Netherlands•Europe

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Residence Permit for Family and Partner

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

4-8 months

Application Fee

339 EUR

Stay Duration

Up to 5 years

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Netherlands

Cost of Living

7% more than United States

Avg Salary€44,400

Quality of Life

214/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

The Netherlands Residence Permit for Family and Partner allows spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners, and minor children of Dutch citizens or lawful residents to join them. The sponsor must hold a valid Dutch permit and earn at least EUR 29,735 per year.

The permit runs for the sponsor's permit duration (up to 5 years) and is renewable. Holders get full, unrestricted labor market access. Applicants from many countries must pass a Civic Integration Exam (CEFR A1) before arrival. The IND usually decides in 90 days (legal max 6 months). Adult fee EUR 254; under 18 EUR 85.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals who are a genuine partner or dependent child of a sponsor lawfully residing in the Netherlands and want a renewable permit with full work rights.

Fee Breakdown

Adult application fee	254 EUR
Child application fee (under 18)	85 EUR

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Non-Temporary Humanitarian Residence Permit

Netherlands

Non-Temporary Humanitarian Residence Permit

Validity5 years

Processing1-180 days

View Visa Details

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

Netherlands

Type II — Permanent Regular Residence Permit (Type II)

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1-180 days

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport for the applicant

Proof of a genuine, long-term relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or cohabitation proof)

Sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold (statutory minimum wage)

Sponsor must hold a valid residence permit for at least 12 months

Proof of adequate housing in the Netherlands

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

Min. Income

29,735 EUR/yr

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows family members to live together in the Netherlands
Grants the holder full access to the Dutch labor market without restrictions
Provides a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years of legal stay

Worth Knowing

Strict income and housing requirements for the sponsor must be maintained
Mandatory civic integration exams may be required for applicants from certain countries
Processing times can be lengthy, requiring significant advance planning

Application Process

Sponsor submits the application to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service)

Applicant completes the Basic Civic Integration Exam abroad (if applicable)

Applicant applies for the Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) at the Dutch embassy

Applicant collects the MVV and travels to the Netherlands

Applicant registers with the municipality and collects the residence permit from the IND

Application Forms

Go to application portal

7518 Application for the purpose of residence of 'family members'	—
7518	Fill online
7525 Application for the purpose of residence of 'family and partner'	—
7525	Fill online

Verified Claims (24)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps	Sponsor submits the application to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service); Applicant compl…	ind.nl
Fee Breakdown	Adult application fee: 254 EUR; Child application fee (under 18): 85 EUR	ind.nl
Fees	254	ind.nl
Forms	—	travel.state.gov
Forms · 7518 · description	Application for the purpose of residence of 'family members'	ind.nl
Forms · 7518 · url	https://ind.nl/en/forms/7518.pdf	ind.nl
Forms · 7525 · description	Application for the purpose of residence of 'family and partner'	ind.nl
Forms · 7525 · url	https://ind.nl/en/forms/7525.pdf	ind.nl

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