Family reunification & partner visa Netherlands 2026
Complete guide for bringing your non-EU partner to Netherlands
Quick summary
Moving to the Netherlands with your partner or spouse requires understanding three different visa pathways: Partner Visa (Dutch sponsors), Family Reunification (non-EU sponsors with permits), and EU Law Verification (fastest option for EU sponsors). Each pathway has specific income requirements (€2,294 minimum for Family Reunification), relationship proof standards, and realistic timelines of 4-12 months.
Bottom line: Which pathway you use depends on YOUR nationality (not your partner's). EU Law Verification is fastest (4-6 months), but requires 6+ months prior cohabitation. Expect 6+ month delay before your partner can work. Income requirement is €2,294/month minimum for Family Reunification, flexible for other pathways.
Three partner visa pathways
The Netherlands offers three distinct pathways for non-EU partners to join EU/EEA sponsors or Dutch partners. Which path you use depends on YOUR nationality, not your partner's.
Which pathway applies to you?
| Your Situation | Pathway | Timeline | Work Permit Wait |
|---|---|---|---|
| You're Dutch, partner is non-EU | Partner Visa (#1) | 6-12 months | 6+ months |
| You're non-EU with Dutch permit (HSM, DAFT, etc.), partner is non-EU | Family Reunification (#2) | 6-12 months | 6+ months |
| You're EU/EEA (not Dutch), already living together 6+ months in NL, partner is non-EU | EU Law Verification (#3) ⭐ | 4-6 months ⭐ | 2-3 months ⭐ |
| You're EU/EEA (not Dutch), just arriving or not yet 6 months cohabitation | Can't use #3 yet | Must wait | Must wait |
💡 Key Insight: EU Law Verification is dramatically faster
If you're an EU/EEA citizen (not Dutch), consider arriving first, establishing 6+ months cohabitation, then applying under Pathway 3. This saves 3-6 months compared to other pathways and avoids civic integration exam requirement.
Pathway 1: Partner visa (if you're Dutch)
Who uses this: Dutch citizens sponsoring non-EU partners
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Status | Dutch passport holder (Dutch citizen) |
| Partner's Status | Non-EU citizen (any nationality except EU/EEA) |
| Age | Both 21+ years old (18+ if married) |
| Relationship | Must be in a "durable relationship" (not just dating) |
| Cohabitation | Must register at the same address |
| Income | Sufficient income or means (typically €2,500+/month, case-by-case) |
| Civic Integration Exam | Partner must pass Basic Civic Integration Exam (A1 level) at Dutch embassy BEFORE arrival (exemptions: US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea, UK, Switzerland) |
| Timeline | 6-12 months total (6-8 weeks prep + 2-4 months MVV + 4-6 months IND) |
Pathway 2: Family reunification (if you're non-EU with Dutch permit)
Who uses this: Non-EU citizens with valid Dutch residence permits (HSM visa, DAFT visa, student visa, work visa) sponsoring non-EU partners
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Status | Non-EU citizen with valid Dutch residence permit |
| Partner's Status | Non-EU citizen (any nationality except EU/EEA) |
| Age | Partner must be 18+ years old |
| Income | Minimum €2,294/month (without holiday allowance) OR €2,478/month (with holiday allowance). HARD MINIMUM, not flexible. |
| Employment | Employment contract must be valid for at least 1 year |
| Civic Integration Exam | Partner must pass exam at Dutch embassy (same exemptions as Pathway 1) |
| Timeline | 6-12 months total (same phases as Pathway 1) |
⚠️ Critical Difference: Hard Minimum Income
Family Reunification has a HARD MINIMUM of €2,294/month (measured as social security income/SV-income). Below this = application rejected. No exceptions, unlike Partner Visa which has flexible assessment. Check your payslip for "SV-loon" or "taxable income" to verify you qualify.
