Partner support Netherlands 2026: Income requirements, MVV+VVR permits, work rights
Guide for expat partners and spouses in Netherlands
Quick facts: Partner permits 2026
Income & age requirements
- • €2,544/month gross (100% minimum wage, 40h/week, 2026)
- • Both 21+ years old (sponsor and partner)
- • Employment contract or studies required
- • Holiday allowance (8%) included in income calculation
Processing & permits (2026)
- • MVV (entry visa): 2-5 days after appointment
- • VVR (residence): 2-6 weeks processing
- • EU/EEA/Swiss partners: Skip MVV, direct registration
- • Renewable annually, permanent after 5 years
Moving to Netherlands as an expat partner or spouse comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Whether you're looking to restart your career, explore new professional paths, or integrate into Dutch society, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about work rights, career development, business opportunities, and social integration specifically for expat partners in Netherlands. New parents should also review our Parental Leave Guide for details on paid leave and partner birth leave entitlements. For Asian expat partners specifically concerned about career sacrifices and family separation from grandparents, see our Asia expat spousal career guide with €85k+ household income considerations.
Income requirements 2026
Official income threshold 2026
January 1, 2026 update: Minimum wage increased from €14.06 to €14.71/hour (+2.15%). This affects the baseline for partner income requirements.
Important: IND announces updated tables every 6 months (January and July). Always check official IND income tables at ind.nl before applying.
How income is verified
✓ Accepted income sources
- • Employment contract (permanent or fixed-term, 12+ months)
- • Self-employment (KVK registration + accountant statement)
- • Pension/benefits (official letter from benefit agency)
- • Holiday allowance (8%) and bonuses included
✗ Not accepted
- • Irregular gig work without formal contract
- • Promised future income
- • Cryptocurrency or informal income
- • Partner's income (cannot combine for initial permit)
Employment and career strategies
Understanding work rights
✅ EU/EEA/Swiss Partners
No permit required, can work immediately
📋 Non-EU Partners
- • Apply for a TWV (work permit) via employer or
- • Apply for an MVV + VVR partner permit which includes employment rights
- • Highly Skilled Partner Route: If partner meets salary/education threshold, apply under HSM scheme
Job search techniques
CV Optimization
- • Reverse-chronological format, emphasise transferable skills
- • Translate key terms into Dutch equivalents (e.g., "Project manager" → "Projectmanager")
Networking
- • Join LinkedIn groups for your city/industry
- • Attend expat mixers and professional meetups (e.g., International Women's Network)
Recruitment Agencies
- • Expat-focused agencies (Undutchables, Adams, YER)
- • Industry-specific headhunters for tech, finance, engineering
Volunteering & Internships
- • Gain local experience and references
- • Organisations like Vrijwilligerscentrale and NGO sector
Upskilling and professional development
Language & Learning
- • Dutch Language Courses: Intensive programs (NT2 level 1–2) subsidised up to 50% by municipalities
- • Online Learning: Coursera, edX courses recognised by Dutch employers
- • Professional Programs: "Working in the Netherlands" workshops through universities
Mentorship & Coaching
- • Expat career coaches (e.g., Expat Career Coach NL)
- • Industry mentors via alumni networks
- • Negotiation and intercultural communication seminars
Recognition of foreign qualifications
Nuffic diploma assessment
Process Steps
- Submit original diplomas + certified translations to Nuffic.nl
- Wait 4–6 weeks for Statement of Comparability
- Receive Dutch equivalence, facilitating job applications and further education
Professional licensing and regulated professions
Healthcare (BIG Register)
Register via BIG-register.nl; bridging exam may be required
Teaching (DUO)
Apply for teacher certification at DUO.nl; may require curriculum orientation courses
Engineering & Technical
Chartered Engineer title recognition via BDE-register; professional portfolio review
Law & Finance
Bar admissions or CFA equivalence processed by Dutch Bar Association or CFA NL
Bridging and orientation programs
Dutch Professional Courses
- • Technical bridging courses at ROC colleges
- • Teacher orientation modules for foreign-trained educators
Language for Specific Purposes
- • Medical Dutch for healthcare professionals
- • Legal Dutch for lawyers
Starting a business as an expat partner
Choosing a legal structure
ZZP (Sole Proprietorship)
- • Register at KvK.nl for €51
- • No minimum capital
- • Full personal liability
VOF (General Partnership)
- • Register partnership agreement at KvK
