Overview
The partner or family residence permit allows spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners, and children to live in the Netherlands with a resident sponsor. Typical duration is up to 5 years, with a path to permanent residence. The sponsor must meet income and housing requirements set by the IND.
This route is different from work-based permits (e.g. Highly Skilled Migrant or EU Blue Card) and from study or entrepreneur routes. If you are joining a partner or family member who already lives in the Netherlands, this guide covers requirements, costs, timelines, and application steps.
Who can apply
The following can typically apply for a partner or family residence permit in the Netherlands:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Spouse of Dutch citizen | Married to a Dutch national who lives in the Netherlands. |
| Registered partner | In a registered partnership with a Dutch or qualifying EU resident. |
| Unmarried long-term partner | In a durable, unmarried relationship; evidence of lasting ties required. |
| Minor children | Children under 18 joining a parent who is legally resident in the Netherlands. |
| Family of foreign workers | Family members of non-Dutch residents (e.g. highly skilled migrant) under family reunification rules. |
Types of family visas
Different permit types apply depending on your relationship and the sponsor’s status:
| Permit type | Description |
|---|---|
| Partner residence permit | For spouses and partners of Dutch or qualifying residents; typically up to 5 years. |
| Family reunification permit | For family members joining a sponsor who has a valid residence permit. |
| Residence permit for minor child | For children under 18 joining a parent in the Netherlands. |
| EU family member permit | For family members of EU/EEA citizens exercising free movement rights. |
Requirements
- Minimum age (usually 21 for sponsor/partner in some routes; check IND)
- Valid relationship (marriage, registered partnership, or durable unmarried partnership)
- Valid passports for applicant and sponsor
- Sponsor living legally in the Netherlands
- Sufficient income (sponsor meets IND income requirement)
- Adequate housing (meets IND standards)
Source
Requirements can vary by route and sponsor status. Always check current IND rules and the government checklist for bringing a foreign partner to the Netherlands.
Income requirements
The sponsor must prove independent and sustainable income at or above the amount required by the IND. Amounts can change; check the IND income requirements page for current figures.
| Category | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum income (excluding holiday allowance) | €2,294.40 | per month |
| Minimum income (including holiday allowance) | €2,477.95 | per month |
Application process
Decision timeline is typically within 90 days. Document preparation and, if applicable, MVV or embassy steps can add time. Plan for 2–4 months from start to arrival in many cases.
- 1. Verify eligibility (relationship, sponsor status, income, housing)
- 2. Collect required documents
- 3. Submit application to IND
- 4. Pay fees
- 5. Provide biometrics where required
- 6. Wait for decision (typically within 90 days)
- 7. Travel to the Netherlands
- 8. Collect residence permit and register with municipality
Documents required
Exact documentation can vary by relationship, sponsor status, and nationality. Apostilles, legalisation, or certified translations may be required for some civil documents. The IND and immigration providers describe typical requirements.
- Passport
- Marriage certificate or partnership proof
- Birth certificates for children
- Proof of income (sponsor)
- Employment contract (sponsor, where applicable)
- Proof of housing
- Health insurance
Check your document readiness
Use the Document Readiness Checker to see which documents often apply to your profile.
Cost breakdown
Costs depend on your situation (adult vs child, MVV required or not, civic integration). The figures below are indicative; check the IND and EU immigration portal for current fees.
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee (adult) | €210 | IND |
| Child application | €45 | IND |
| MVV visa (if required) | ~€171 | When applicable |
| Civic integration exam | €150 | When applicable |
Estimate your relocation cost
Use the Relocation Cost Estimator to plan first-year costs for a family move.
Processing time
Typical timeline from document preparation to arrival. IND decision is often 4–12 weeks; embassy or MVV steps can add 2–8 weeks. Total relocation timeline is commonly 2–4 months.
| Phase | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | 2–8 weeks |
| IND decision | 4–12 weeks |
| Embassy visa processing (if MVV) | 2–8 weeks |
| Total typical timeline | 2–4 months |
Work rights
Spouses and partners who receive this residence permit generally have full work authorization in the Netherlands. No separate work permit is required. This is an important benefit of the partner and family visa.
Important benefit
No work permit is required for the partner; they can work in the Netherlands on the basis of the residence permit.
Real examples
Example 1 — American joining spouse working in Amsterdam: Partner on HSM or other work permit; you apply for partner residence permit. Typical total cost: application €210, MVV if needed ~€171, civic integration €150, plus relocation (flights, housing deposit, first months) — often €5,000–15,000+ depending on situation.
Example 2 — Indian partner joining highly skilled migrant: Sponsor holds HSM permit; you apply for family reunification. MVV often required. Budget: IND fee €210, MVV ~€171, document legalisation/translations, integration exam €150. Total first-year relocation often €6,000–20,000 including move and setup.
Example 3 — EU citizen family reunification: EU/EEA sponsor exercising treaty rights; non-EU family member applies under EU law. Fees and requirements can differ from the standard IND partner route. Check IND and government.nl. Relocation costs in a similar range depending on country of origin.
Services that can help
Services often used in this step
Everaert Advocaten
Immigration and family reunification advice.
Consultation-based
Immigration lawyers
Fragomen Netherlands
Global immigration and mobility services.
Service-based
Immigration support
Kroes Advocaten
Dutch immigration and family law.
Consultation-based
Immigration lawyers
Expat Center Amsterdam
Registration and immigration-related support for newcomers in Amsterdam.
Service-dependent
Expat relocation support
ACCESS NL
Information and support for international residents in the Netherlands.
Information and referrals
Expat support
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Related tools
Want to estimate how long this route may take? Use the Visa Timeline Estimator. Use these tools to plan your move: estimate costs, build a checklist, and plan your first 90 days after arrival.
Related guides
Official sources
For current rules, forms, and fees, always refer to the IND and the Dutch government: