Complete guide to partner and spousal visas in Netherlands 2026
3 visa paths | €2,294-€5,937 income | 6-12 month timeline | Relationship proof checklist
Quick summary
Moving to the Netherlands with a non-EU partner? This complete guide covers everything you need to know about partner visas, family reunification, and the verification against EU law procedure (including actual income requirements €2,294 to €5,937, timelines 6 to 12 months, application steps, work permit delays, cost breakdowns, and real answers to the questions Reddit expats ask most).
Bottom line: You have three visa paths depending on your citizenship. Planning ahead, gathering right documents, and understanding income requirements can save you €3,000 to €5,000 and prevent 6-month delays.
Table of contents
Section 1: Three visa paths explained
The Netherlands offers three legal routes to bring a non-EU partner. Which you use depends on whether you're Dutch, EU/EEA, or non-EU yourself. This is the #1 source of confusion on Reddit (expats often don't realize there's a "best" path for their situation). Learn more about work permits for comprehensive visa planning.
Path 1: Partner visa (if you're Dutch)
Who uses this:
You're Dutch (or have Dutch residency), your partner is non-EU, and neither of you is married.
Official name: Partner Visa application under Dutch law (not EU law, important!)
Key requirements:
- Both partners must be 21+ years old (or 18+ if married)
- Partners must register at the same address in the Netherlands
- You (the Dutch person) must have sufficient income or means
- Your partner must prove you're in a "durable relationship" (not just dating)
- Your partner must pass a Basic Civic Integration Examination (A1 level) before arrival at a Dutch embassy in their home country
- No criminal record for either person
Income requirement (2026):
- Determined case-by-case (IND reviews both active and passive income)
- General benchmark: €2,294 to €3,000/month as starting point, but IND may accept less if you have substantial savings, property, or other means
- Pro tip: Unlike family reunification, partner visa income is flexible and negotiable (it's not a hard threshold)
Work permit timing:
Partner does NOT get work permit until final verdict on visa application (6+ month wait). This is the critical frustration: incoming partner arrives, but can't work for months.
Cost (2026):
- IND application fee: €254
- MVV (entry visa) fee: €118 (applies if partner needs visa to enter Schengen)
- Legal fees: €1,500 to €3,000 (if using lawyer)
- Total: €1,872 to €3,254
✓ Pros
- No labor market test required
- Durable relationship ≠ marriage (simpler than some EU countries)
- Flexible income assessment (not a hard threshold like HSM)
✗ Cons
- Partner must do civic integration exam abroad
- Long work permit delay
- Requires MVV for most nationalities
- Income must be proven and sustainable for duration of visa
Path 2: Family reunification (if you're non-EU with residence permit)
Who uses this:
You're non-EU but have a Dutch residence permit (HSM, work, student, etc.), and your partner is non-EU. Check our work permits guide to understand your sponsor permit requirements.
Key requirements:
- You (sponsor) must have a valid Dutch residence permit
- Partner must be at least 18 years old
- You must have sufficient, sustainable income (€2,294 to €2,478/month as of January 2026)
- Partner must prove genuine relationship
- Partner must pass Basic Civic Integration Exam (A1 level) at Dutch embassy before arrival (unless exempted)
- No criminal record
- Employment contract valid for at least one year required
Income requirement (2026):
- Hard threshold: €2,294.40/month gross SV salary (excluding 8% holiday allowance)
- With holiday allowance: €2,477.95/month
- If you already have children: €2,294.40 to €3,671.04 depending on family situation (increases per additional child)
- Income must be sustainable (you must have earned it for 18+ months before application)
- Can combine income with partner if partner also works, but your income alone must meet base requirement
Exemption from civic integration exam:
Citizens of: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, UK, USA, South Korea, Switzerland
These nationalities can skip civic exam and can wait in Netherlands during application
✓ Pros
- Hard income threshold is clear and achievable
- Most common route for expat workers
- Well-established process
✗ Cons
- Partner must do civic exam abroad (for most nationalities)
- Long work permit delay
- Requires €2,294+ minimum income (dealbreaker if freelance or lower-paid)
- Needs MVV for most nationalities
Path 3: Verification against EU law (if you're EU/EEA and your partner is non-EU)
Who uses this:
You're EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, your partner is non-EU (and you've lived together in the Netherlands).
