Family and family reunification

This section gives general information about partners, children, family reunification, registration and changes. Conditions depend on the sponsor’s residence status and the specific situation.

Bringing a partner to the Netherlands

First identify the family relationship and the residence status of the person already in the Netherlands. These often determine which rules apply.

A foreign partner often needs a residence permit. Conditions may concern the relationship, age, income, living arrangements and identity documents.

Marriage, registered partnership or unmarried relationship

Marriage does not automatically mean that a residence permit will be granted. Check the conditions for your specific situation.

Depending on the procedure, a marriage, registered partnership or unmarried relationship may qualify. The relationship must be verifiable.

Living with your partner

If registration at the same address is required, plan it after arrival and check the municipality’s rules beforehand.

In many partner procedures, partners live together in the Netherlands and register at the same address, with exceptions depending on the case.

Minor child

For children, separate proof of the family relationship from the residence conditions; they may require different documents.

In certain situations, a minor child can receive a residence permit to live with a parent. Additional conditions and, in some cases, a waiting period may apply.

Documents

Make a document list for each person and check validity, translation and possible legalisation before applying.

Prepare passports, birth or marriage certificates, proof of the relationship and other requested documents. Foreign documents may have extra requirements.

MVV and residence permit

Check whether an MVV is required for the applicant’s nationality and situation. Do not plan final travel arrangements based on assumptions.

Depending on nationality and circumstances, an MVV may be required. In some cases, the MVV and residence permit can be requested together.

Municipal registration

Include municipal registration and the first practical tasks after arrival in your moving checklist.

After moving to the Netherlands, arrange municipal registration when required. BRP registration is important for your BSN and government services.

Changes in your situation

If the relationship, housing or another important detail changes, check promptly whether IND must be informed.

Changes that may affect a residence procedure sometimes must be reported to the IND. Do not ignore official letters or deadlines.

Sponsor obligations

A sponsor may also have administrative duties. Keep copies of forms and correspondence.

A sponsor may have duties to provide information and keep records. The IND can check compliance with these obligations.

Application checklist

Before submitting, check that every question is answered, dates are consistent and each document belongs to the correct person.

Check the sponsor’s residence status, income, relationship evidence, documents, translation/legalisation and any MVV or integration requirements before applying.