Family Reunification Residence Permit
Netherlands
Last updated: December 26, 2025
1 year (renewable)
$272
2-6 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets family members (spouse, kids, parents) move to the Netherlands with someone already living there. If you have family in the Netherlands, this is how you can join them. The sponsor (person already in Netherlands) must have stable income and suitable housing. This visa is different because there are two types: regular family reunification (for Dutch citizens and legal residents) and asylum family reunification (faster, cheaper for refugees). Both work the same basic way but have different costs and timelines.
Key Benefits
- Work without restrictions if sponsor has unrestricted work rights
- Bring spouse and unmarried children under 18
- Live legally for 1+ years
- Free healthcare with required insurance within 3 months
- Path to permanent residence after 5 years
- Path to citizenship after 5 years
- Free education for children
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Sponsor: Dutch citizenship OR EU/EEA citizenship OR legal residence 1+ year
- Sponsor: Income $28,400+ per year
- Sponsor: Suitable housing minimum 10m² per adult 7.5m² per child under 12
- Sponsor: Clean criminal record
- Sponsor: Health insurance
- Family member: Spouse or partner age 21+ OR age 18+ if already married before moving
- Family member: Unmarried child under 18
- Family member: No serious criminal convictions
- Family member: In good health
Financial Requirement
Sponsor must earn at least $28,400 per year (€24,174). Must prove stable income for 6 months before applying.
Documents
- Residence permit or passport copyFrom sponsor
- Last 12 months pay stubs and employment contractFrom sponsor
- Proof of suitable housing with inspection reportFrom sponsor
- Marriage certificateFrom sponsor if applicable
- Clean criminal record certificateFrom sponsor
- Health insurance proofFrom sponsor
- Valid passport 6+ months validityFrom family member
- Birth certificate official copy translatedFrom family member
- Marriage certificate official copy translatedFrom family member
- Clean criminal record certificateFrom family member
- Passport-size photosFrom family member
- Proof of relationshipFrom family member - photos messages etc
- Medical exam certificateFrom family member - some nationalities only
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.