Family Reunification Residence Permit

The application for a family reunification residence permit is typically initiated by the sponsor (the person already living in the Netherlands) through the IND (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst or Immigration and Naturalisation Service). Most applicants undergo the TEV procedure, which is a combined entry visa (MVV) and residence permit application.

Step 1: The Basic Civic Integration Exam

If you are from a country that requires a visa to enter the Netherlands, you must first pass the Basic Civic Integration Exam Abroad. This is an A1-level Dutch language and society test taken at a Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country. You will receive a certificate that is valid for 1 year; you must submit your residency application before this expires.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Gather and scan all required evidence. Any document not in Dutch, English, French, or German must be translated by a sworn translator. Most foreign official documents (like birth or marriage certificates) must be legalized or apostilled to be recognized by Dutch authorities.

Step 3: Submit the Application

The sponsor in the Netherlands usually submits the application online via the IND Portal. You will need a DigiD (Dutch digital identity) to log in.

• For Partners: You must include the "Declaration of Relationship" form and proof of your "long-term and exclusive" relationship.
• For Children: You must provide birth certificates and, if only one parent is moving, proof of sole custody or a signed consent form from the other parent.

Step 4: Pay the Fees

Once the application is submitted online, you will be prompted to pay the processing fee via iDEAL. The IND will not begin reviewing your file until the payment is received.

Step 5: The Decision Period

The IND will review your income, relationship, and background. If they require more information, they will send a letter to the sponsor. Once approved, you will receive an "Approval Letter."

Step 6: Collect the MVV and Travel

If you require an MVV (provisional residence permit), you must make an appointment at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your home country to have the visa placed in your passport. You have 3 months from the date of approval to collect it. Once collected, you have 90 days to enter the Netherlands.

Step 7: Arrival and Registration

After arriving in the Netherlands, you must complete two final tasks:

1. Municipal Registration: Visit your local town hall to register in the BRP (Basisregistratie Personen or Municipal Personal Records Database). You must live at the same address as your sponsor.
2. Biometrics and Card Collection: Make an appointment at an IND desk to provide fingerprints and a photo. You will be notified when your physical residence card is ready for pickup.
3. Tuberculosis Test: If your nationality requires it, you must visit the GGD (Gemeentelijke Gezondheidsdienst or Public Health Service) for a TB skin or chest X-ray within 3 months of arrival.

The following fees are effective as of January 1, 2026.

Total Estimated Government Fees: €404 - €454 (for one adult partner).

Note: This total does not include costs for document legalization, apostilles, sworn translations, or travel expenses to the embassy.

• IND Decision Limit: The statutory period for the IND to reach a decision is 90 days.
• Average Wait Time: Most applicants currently receive a decision within 8 to 24 weeks.
• MVV Collection: Once approved, the embassy usually takes 5 to 10 working days to print the visa in your passport.
• Document Validity:
  • Integration Exam: Valid for 1 year.
  • MVV Entry Visa: Valid for 90 days once issued.
  • Income Requirement: The sponsor's income must be guaranteed for at least 12 months at the time of application.