Pathway 3: Verification against EU law (fastest option!) ⭐
Who uses this: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (non-Dutch) sponsoring non-EU partners while both are already living together in the Netherlands
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Your Status | EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (not Dutch) |
| Cohabitation | MUST already be living together in Netherlands for 6+ months |
| Address Registration | Both registered at same address with gemeente |
| Income | Sufficient income or means (€2,000+/month, flexible case-by-case) |
| Civic Integration Exam | NO exam required (major advantage!) |
| Application Location | Must be filed WHILE BOTH are physically in Netherlands |
| Timeline | 4-6 months total (NO embassy stage, NO MVV needed, decision typically 2-3 months) |
✓ Key Advantages
- • NO embassy stage (saves 2-4 months)
- • NO civic integration exam (saves 2-3 weeks)
- • Work permit often included in same decision (potentially within 2-3 months)
- • Less documentation needed
- • More flexible income assessment
Income requirements 2026
The income requirement is the most concrete and measurable criterion. Here are the exact 2026 thresholds:
Income thresholds by pathway
| Pathway | Minimum Income | Assessment Type |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Visa (Dutch) | €2,500+/month typically | Flexible (€2,000-2,500 case-by-case, below €2,000 risky) |
| Family Reunification (non-EU) | €2,294/month HARD MINIMUM | Strict (below €2,294 = rejection) |
| EU Law Verification | €2,500+/month typically | Flexible (€2,000-2,500 case-by-case, savings can help) |
What counts as income
✓ Accepted Income Sources
- • Employment salary (payslips)
- • Self-employment income (tax return, accountant statement)
- • Pension/retirement income
- • Savings/assets (bank statements for financial security)
- • Property ownership (house, real estate)
✗ NOT Accepted
- • Partner's income (doesn't count; only YOUR income matters)
- • Future promised salary increases
- • Irregular bonus/commission (unless 2+ year history)
- • Gifts from family (unless substantial savings)
📊 Important: SV-Income vs Gross Income
For Family Reunification, income is measured as social security income (SV-income), which is slightly different from gross income. Check your payslip for "SV-loon" or "taxable income" (usually slightly lower than gross income).
Proof required: Last 3 months payslips, employment contract (valid for 1+ year), employer letter confirming continuation, optional bank statements showing regular deposits.
Timeline expectations: Realistic months
Timeline by pathway
| Phase | Pathway 1 & 2 | Pathway 3 (EU) |
|---|---|---|
| Document preparation | 6-8 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| MVV embassy processing | 8-16 weeks | N/A (skipped!) |
| Travel to Netherlands | 1 week | Already there |
| Municipality registration | 2 weeks | Already done |
| IND residence permit review | 8-24 weeks | 8-12 weeks |
| Work permit application | 2-8 weeks | Often included (0-4 weeks) |
| TOTAL | 6-12 months (typically 9 months) | 4-6 months (typically 4-5 months) ⭐ |
Most Common Outcomes
- • Partner Visa: 9 months (6 months to residence permit + 3 months to work permit)
- • Family Reunification: 9-10 months total
- • EU Law Verification: 4-5 months from application to residence permit, potentially less for work permit
Work permit restrictions & solutions
⚠️ The Problem: 6+ Month Work Delay
One of the most frustrating aspects of family reunification is that partners cannot work until the residence permit is approved. This means:
- • Partner arrives on MVV but cannot legally work
- • Even informal or part-time work is illegal
- • Can cause financial hardship for couples
- • Relationship strain if partner stuck at home for 6+ months
Solutions to minimize work delay
Solution 1: Plan financial cushion
Before application, save 6-12 months of living expenses. Partner should not rely on employment income for first 6+ months. Budget for 1-income household during wait period.
Reality: If you need two incomes to survive, family reunification becomes very difficult. Consider postponing until you have savings buffer.
Solution 2: Choose Pathway 3 (EU sponsor) to minimize delay
If possible, have EU/EEA sponsor partner get to Netherlands first, establish 6+ months cohabitation, then apply under Pathway 3.
Result: Potential work permission within 2-3 months instead of 6+. Cost: €5,000-10,000 additional (extra flights, accommodation, time), but may be worth it if partner's income is needed.
Solution 3: Partner gets own visa/work permit
Some partners qualify independently: Highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa if earning €5,942+/month, DAFT visa if US citizen, student visa if accepted to school.
Practical: Most partners don't qualify independently, so not viable for most couples.
Realistic expectation
Most couples accept 6-9 month work delay as part of the process. This is a MAJOR pain point. Plan accordingly and don't expect your partner to have legal work income for 6-12 months. Many save aggressively beforehand to cover the gap.
Common mistakes & how to avoid them
Mistake 1: Single status declaration older than 6 months
The problem: Single status declarations expire after 6 months. If yours is older when you submit, it's invalid. IND will reject or delay application.
The fix: Order single status declaration from your home country municipality late in the process. Don't order until documents are nearly complete. Date it as late as possible. If months pass before actual submission, request updated declaration.
