you have filled everything in and attached all the documents.
In this way you can prevent your application from being delayed. Submit the online application with all the scanned documents on www.ind.nl.
Or post your written application by regular mail with all the accompanying photocopies and attachments.
Step 4. Pay for the application. Applying for a residence permit costs money. On our website you can see how much you need to pay.
Are you applying online? Then you will pay right away. Are you using the printed application form?
Then we will notify you a little later how much you need to pay. Step 5. Wait for a decision.
As soon as we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation letter.
This states how long the IND can take to consider your application. This is known as the decision period, which is 90 days.
The IND sometimes needs the full decision period in order to take a decision regarding your application.
We may also need you to provide additional information. If so, you will receive a letter about this.
The letter will also explain that the decision period will be extended.
Step 6. The decision. We have taken a decision. Has your application been denied?
If you do not agree, you can apply for review. Is the decision positive?
Then you will receive a letter from us to collect the residence permit or MVV.
Submit an application? Visit our website www.ind.nl.
text in animation: Submit an application? Visit ind.nl.
Requirements, process and costs
These are the steps in the application process for the residence permit.
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1. Check requirements open minusThese requirements apply to you and your partner:
Valid travel document
You and your partner have a valid passport or other travel document.
Relationship
You have a verifiable relationship with your partner. You are married, you have a registered partnership, or you are unmarried.
Age
You are both 21 years or older. Were you already married to your partner when you both (still) lived outside the Netherlands? Then you also meet the requirement when you are both 18 years or older.
Living together
You and your partner are going to live together in the Netherlands and you both register at the same address.
Income
You meet the income requirements. Do you want to know whether your income is sufficient? Take the income test .
Declaration sponsor
You declare that you are a sponsor for your partner in the application form. This means that you have obligations and responsibilities.
Tuberculosis test (TB)
After your partner arrives in the Netherlands, your partner must take a TB (tuberculosis) test. Your partner does not need to take a TB test in these situations:
- Your partner has the nationality of a country listed in the
- Your partner already has a valid residence permit in the Netherlands and is applying for a different residence permit.
- Your partner was born in the Netherlands and has always lived here.
- Your partner took a TB test in the Netherlands less than 6 months ago.
- Your partner is coming to the Netherlands and has a residence permit as a long-term EU resident. Or you have a residence permit as a long-term EU resident. And your partner lives with you in the other EU country.
Civic integration exam abroad
Your partner has passed the civic integration exam abroad. Sometimes your partner does not have to take the exam. Read more about the civic integration exam abroad and exemption or dispensation of the exam.
No danger to public order or national security
You do not pose a danger to public order or national security. Everyone over the age of 12 must completely fill in an Appendix Antecedents Certificate and enclose it with the application. In this certificate you indicate whether you have ever committed an offence or crime.
Dutch nationality or residence permit
You have Dutch nationality or you have a valid Dutch residence permit.
Dutch nationals and EU law
Dutch law applies to Dutch nationals who have their partners come to the Netherlands. Other requirements may apply to Dutch nationals who have lived with their partner in another EU country. Read more about Dutch nationals and EU law.
Additional rules when you have a Dutch residence permit
When you have a valid Dutch residence permit, the following rules apply:
- You cannot have your partner come join you in the Netherlands if you have a residence permit for one of these purposes of stay:
- Au pair
- Working Holiday
- Cultural exchange
- Work experience (intern or apprentice)
- Seasonal work
- Are you obliged to integrate in the Netherlands? Then you must have lived for at least 1 year in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit, before you can bring your partner to the Netherlands. This does not apply when it is in the interest of your minor children that your partner already comes to the Netherlands now.
Different requirements may apply to Turkish citizens and their family members. Read more on the page Turkish citizens and living in the Netherlands.
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1. Check requirements open minusThese requirements apply to you and your partner:
Valid travel document
You and your partner have a valid passport or other travel document.
Relationship
You have a verifiable relationship with your partner. You are married, you have a registered partnership, or you are unmarried.