- • Suitable for two+ co-founders
BV (Private Limited Company)
- • Notary deed required, minimum capital €0.01
- • Notary & registration fees €500–€1,500
- • Limited liability
Business setup steps
Market Validation
Research demand and competition
Business Plan
Required for bank account and potential visa renewals
KvK Registration
Choose trade name, register activities
Bank Account
Open business account with BSN + KvK extract
Insurance & Taxes
Liability insurance, professional indemnity, VAT registration through Belastingdienst
Social integration for non-working partners
Community and social networks
Expat Partner Groups
- • Expats In Harmony NL
- • Partner-specific meetup groups on Meetup.com
Volunteer Opportunities
- • Municipality volunteer portals
- • NGO roles (Refugee Welcome, Foodbanks)
Local Clubs & Hobbies
- • Sports clubs (football, tennis) — Dutch sports clubs are open to foreigners
- • Cultural workshops: Dutch cooking, language exchange
Mental Health & Well-Being
- • English-speaking therapists via PsychologyToday.nl
- • Municipality-sponsored integration counseling
- • 113 Suicide Prevention (English support)
Language and cultural immersion
Language Learning
- • Informal Language Exchange: Tandem Partners NL
- • Civic Integration (KNM) Preview: Short workshops on Dutch society
Cultural Events
- • King's Day celebrations
- • Sinterklaas community events
- • Local festivals (Prinsengracht Concert, Uitmarkt)
Step-by-step integration process
Month 1
- Secure BSN, apply for partner permit/work rights
- Register for Nuffic assessment if needed
- Join local expat partner meetup
Month 2-3
- Complete Nuffic and professional registrations
- Attend Dutch language classes
- Explore volunteer and networking events
Month 4-6
- Optimize CV and start job searches or business planning
- Register with professional bodies (BIG/DUO)
- Begin community immersion (sports, hobbies)
Month 6+
- Evaluate career progress or business growth
- Regularly attend cultural events
- Consider advanced integration courses and long-term integration strategies
Verified partner support services
🌟 Expat Career Coaching
Orange Expats
Service: Career coaching & wellbeing for expats
Experience: 19+ years helping expats from 80+ countries
Features: Tailored coaching, Dutch market insights, mental well-being support
🏛️ Business Setup Assistance
Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
Service: Official business registration & advice
Cost: €51 registration + notary fees
Features: Business plan guidance, legal structure advice, market research support
📚 Qualification Evaluation
Nuffic (Official)
Service: Official diploma comparability statements
Cost: €80-€150 (standard processing 4-6 weeks)
Features: Official Dutch equivalence, recognized by employers and institutions
Frequently asked questions
What is the income requirement for partner visa in Netherlands 2026?
€2,544/month gross (100% minimum wage, €14.71/hour for 40h/week). This is based on January 2026 minimum wage increase. Holiday allowance (8%) and regular bonuses are included in the income calculation. Always verify current requirement at ind.nl as it updates twice yearly (January and July).
How long does partner permit (MVV + VVR) processing take in 2026?
Non-EU partners: MVV (entry visa) takes 2-5 days after embassy appointment, then VVR (residence permit) takes 2-6 weeks after arrival in Netherlands. EU/EEA/Swiss partners skip MVV entirely and register directly with municipality for residence card (€81, ~1 month processing).
Do both partners need to be 21+ years old for partner visa?
Yes. Both the sponsor (Dutch resident) and the partner (joining) must be 21+ years old. There are very limited exceptions for exceptional circumstances, requiring IND permission (almost never granted). This is a strict requirement effective 2026.
Can my partner work in Netherlands after getting partner permit?
Yes. Partner permit (MVV + VVR) includes unrestricted work rights. Can work any job without employer sponsorship, change jobs freely, be self-employed, and have same employment rights as Dutch citizens. EU/EEA/Swiss partners have automatic work rights from day one.
What happens if our relationship breaks down after partner permit is issued?
Permit can be revoked if relationship ends, especially within first 2 years. Partner may need to leave Netherlands or seek independent residence status (work permit, study visa, etc.). After 5 years continuous residence, can apply for permanent residence which is more protected. Keep documentation of genuine relationship and integration (work, community involvement).
BSN Registration
Essential first step for all expats in Netherlands
Health Insurance
Mandatory insurance for all partners and spouses
Integration Checklist
Interactive checklist for your Netherlands journey