Eligibility quiz
Are you married to, in a registered partnership with, or in a relationship with a Dutch citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in the Netherlands
You can live with your partner in the Netherlands while you meet the conditions.
Permission normally lasts five years if your partner is a Dutch citizen or has permanent residence; otherwise it normally ends with your partner’s temporary permit.
You can register at your municipal address.
Study in the Netherlands
As a lawful resident, you can ordinarily study in the Netherlands, subject to the education provider’s rules and any tuition or funding rules.
Student finance is not automatic.
Work in the Netherlands
Your work rights depend on your card: partners of Dutch citizens normally work freely; partners of students cannot work.
Partners of highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders, intra-company transferees, qualifying researchers, start-up essential staff and self-employed people can work freely.
Partners of self-employed people can also be self-employed; partners of combined permit holders need an employer with a work permit.
Travel and return
You can travel abroad and return to the Netherlands with a valid passport or other travel document and residence card, subject to entry and visa rules.
You may need a return visa when coming back from outside the Schengen area.
How to apply
From outside the NetherlandsFrom outside the Netherlands
Download the application form
Download form B07001E, Application residence permit: residence with married or registered partner. It also covers the long-stay visa, called an MVV, when you need one.
Download the formFill in the form
You or your partner fills in the application form. Your Dutch partner signs the sponsorship declaration.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Netherlands application for a residence permit to live with a partner?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your application.
See required documentsSubmit your application
Your partner can submit the application and documents to the IND online where the online application is available. Your partner can also mail the completed form and documents to the address on the form.
Find the applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does my partner apply online to the Netherlands IND for a residence permit to live with a partner?”
Pay the application fee
Pay the IND fee when instructed, using the payment instructions you receive. The IND starts assessing the application after payment.
Find payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the Netherlands IND fee for a residence permit to live with a partner?”
Wait for the decision
The IND sends its decision by letter. You can follow the application in My IND using DigiD and send any extra documents the IND asks for.
Follow your applicationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow my Netherlands IND application for a residence permit to live with a partner?”
Book your visa appointment
If your application is approved and you need an MVV, book an appointment through NetherlandsWorldwide at the embassy or consulate named in your approval letter.
Book an appointmentSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for a Netherlands MVV visa sticker at the embassy or consulate?”
Go to your appointment
If you need an MVV, go to the embassy or consulate in person. Bring your passport, photograph, approval letter and any other documents listed in the letter.
Find appointment detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “What should I bring to my Netherlands MVV visa sticker appointment at an embassy or consulate?”
Travel to the Netherlands
Travel to the Netherlands with your MVV if one was issued.
Find travel instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to the Netherlands after receiving an IND residence permit approval and MVV?”
Once in the NetherlandsOnce in the Netherlands
Collect your residence document
Follow the IND letter and collect your residence document when invited. It shows that you have permission to live in the Netherlands with your partner.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Netherlands IND residence document for living with a partner?”
Find your town hall
Find the town hall for the address where you and your partner live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Netherlands municipality serves my address in your city?”
Register your shared address
Register with the town hall at the address where you live with your partner.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register my address with the municipality in your city in the Netherlands?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate or registered-partnership certificate. For a regular partner application, provide a colour copy.
* Only if you are married or in a registered partnership and apply under EU law, or your marriage or partnership is not registered with a Dutch municipality.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationProof of relationship *
Provide documents showing your relationship with your Dutch partner. For an unmarried partnership under EU law, these can show that you lived together continuously for at least six months or otherwise show that your relationship is lasting.
* Only if you are unmarried or the IND asks for proof of your relationship.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartner's residence records *
Provide documents showing that your Dutch partner met the EU residence conditions while living abroad and returned to the Netherlands. These can include evidence of work, self-employment or enough money during the stay abroad.
* Only if you apply under EU law.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartner's citizenship record *
Provide a copy of your Dutch partner's valid passport or identity document. Make the copy in colour if it is a passport.
* Only if you apply for a regular partner residence permit.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Keeping your permission
Keep a valid travel document, live with your partner and extend your permission before it expires.
Report address changes, departure, separation, no longer living together or a change in your partner’s status to the IND within four weeks.
Keep your main home in the Netherlands: over six continuous months abroad in a calendar year, or, in some cases, over four in each of three successive years, may count as moving away.
Dutch language and society
Some holders must learn Dutch and about Dutch society and complete civic integration within three years.
Exemptions include EU and EEA citizens and some other nationalities, under-18s, people at retirement age and some people with qualifying Dutch education or temporary purposes.
Permission can end
Your permission can end at expiry or be withdrawn if you separate, stop living together, move your main home abroad or no longer meet the conditions.
It can also be withdrawn or extension refused for false or withheld information, public order or security concerns, unlawful work, insufficient means or failure to cooperate with medical requirements.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
MVV naar Nederland 🇳🇱
Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch visas (English & Dutch)
Request to joinEU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in the Netherlands interested in Dutch visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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