Family Reunification Residence Permit

The Family Reunification Residence Permit allows family members of Dutch citizens or legal residents to move to the Netherlands to live together. This pathway is designed for spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners in a long-term relationship, and minor children.

Unlike a standard tourist visa, this permit grants long-term residency and is tied to the legal status of the person already living in the Netherlands (the sponsor). If you are from a country that requires a visa for the Netherlands, this process usually involves a combined application for a provisional residence permit (MVV - Machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf) to enter the country and a residence permit to stay.

• The Income Hard Limit: The IND applies income requirements strictly. If the sponsor's income falls even slightly below the €2,294.40 threshold, the application is likely to be rejected.
• Shared Residence: Once the permit is granted, the applicant and sponsor must live at the same address and be registered at that address in the BRP (Municipal Personal Records Database).
• Refugee Exception: If the sponsor is a recognized refugee, they may be exempt from the income and fee requirements if they apply for their family members within 3 months of receiving their own asylum permit.

• Work Rights: You generally inherit the same work rights as your sponsor. If your sponsor is a Highly Skilled Migrant, your permit will state "work freely permitted" (Arbeid vrij toegestaan), meaning you do not need a separate work permit (TWV) to take a job.
• Duration of Stay: Your permit is typically valid for the same duration as your sponsor’s permit, up to a maximum of 5 years.
• Travel Rights: You can travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Access to Services: You have the right to access the Dutch healthcare system (insurance is mandatory) and education system.
• Path to Permanent Status: After 5 years of continuous residence in the Netherlands, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit or Dutch citizenship, provided you pass the required integration exams.