Mistake 2: Apostille stamp older than 6 months
The problem: Apostille stamps are considered valid for 6 months. If your documents are apostilled too early, you'll need to redo them.
The fix: Plan timeline carefully. Order apostilles late in preparation process (2-3 weeks before application). Don't apostille 6+ months before applying. Can reorder if needed.
Mistake 3: Not having enough cohabitation proof (for unmarried partners)
The problem: If you claim 6+ months cohabitation but can't prove it, application is rejected. IND wants: rental agreement with both names, utility bills showing both names for 6+ months, landlord confirmation, address registrations.
The fix: From day 1 of living together, register at same address with gemeente. Get utility bills in both names. Keep copies of all correspondence showing joint address. If rental doesn't have both names, get landlord letter confirming cohabitation.
Mistake 4: Relationship proof too minimal
The problem: Marriage certificate alone isn't enough. IND wants evidence of genuine relationship. Minimal proof results in additional requests for information, delays (sometimes 2-4 months), and risk of rejection.
The fix: Gather comprehensive relationship proof from the START. Photos (20+), messages, social media evidence, travel documents, joint financial records, testimonials from friends/family. The more, the better. Don't wait to gather this. Start collecting from Day 1 of relationship.
Mistake 5: Income drops between application and decision
The problem: You apply when earning €2,500/month, but by time IND reviews (6 months later), you're only earning €2,000/month (job change, reduced hours, business downturn). IND may deny for insufficient income.
The fix: Stabilize income before applying. Ensure employment contract is solid and stable. If income fluctuates, wait until you have consistent high income. For self-employed, provide 2-year tax history showing sustainable income.
Real case studies
Case study 1: Dutch citizen + non-EU partner (Partner visa path)
Profile
- • Dutch sponsor: 32-year-old, Amsterdam, €3,500/month income
- • Non-EU partner: 29-year-old from Brazil, currently in São Paulo
- • Relationship: Married 2 years prior, lived together 1 year in Brazil
Timeline & costs
| Step | Timeline | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gather documents, apostilles | 6 weeks | €300 | Apostilles from Brazil vital records |
| MVV embassy application (Brasília) | 8-12 weeks | €320 | No civic integration exam needed (Brazil exempt) |
| Partner travels to Netherlands | 1 week | €2,000 | €800 flight + €1,200 first month accommodation |
| IND residence permit application | 2 weeks | €272 | Via IND Digital Loket online |
| IND decision (wait time) | 12 weeks | — | Approved without additional requests |
| Work permit application | 4 weeks | €165 | Applied immediately post-residence permit |
| TOTAL | 26 weeks (~6 months) | €3,757 | Smooth process, no complications |
Key success factors
- • Strong marriage documentation (married 2 years, lived together)
- • Sponsor had solid, stable income (€3,500+/month)
- • No criminal history
- • Submitted comprehensive relationship proof with application
Case study 2: Non-EU with HSM visa + non-EU partner (Family reunification path)
Profile
- • HSM sponsor: 35-year-old Indian, Amsterdam, €6,500/month tech job
- • Non-EU partner: 32-year-old from Philippines, currently in Manila
- • Relationship: Unmarried, together 3 years, lived together 2 years in Philippines before sponsor moved to NL
Timeline & costs
| Step | Timeline | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gather documents, apostilles | 8 weeks | €400 | Multiple countries' documents |
| MVV embassy application (Manila) | 10-14 weeks | €320 | Civic integration exam required |
| Civic Integration Exam | 3 weeks | €150 | Needed 2 attempts; passed on second |
| Partner travels to Netherlands | 1 week | €2,100 | €600 flight + €1,500 first month accommodation |
| IND residence permit application | 2 weeks | €272 | Via IND Digital Loket |
| IND decision (total wait) | 14 weeks | — | Additional cohabitation proof requested |
| Work permit application | 4 weeks | €165 | Applied after residence permit |
| TOTAL | 32 weeks (~7.5 months) | €3,557 | Minor delay due to additional info |
Complications & solutions
- • Additional documentation request: Partner provided additional utility bills and bank records showing joint finances
- • Civic integration exam failed first attempt: Re-studied and passed on second (common)
- • Timeline longer than Partner Visa due to stricter requirements for non-EU sponsors
- • Employment stability critical: Sponsor maintaining same job and renewing contract helped significantly
Case study 3: EU citizen + non-EU partner (EU law verification - fastest)
Profile
- • EU sponsor: 30-year-old German, Amsterdam, €3,000/month income
- • Non-EU partner: 28-year-old from India, currently in Amsterdam
