Family Reunification in Netherlands
2 documented routes of this kind in Netherlands, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Partner / Family Reunification Permit
Permit for partners, spouses, and family members of a Dutch resident sponsor meeting an income threshold; non-exempt nationals must pass the civic integration exam abroad first.
- Processing time
- Within 90 days (9 months if the sponsor holds an asylum permit)
- Validity
- Tied to the sponsor's status; renewable
- Language requirement
- Non-exempt nationals must pass the basisexamen inburgering (civic integration exam) abroad before applying for the MVV
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
- Citizenship
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Requirements
- Sponsor has independent, sustainable, sufficient income (partner/spouse threshold 2026 H1: EUR 2,294.40/month)
- Both partners generally 21+
- Genuine relationship (marriage/registration or proof of relationship plus shared address)
- Civic integration exam abroad passed before MVV (non-exempt nationals)
Required Documents
- Valid passport required
- Relationship evidence (marriage/registration or relationship proof plus shared address) required
- Appendix Antecedents Certificate (form 7601) for everyone over 12 required
- Civic integration exam result (non-exempt nationals)
Official fees
- IND application fee 254 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Check requirements
Verify income, age, and relationship requirements; use the IND online questionnaire for your document list.
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2
Pass civic integration exam abroad
Non-exempt nationals must pass the basisexamen inburgering before applying for the MVV.
-
3
Submit application
Apply online via DigiD or by post.
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4
Pay fee
Pay EUR 254 (online via iDEAL/Wero, or per IND letter).
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5
Await decision
Decision within 90 days (9 months if sponsor holds an asylum permit).
-
6
MVV and collect
MVV appointment within 3 months plus biometrics; TB test within 3 months if applicable; collect permit.
Official Sources
- Residence permit for partner Official
- Independent, sustainable and sufficient income Official
Asylum Family Reunification (nareis)
Reunification route for family members of recognised refugees, often free of charge and without an income requirement, but with a strict 3-month application deadline.
- Processing time
- Within 9 months
- Validity
- Tied to the sponsor's asylum status
- Language requirement
- None
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
- Citizenship
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Requirements
- Sponsor holds an asylum residence permit
- Apply within 3 months of the sponsor receiving the asylum permit
- No income requirement
- Proof of the family relationship
Required Documents
- Recent photo required
- Identity-document copy required
- Original family-relationship proof (birth/marriage certificate) required
- Appendix Antecedents Certificate (12+) required
- Country-specific questionnaires
Official fees
- Fee (free for adult sponsoring partner/(foster) child and for minor sponsoring biological parent; otherwise EUR 254) 254 EUR
Process Steps
-
1
Check requirements
Confirm eligibility under the nareis scheme.
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2
Gather documents
Assemble identity and family-relationship evidence.
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3
Apply within deadline
Apply (MVV + VVR together) within 3 months of the sponsor receiving the asylum permit.
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4
Pay if applicable
Pay EUR 254 only if the fee exemption does not apply.
-
5
Await decision
Decision within 9 months.
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6
Report on arrival
On arrival, report to the IND within 3 days.