Age
You are both 21 years or older. Were you already married to your partner when you both (still) lived outside the Netherlands? Then you also meet the requirement when you are both 18 years or older.
Living together
You and your partner are going to live together in the Netherlands and you both register at the same address.
Income
You meet the income requirements. Do you want to know whether your income is sufficient? Take the income test .
Declaration sponsor
You declare that you are a sponsor for your partner in the application form. This means that you have obligations and responsibilities.
No danger to public order or national security
You do not pose a danger to public order or national security. Everyone over the age of 12 must completely fill in an Appendix Antecedents Certificate and enclose it with the application. In this certificate you indicate whether you have ever committed an offence or crime.
Dutch nationality or residence permit
You have Dutch nationality or you have a valid Dutch residence permit.
Dutch nationals and EU law
Dutch law applies to Dutch nationals who have their partners come to the Netherlands. Other requirements may apply to Dutch nationals who have lived with their partner in another EU country. Read more about Dutch nationals and EU law.
Additional rules when you have a Dutch residence permit
When you have a valid Dutch residence permit, the following rules apply:
- You cannot have your partner come join you in the Netherlands if you have a residence permit for one of these purposes of stay:
- Au pair
- Working Holiday
- Cultural exchange
- Work experience (intern or apprentice)
- Seasonal work
- Are you obliged to integrate in the Netherlands? Then you must have lived for at least 1 year in the Netherlands with a valid residence permit, before you can bring your partner to the Netherlands. This does not apply when it is in the interest of your minor children that your partner already comes to the Netherlands now.
Different requirements may apply to Turkish citizens and their family members. Read more on the page Turkish citizens and living in the Netherlands.
- You cannot have your partner come join you in the Netherlands if you have a residence permit for one of these purposes of stay:
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2. Collect documents open minusWould you like to know which documents you need to submit the application? Answer the questions on the page document overview stay with partner.
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2. Collect documents open minusWould you like to know which documents you need to submit the application? Answer the questions on the page document overview stay with partner.
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3. Apply open minusYou apply for the MVV and the residence permit at the same time. You can apply online or in writing by post. To apply, go to Application forms.
Your partner may also apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate abroad.
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3. Apply open minusYou can apply online or in writing by post. To apply, go to Application forms.
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4. Pay for application open minusThe application costs . For all fees and exceptions, visit our web page Fees: application costs.
When you apply online, you pay the costs (fees) immediately with iDEAL internet banking. Are you applying in writing? Then you will receive a letter which explains how you can pay.
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4. Pay for application open minusThe application costs . For all fees and exceptions, visit our web page Fees: application costs.
When you apply online, you pay the costs (fees) immediately with iDEAL internet banking. Are you applying in writing? Then you will receive a letter which explains how you can pay.
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5. Wait for decision on application open minusThe IND must take a decision within 90 days. This is called the decision period.
Do you have an asylum residence permit and are you applying for family reunification with a family member? The legal decision period for this application is 9 months.
We can extend the decision period if it takes longer to decide. For example, because the application is not complete. In that case, the IND will send you a letter.
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5. Wait for decision on application open minusThe IND must take a decision within 90 days. This is called the decision period.
Do you have an asylum residence permit and are you applying for family reunification with a family member? The legal decision period for this application is 9 months.
We can extend the decision period if it takes longer to decide. For example, because the application is not complete. In that case, the IND will send you a letter.
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6. Decision on application open minusYou will receive the decision in a letter. The decision will be positive or negative.
- Positive decision: your partner will get an MVV and a residence permit.
- Negative decision: your partner will not get an MVV or a residence permit. You can object to this decision.
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6. Decision on application open minusYou will receive the decision in a letter. The decision will be positive or negative.
- Positive decision: your partner will get a residence permit.
- Negative decision: your partner will not get a residence permit. You can object to this decision.
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7. Make appointment for MVV visa sticker and travel to the Netherlands open minusYour partner can travel to the Netherlands with the MVV.