Key requirements:
- You must be EU/EEA/Swiss citizen (not Dutch, see note below)
- Partner must prove 6+ months of continuous cohabitation in Netherlands before application OR have a child together OR have lived in your home country together
- You must be registered at same address in Netherlands
- You must have sufficient income or means (case-by-case assessment, generally €2,000+/month)
- You must be insured for healthcare in Netherlands (see our health insurance guide)
- No criminal record for either party
- Critical: Application must be submitted while BOTH of you are physically in the Netherlands
Income requirement:
- No hard threshold (IND assesses case-by-case)
- Generally: €2,000 to €2,500/month is safe zone
- Includes both active income and passive income (savings, property, etc.)
Work permit timing—THE GAME CHANGER
- Partner can get "residence endorsement sticker" within 2 weeks of application submission
- This sticker allows partner to live and work immediately (before final decision)
- Final decision takes 2 to 3 months, but partner is already working by then
- This is the major advantage over Partner Visa and Family Reunification routes
Special rule—Dutch citizens using EU law:
If you're Dutch, you only qualify if you've lived in another EU member state for at least 3 months and exercised EU free movement rights. Slightly more complicated, but still possible.
✓ Pros
- Immediate work permit (huge advantage)
- No need for MVV
- No civic integration exam required
- Flexible income assessment
- Fastest route overall
✗ Cons
- Requires 6+ months cohabitation before applying (or child together)
- Must be in Netherlands during application
- You must be EU/EEA/Swiss (not applicable to everyone)
Comparison table: Which path is right for you?
| Situation | Best Path | Income Threshold | Work Permit Speed | Exam Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You're Dutch, partner is non-EU | Partner Visa | €2,294-€3,000+ (flexible) | 6+ months | Yes (abroad) |
| You're non-EU on HSM/work visa, partner is non-EU | Family Reunification | €2,294 (hard) | 6+ months | Yes (abroad) |
| You're EU/EEA, partner is non-EU, 6+ months together | Verification EU Law | €2,000+ (flexible, case-by-case) | 2 weeks ⭐ | No |
| You have a child with non-EU partner | Family Reunification OR EU Law | €2,294-€3,671 | 6+ months (FR) or 2 weeks (EU) | Depends |
Section 2: Income requirements 2026 (Updated January 1)
This is where most Reddit confusion happens. Income thresholds changed January 1, 2026. Here's the exact breakdown. For context on Dutch salaries and affordability, see our salary negotiation guide and cost of living calculator.
Family reunification income thresholds (2026)
Sponsor + Partner (both 21+, no children):
- €2,294.40/month (without holiday allowance)
- €2,477.95/month (with 8% holiday allowance)
Note: "SV salary" = social security salary (Dutch: sociaalverzekeringsloon). This is slightly different from gross income. Check your payslip for "SV-loon" or "Loon voor socialezekerheid."
If you have children together:
- Child 1: €2,294.40/month
- Child 2: €2,753.28/month (increases per child)
- Single parent + partner: €3,441.60 to €3,671.04/month depending on setup
What counts as income:
✅ Counts:
- Fixed employment salary (most common)
- Self-employed profit (must be 18+ months established)
- Pension income
- Disability benefits
- Savings/assets (in rare cases IND may substitute if income is temporary)
❌ Doesn't count:
- Bonuses, overtime, tips, benefits-in-kind
- Variable components
Income must be:
- Independent – You pay taxes on it
- Sustainable – You've had it for 18+ months
- Sufficient – It meets the threshold
Real example:
- Your employment contract: €2,400/month gross
- Your SV salary (payslip): €2,385
- Is this enough? Yes. €2,385 > €2,294.40 ✓
Partner visa and verification against EU law income (2026)
These are flexible and case-by-case. The IND considers:
- Active income (employment, self-employment, pension)
- Passive income (savings, property, investments, family support)
- Your work history and stability
Income zones:
- Safe zone: €2,500 to €3,000/month = almost always approved
- Marginal zone: €1,800 to €2,500 = depends on other factors
- Below €1,800: Risky without significant savings/property
For self-employed/freelancers:
- Must have been operating business for 18+ months
- Need tax returns showing consistent income
- IND often skeptical of first-year freelancers
Section 3: Relationship proof documentation
Reddit expat question #1: "What counts as proof of a genuine relationship?" Answer: Everything. The IND wants to see your life together.
