🇳🇱family Visa

Residence Permit for Partner

Netherlands

Last updated: December 26, 2025

Duration

5 years (renewable)

Visa Fee

€254.00

Time

3 months

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

This permit lets your spouse or long-term partner move to the Netherlands to live with you. If you're Dutch or have a residence permit in the Netherlands, your partner can apply to join you. You can live together as a married or unmarried couple. Your partner can work without needing a separate work permit. Your family can move with you if you want. After 5 years, your partner can apply for permanent residence or Dutch citizenship. Turkish citizens get much better terms - they can be younger (18 instead of 21), pay less money (€81 instead of €243), and don't need to take a Dutch test.

Key Benefits

  • Work without restrictions - no work permit needed
  • Live with family - bring spouse and children
  • Healthcare access - get health insurance and use Dutch hospitals
  • Travel freely - travel in Europe with permit
  • Path to citizenship - after 5 years, apply to become Dutch
  • Independent living - Turkish citizens get own permit after 3 years

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • At least 21 years old (18+ if married before coming to Netherlands)
  • Married or registered partnership or long-term exclusive relationship (6+ months)
  • Want to live together in Netherlands at same address
  • Sponsor is Dutch or has residence permit (held 1+ year)
  • Sponsor earns minimum €2,191.80 per month
  • Pass Dutch language test or get exemption
  • No serious criminal record
  • No tuberculosis or pass health check if required

Financial Requirement

Sponsor must earn at least €2,191.80 per month (or €2,367.14 with holiday allowance). Partner income does not count.

Documents

  • Valid passportMust be valid for at least 6 months
  • Marriage certificateOfficial copy if married
  • Sponsor IDCopy of Dutch passport or residence permit
  • Proof of incomeBank statements, pay slips, tax returns
  • Housing proofRental contract or property deed
  • Criminal recordsBackground check from your country and any country lived in 5+ years
  • PhotosTwo recent passport photos
  • Dutch test certificatePass civic integration exam unless exempt
  • Health declarationTB test if required by nationality

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.