Make appointment within 3 months of decision
Your partner will have to make an appointment at the Dutch representation. This is the embassy or consulate that you filled in on the application form. Your partner has to make the appointment within 3 months after the IND has taken a decision on your application.
Biometrics
Your partner must provide biometric data during the appointment at the Dutch representation. Your partner will put a signature and the Dutch representation will take fingerprints. Your partner also needs to bring 1 new passport photo. Go to netherlandsworldwide.nl for information on requirements for ID photos.
Valid passport required
Your partner's passport must be valid for at least another 6 months when the Dutch representation places the MVV visa sticker in the passport. The MVV is valid for 90 days.
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8. Collect residence permit open minusWhen the residence permit is ready at an IND desk, you will receive a letter. You must make an appointment to collect it. Make an appointment to collect the residence document.
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7. Collect residence permit open minusWhen the residence permit is ready at an IND desk, you will receive a letter. You must make an appointment to collect it. Make an appointment to collect the residence document.
Application forms
You can submit this application online. You must have DigiD with SMS verification and internet banking (iDEAL).
Online application form for a residence permit to stay with a spouse, registered or unmarried partner
Written application forms
Online application form for a residence permit to stay with a spouse, registered or unmarried partner
Online application form to change to a residence permit to stay with a spouse, registered or unmarried partner
Written application forms
The residence permit
Find out what else you need to know about the residence permit:
TB test
Did you indicate at the time of the application that your partner will take a TB (tuberculosis) test? Then make an appointment at the Public Health Service (in Dutch: Gemeenschappelijke Gezondheidsdienst or GGD). Do this within 3 months after your partner has received their residence permit. Take with you to the appointment:
Working with the residence permit
It is stated on the back of your partner’s residence document whether your partner is allowed to work. This depends on your employment rights.
You are a Dutch national
On the back of your partner’s residence permit is stated: ‘free to work, work permit not required’ (in Dutch: arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist). The abbreviation TWV stands for tewerkstellingsvergunning, which means work permit in Dutch.
You have a residence permit
Your partner often has the same employment rights as you. In the following cases your partner will have different employment rights:
- Your partner is free to work if you have one of these residence permits:
- highly skilled migrant
- holder of a European Blue Card
- intra-corporate transfer
- researcher within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/801
- essential personnel start-up
- You have a residence permit for ‘work as a self-employed person’ (in Dutch: arbeid als zelfstandige). Your partner is free to work, also as a self-employed person.
- You have a residence permit for study. Your partner is not allowed to work.
- You have a single permit (in Dutch: gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid or GVVA) for residence and work. Your partner is only allowed to work if the employer has a TWV.
Legal obligations
A sponsor has an obligation to provide information and an obligation to keep and retain records. Your partner has an obligation to provide information. Read more about the legal obligations of a foreign national and sponsor of family member.
The IND checks whether you meet your obligations. If you do not, you may get an administrative fine.
Validity of residence permit
The period of validity of your partner’s residence permit depends on your situation. Do you have a temporary residence permit? Then the end date of your partner’s residence permit is the same as the end date of your residence permit.
Are you Dutch or do you have a permanent residence permit? Then your partner’s residence permit is valid for 5 years.
Type of residence permit
The residence permit is type I, temporary regular residence permit.
Other applications
Replacement of the residence permit
Has your partner’s residence permit been damaged, lost or stolen? Then apply to have the residence permit replaced. Visit the web page residence permit damaged or change of personal details or residence permit lost or stolen.
Extend the residence permit
Will your partner’s residence permit expire soon? Then your partner can apply for regular temporary residence permit extension.
Apply for a different residence permit
Does your partner want an independent residence permit? See if your partner can change their residence permit to the residence permit on humanitarian non-temporary grounds.
Permanent residence permit
Does your partner have a residence permit for 5 years for residence as a family member or relative? Then your partner can apply for a permanent residence permit.