Required proof of "durable relationship" (what IND expects to see)
Official documents:
- Utility bills (gas, electricity, water) showing both names, same address
- Shared lease agreement or mortgage papers
- Joint bank account statements (showing shared expenses)
- Joint health insurance policy
- Shared family plan (if applicable)
Personal evidence:
- Photos together (holiday photos, home photos, with friends)
- Travel history (passport stamps showing trips together)
- Chat/email history (WhatsApp, emails showing communication over time)
- Statements from mutual friends (affidavits, letters)
- Statements from family members
- Wedding/engagement invitations (if applicable)
Cohabitation evidence (especially for EU law verification):
- Rental agreement showing 6+ months cohabitation
- Landlord letter confirming occupancy dates
- Utility bills covering 6+ month period
- Child birth certificate (if applicable, automatic proof)
Important
- You must have lived together for at least 6 months before applying (for verification against EU law)
- For Partner Visa and Family Reunification, IND does check cohabitation, so start gathering these documents from day one
- They prefer originals or certified copies for foreign documents
Document legalisation and translation (Critical step)
All documents from your home country must be:
- Legalised (Apostille mark from authority in origin country)
- Translated into Dutch, English, French, or German (certified translation)
- Apostille not older than 6 months when submitting
Cost: €200 to €500 total (varies by country and translator)
Timeline: Can take 4 to 8 weeks (start early!)
Section 4: Application timeline and process
Reddit question: "How long does this actually take?" Honest answer: 6 to 12 months total. Here's the breakdown:
Partner visa and family reunification path (6 to 12 months)
Step 1: Prepare documents (6 to 8 weeks)
- Gather proof of income (last 3 months payslips)
- Collect relationship proof
- Get documents legalised/apostilled
- Get translated
Step 2: Partner applies for MVV at Dutch embassy (2 to 4 months)
- Embassy assesses application
- Partner does civic integration exam (if required)
- Embassy issues MVV or denies
Step 3: Partner travels to Netherlands (1 to 2 weeks)
- Enters on MVV
- Registers with municipality for BSN (see our BSN registration guide)
Step 4: Submit residence permit application to IND (4 to 6 months)
- IND reviews your income
- IND checks documents
- IND may request additional proof
- Final decision issued
Total: 6 to 12 months (often closer to 9 months)
Work permit: Partner cannot work until Step 4 is complete (months 6+)
Verification against EU law path (4 to 6 months, FASTER)
Step 1: Ensure 6+ months cohabitation in Netherlands (ongoing)
You must already be living together here. No separate embassy stage.
Step 2: Gather documents (2 to 4 weeks)
- Relationship proof
- Income proof
- Address registration showing cohabitation
Step 3: Submit application to IND (2 to 3 months)
- IND makes decision
- Partner gets "residence endorsement sticker" within 2 weeks (allows work immediately)
- Final decision within 2 to 3 months
Total: 4 to 6 months (much faster)
Work permit: Partner can work immediately with endorsement sticker (weeks 2 to 3)
Timeline comparison
| Stage | Partner Visa / FR | Verification EU Law |
|---|---|---|
| Document prep | 6-8 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Embassy/MVV | 2-4 months | N/A |
| IND decision | 4-6 months | 2-3 months |
| Total time | 6-12 months | 4-6 months |
| Work permit available | Month 6+ | Week 2-3 ⭐ |
Section 5: The work permit complication (This frustrates everyone)
Reddit question: "Can my partner work while we wait for the visa?" Answer: No. And yes. It depends.
The problem: The long gap
Under Partner Visa and Family Reunification:
- Partner arrives in Netherlands on MVV (month 3 to 4)
- Partner cannot work yet
- IND still processing (months 5 to 10)
- Work permit finally issued (month 6 to 12)
Result: Your partner sits unemployed for 6+ months. This is brutal financially and emotionally.
Solutions (workarounds)
Option 1: Verification against EU law (if applicable)
Partner gets work permit in week 2 (via endorsement sticker). This is why EU citizens should strongly consider this path.
Option 2: Pre-arrange "transition employment" in home country
- Partner works remotely for home-country employer before arriving
- Some IND officers accept this (not guaranteed)
- Check with IND office before relying on this
Option 3: Partner does unpaid volunteering/internship
- Partner can volunteer while waiting (work permit not needed for unpaid work)
- Demonstrates initiative to IND
- May help in future employment once permit arrives
Option 4: Partner applies for "work permit while residing" (emergency)
- If you're non-EU worker and partner has been waiting 6+ months
- This is theoretically possible but rarely granted
- Ask IND caseworker if applicable to your situation
What partners are NOT allowed to do:
- ❌ Work for wages on expired visa
- ❌ Accept "under the table" cash payment
- ❌ Work on tourist visa or on MVV
Section 6: Complete cost breakdown (2026)
Reddit question: "How much will this actually cost us?" Use our relocation budget guide for comprehensive moving cost planning.