- • Relationship: Unmarried, cohabiting 8 months, planning family
Timeline & costs
| Step | Timeline | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-application cohabitation | 8 months | — | Both arrived separately; lived together before applying |
| Gather documents, relationship proof | 3 weeks | €0 | No apostilles, no civic integration needed |
| IND application submission | 1 week | €272 | Via Digital Loket |
| IND decision (wait) | 10 weeks | — | Approved without additional requests |
| Work permit | Same as above | €0 | Included in residence decision |
| TOTAL | 14-16 weeks (~3.5-4 months) | €272 | Fastest, cheapest option! ⭐ |
Why this is so much faster
- • No embassy/MVV stage (saves 2-4 months)
- • No civic integration exam (saves 2-3 weeks)
- • No employment contract length requirement
- • Less documentation needed
- • Work permit often included in same decision
Total time & cost comparison
| Pathway | Timeline | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Partner Visa | 6 months | €3,757 |
| Family Reunification | 7.5 months | €3,557 |
| EU Law Verification ⭐ | 3.5 months | €272 ← Clear winner! |
Frequently asked questions
Which pathway should I choose for family reunification?
It depends on YOUR nationality: Dutch citizens use Partner Visa (Pathway 1), non-EU with valid Dutch permit use Family Reunification (Pathway 2), EU/EEA citizens (not Dutch) already living together 6+ months in NL use EU Law Verification (Pathway 3, fastest option).
Can my partner apply for their own work visa instead of family reunification?
Only if they independently qualify for another permit (HSM visa if earning €5,942+/month, DAFT if US citizen, student visa if accepted to school). Most partners don't qualify independently, making family reunification the primary path.
My salary is €2,294/month. Does that include bonus/commission?
For Family Reunification (Pathway 2), minimum is assessed on BASE salary (SV-income). Bonuses help but require sustainability: annual bonus counts if you have 2+ year history, irregular bonuses are risky, commission-based income needs 2-year history showing it's sustainable.
If my partner earns money, can that count toward my sponsorship income requirement?
No. Sponsorship is based on YOUR income only. Your partner's income, savings, or assets do NOT count toward sponsoring them. This is a common misconception that causes application rejections.
How much relationship proof do I really need?
Minimum: marriage/single status certificate + passport copies + basic income/housing proof. Realistic: add 10-20+ photos, email/message history, travel documentation, and family testimonials. For unmarried partners, need extensive cohabitation proof (6+ months utility bills, rental agreement, gemeente registration). More is always safer.
My single status declaration expired (6+ months ago). Can I use it?
No. You need a current one (not older than 6 months). Order a new one. Processing time: 2-4 weeks depending on country. This is one of the most common mistakes that delays applications.
How long does the entire family reunification process typically take?
Partner Visa: 6-12 months (typically 9 months). Family Reunification: 6-12 months (typically 9-10 months). EU Law Verification: 4-6 months (typically 4-5 months). Add 2-8 weeks for work permit after residence permit approval for Pathways 1 & 2.
When can my partner start working in Netherlands?
Not until residence permit is approved. For Pathway 1 & 2: typically 6+ months after initial application. For Pathway 3: potentially 2-3 months after application. This is a major pain point. Plan for single-income household during waiting period.
Can my partner do informal work while waiting for work permit?
No, it's illegal. Many people do, but it's a risk (tax fraud if discovered). Not recommended. Better solutions: save financial cushion beforehand, use Pathway 3 (EU) to reduce timeline, or have partner qualify for own visa independently.
What if I don't have housing yet when applying?
For Pathway 1 & 2 (embassy stage): you can arrange housing after partner arrives on MVV. For Pathway 3: you must already be living together, so housing is sorted. Ideally have housing arranged before submission for smoother process.
Can I sponsor my same-sex partner?
Yes, completely. Same-sex marriage/civil partnership has full legal recognition in Netherlands. All rules apply identically to opposite-sex couples. No difference in requirements, timeline, or process.
What if my partner has dependent children from previous relationship?
Children under 18 can come as dependents if you can demonstrate parental responsibility. Additional requirements: proof of guardianship, documentation of support, children need their own visa/documentation, IND assesses if you can support children financially.
Related guides and tools
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