Official IND fees (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Partner Visa / Family Reunification application | €254 |
| MVV (entry visa) | €118 |
| Subtotal IND | €372 |
Additional typical costs
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Document translation (10-15 documents) | €200-€500 |
| Apostille/legalisation | €50-€200 |
| Legal advice (lawyer consultation) | €1,500-€3,000 |
| Biometric appointment (IND) | Free |
| Medical exam (if required by embassy) | €0-€200 |
| Travel to embassy for MVV | €100-€500 (depends on location) |
| Subtotal miscellaneous | €1,850-€4,400 |
Total cost estimate
- Minimum (DIY, no lawyer): €600-€900
- Typical (with lawyer): €2,200-€4,700
- Maximum (all options, multiple fees): €5,000+
Cost-saving tips
- Gather documents yourself (save €300-€500 in translation fees)
- Research which lawyer offers fixed rates (avoid hourly billing)
- Use legalisation services in your country (often cheaper than Dutch ones)
- Check if your employer offers relocation support (may cover visa fees)
- Apply for both partner and children at once (one application = fewer fees)
Section 7: Common mistakes to avoid
These errors delay or deny applications. Reddit expats report these constantly.
Mistake 1: Outdated documents
❌ Wrong:
Submitting utility bill from 3 months ago as proof of current address
✅ Right:
Utility bill from this month OR recent payment confirmation
Why: IND wants current proof, especially income documents. Use payslips from last 3 months, not from 6 months ago.
Mistake 2: Insufficient income proof
❌ Wrong:
Showing gross salary of €2,300 but IND requires SV-salary to be €2,294.40
✅ Right:
Getting payslip showing exact SV-salary and confirming it meets threshold
Why: SV-salary (social security salary) is often slightly lower than gross. Verify on your payslip before applying.
Mistake 3: Skipping the civic integration exam
❌ Wrong:
Partner arriving in Netherlands without passing Basic Civic Integration Exam
✅ Right:
Partner takes exam at Dutch embassy 2 months before travel
Why: Most nationalities must pass A1-level exam abroad. If you skip it, application is rejected immediately.
Exception: Americans, Australians, Canadians, Japanese, New Zealanders, South Koreans, Swiss, UK citizens, Vatican residents can wait in Netherlands and take exam there.
Mistake 4: Incomplete relationship proof
❌ Wrong:
Submitting only passport photos and WhatsApp messages
✅ Right:
Submitting utility bill, lease agreement, photos, travel evidence, friend statements, plus messages
Why: IND needs to see multiple proof types. Photos alone aren't enough. They want to see you've built a life together (shared address, shared expenses, shared activities).
Mistake 5: Not legalising foreign documents
❌ Wrong:
Submitting birth certificate or marriage certificate without apostille
✅ Right:
Getting apostille from authority in home country, having it translated
Why: All foreign official documents must have apostille mark. Without it, IND won't accept them.
Section 8: FAQ—Your top Reddit questions answered
What are the three partner visa paths for Netherlands 2026?
Three paths: (1) Partner Visa (if you're Dutch, €2,294-€3,000 income, 6+ month work permit delay), (2) Family Reunification (if you're non-EU with permit, €2,294 hard threshold, 6+ month work permit delay), (3) Verification Against EU Law (if you're EU/EEA, €2,000+ flexible income, 2-week work permit—fastest option).
What is the income requirement for family reunification Netherlands 2026?
€2,294.40/month gross SV salary (€2,477.95 with 8% holiday allowance). Income must be sustainable (18+ months proven). Increases with children: €2,753.28/month for 2nd child, up to €3,671.04 for larger families. Check payslip for exact SV-loon figure.
How long does partner visa Netherlands take in 2026?
Partner Visa and Family Reunification: 6-12 months total (6-8 weeks document prep, 2-4 months MVV at embassy, 4-6 months IND decision). Verification Against EU Law: 4-6 months (2-4 weeks documents, 2-3 months IND decision, work permit in 2 weeks).
Can my partner work while waiting for Netherlands visa decision?
Partner Visa and Family Reunification: No, partner cannot work for 6+ months until final decision. Verification Against EU Law: Yes, partner gets residence endorsement sticker within 2 weeks allowing immediate work (major advantage).
What proof of relationship does IND require for partner visa 2026?
Required: Utility bills (both names), shared lease/mortgage, joint bank statements (3+ months), shared health insurance, 20+ photos together, chat/email history, travel evidence, statements from 2-3 mutual friends, statements from family. For EU law verification: proof of 6+ months cohabitation in Netherlands.
Do all partners need civic integration exam for Netherlands visa 2026?
Depends on path and nationality. Partner Visa and Family Reunification: Yes, Basic Civic Integration Exam (A1 level) required at Dutch embassy abroad. Exemptions: Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, UK, USA, South Korea, Switzerland, Vatican. Verification Against EU Law: No exam required.
How much does partner visa Netherlands cost in 2026?
Total costs: €1,872-€3,254 with lawyer. Breakdown: IND application €254, MVV €118, document translation €200-€500, apostille €50-€200, legal advice €1,500-€3,000. Verification Against EU Law slightly cheaper (€1,754-€2,754, no MVV needed).
Can I combine incomes to meet partner visa income requirement 2026?
Depends on path. Family Reunification: Only sponsor's Dutch income counts initially. Partner Visa and EU Law Verification: You can combine incomes if partner also works in Netherlands. Self-employed income allowed if business is 18+ months old with tax returns.
What happens if my salary is below €2,294 for family reunification?
Application will be rejected. Options: (1) Ask employer for salary increase, (2) Include partner's Dutch income if they work, (3) Wait for contract renewal with higher salary, (4) Show substantial savings (IND reviews case-by-case), (5) Consider EU law verification if eligible (flexible income assessment).
What documents need apostille for Netherlands partner visa 2026?
All foreign official documents: Birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), single status declaration, police certificate/background check. Apostille must be obtained from authority in origin country. Documents also need certified translation to Dutch, English, French, or German. Apostille must not be older than 6 months when submitting.
Checklist: Before you apply
Financial preparation
- ☐Verify your SV-salary meets threshold (€2,294.40+) on latest payslip
- ☐Get last 3 months of payslips
- ☐Get employment contract (must be valid 1+ year from application date)
- ☐If self-employed: gather 18+ months of tax returns
- ☐Get letter from employer confirming income
Relationship proof gathered
- ☐Recent utility bill showing both names
- ☐Lease agreement or mortgage papers
- ☐Joint bank account statements (3+ months)
- ☐Shared health insurance or family plan
- ☐20+ photos together (recent and over time)
- ☐Chat/email history (WhatsApp screenshots, emails)
- ☐2-3 statements from mutual friends (letter format)
- ☐2-3 statements from family members
- ☐Travel history (passport stamps or ticket confirmations)
Documents prepared for overseas partner
- ☐Valid passport
- ☐Birth certificate (original + certified translation + apostille)
- ☐Marriage certificate or single status declaration (if applicable)
- ☐Police certificate/background check (from home country)
- ☐Medical exam results (if required by embassy)
- ☐Curriculum vitae / resume
- ☐Photo (4x3 cm, white background, passport style)
Before IND submission
- ☐All foreign documents have apostille (✓ not older than 6 months)
- ☐All foreign documents are translated to Dutch/English/French/German
- ☐Translations are certified (not just Google Translate)
- ☐One complete set of originals + one copy (for IND)
- ☐Employment contract copies (3+)
- ☐Payslips (3 months)
- ☐Partner's MVV copy
- ☐Partner's passport copy
Summary: Timeline and next steps
If you're Dutch or non-EU on Dutch residence permit:
- • Family reunification / Partner visa is your path
- • Timeline: 6 to 12 months
- • Cost: €2,200 to €4,700
- • Work permit delay: 6+ months
If you're EU/EEA/Swiss:
- • Verification against EU law is fastest
- • Timeline: 4 to 6 months
- • Work permit arrives: 2 weeks (game-changer)
- • Cost: €1,750 to €2,750
Start now:
- Verify income meets threshold
- Gather relationship documents
- Get foreign documents apostilled + translated
- Book embassy appointment (if MVV required)
- Consult lawyer (optional but recommended)
- Apply
Resources and contact info
Official government:
Average real costs (Reddit reports, 2025-2026): Lawyer: €1,500-€3,500 • Translations: €200-€600 • Travel to embassy: €200-€800 • Total: €2,000-€5,000