Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
Dependent Visa in the Netherlands may include a spouse over 21 years old, children under 18 years old, and also parents who have custody of the child. Among the types of accompanying visas in the Netherlands, the following can be mentioned:
- Student Visa
- Asylum Companion Visa
- Parent Visa
- Spouse Visa
- Children Visa
- Family Reunion Visa
Therefore, in order for the applicant for the accompanying visa to be granted entry permission to the Netherlands, they must prove that they have an adequate level of language proficiency. It is also important to provide a financial capability letter of about 12,000 euros for a year for each person in obtaining a family reunification visa for the Netherlands.
Malekpour Institute reviews the conditions for the Netherlands accompanying visa. If you intend to apply for a Netherlands visa, you can receive free consultation from our experts and advisors. In the comments section, you can ask your questions and receive answers shortly.
Conditions for the Netherlands Accompanying Visa
If the applicant has residence in the Netherlands, they can bring their spouse or family members as accompanying persons to the Netherlands under the following conditions:
- If the applicant is an immigrant, he/she must have a valid residence permit in the Netherlands.
- The applicant must have been in the Netherlands for one year.
- The applicant must have sufficient financial means to support the family.
- The applicant’s children must be under 18 years of age and unmarried.
- The applicant’s spouse must also be over 21 years of age
- The applicant must be over 21 years of age
Types of Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
The Netherlands Dependent Visa has various types for individuals wishing to immigrate to the Netherlands, which will be discussed below:
- Netherlands Dependent Visa for Spouse
If the applicant works, studies, or invests in the Netherlands and has been in the country for one year, they can apply for an Dependent Visa for their spouse if they can support their spouse financially. They must also be able to provide suitable accommodation for their spouse. Additionally, the applicant’s spouse must be over 21 years old.
- Netherlands Dependent Visa for Children
In case of living in the Netherlands, due to work, study, or investment, the applicant can also bring their children as accompanying persons if they meet the following conditions:
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- Children must be under 18 years of age.
- The applicant’s children must not be married.
- The applicant must have lived in the Netherlands for one year.
- The applicant must have custody of the children and the children must live with the applicant after moving to the Netherlands.
- Netherlands Dependent Visa for Parents
If the child holds Dutch citizenship, they can apply to bring their family. A child can be accompanied to the Netherlands only if the parents have accepted the custody of this child under 18 years of age.
- Netherlands Companion Visa in Case of Asylum
If you have chosen to seek asylum in the Netherlands and are present in this country as a refugee, if you are over 18 years old and can prove your family relations, you can bring your spouse and children as accompanying persons.
- Student Companion Visa in the Netherlands
Minors under 18 years can study privately in Dutch schools. If you intend to obtain a student accompanying visa for the Netherlands, you should know that the parents of the student can only apply for a tourist visa for the Netherlands and can only stay for a limited time alongside their child.
- Family reunification visa in the Netherlands for parents
The family reunification visa in the Netherlands is for parents in case the child can obtain residence in the Netherlands. They can only send an invitation letter for their parents, in which case the parents can obtain a tourist visa for the Netherlands and can only stay for a limited period before returning to their home country.
Financial Capability for Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
To sponsor a spouse or child for a Dutch Dependent Visa in 2024, you must earn at least €1,995 gross per month (100% of the Dutch minimum wage for those over 21). For younger dependents, different thresholds may apply. You must also prove financial ability to support them without public aid.
Applicants must show around €12,000 per person in available funds to cover one year of living expenses. After submitting the proof, the funds can be withdrawn.
Required Documents for Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
The applicant for the Dependent Visa in the Netherlands must prepare the required documents and submit them to the Netherlands embassy at the website.
If the visa officer approves, the individual can obtain the Dependent Visa. The required documents for the Netherlands accompanying visa are as follows:
Complete and submit the family reunification application form
- Valid passport of the applicant
- Marriage certificate
- Identification documents for all accompanying persons
- 2 photographs
- Letter of financial means
- Language certificate if required
- Children’s birth certificates or custody papers
Steps to Obtain Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
If you wish to obtain Dependent Visa in the Netherlands, you must follow these steps:
- Step 1: Review the requirements and eligibility
Ensure both you (the sponsor) and the applicant (dependent) meet the initial conditions. You must be a Dutch citizen or have a valid residence permit for non-temporary purposes (such as employment, study, or long-term residency). The dependent can be a spouse, registered partner, or child.
- Step 2: Obtain financial support
As a sponsor, you must meet the income threshold, approximately equating to the Dutch minimum wage (around 1995 euros gross per month). This income must be stable and long-term (for example, a permanent employment contract)
- Step 3: Submit application
Applications for both the temporary residence permit (MVV) and residence permit are submitted simultaneously. You can apply online through the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service) website at https://ind.nl/en or submit a paper application through the Netherlands embassy.
- Step 4: Submit documents
You must provide several documents such as proof of income, a valid passport, a sponsorship declaration, and possibly a marriage or birth certificate. All foreign documents must be legalized and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.
- Step 5: Pay fees
The application fee for each dependent is 228 euros. This fee must be paid in advance when submitting the application.
- Step 6: Processing time
The IND has a maximum of 90 days to process your application. During this period, they may request additional documents if necessary.
- Step 7: Processing result
After a decision is made, the dependent will receive a letter. A positive decision grants the dependents an MVV and residence permit, allowing them to travel to and reside in the Netherlands. A negative decision can be appealed within 4 weeks.
Costs for Obtaining Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
To obtain the Netherlands accompanying visa, it is necessary to be familiar with the visa fees. You can see the visa fees in the table below.
| Type of Netherlands Dependent Visa | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Spouse Dependent Visa | €207 |
| Child Dependent Visa | €69 |
| Parent Dependent Visa | €69 |
| Dependent Visa for Refugees | €69 |
| Family Reunification Visa (General Application) | €228 |
Validity of the Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
When applying for the Netherlands accompanying visa, you must also be aware of the validity of this Netherlands visa. This accompanying visa typically has a validity duration equal to that of the primary applicant’s visa. This permit can be valid for up to 5 years.
Actions After Entering Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
Entering the Dependent Visa in the Netherlands can be an exciting experience, but to ensure compliance with the necessary laws and processes, certain important actions must be taken into account. Here are the key steps and actions after entering the Netherlands with an accompanying visa:
1. Register at the Municipality (Gemeente):
Within 5 days of arrival, register at your local municipality to receive a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), essential for taxes, healthcare, and legal matters.
2. Apply for a Residence Permit:
Submit your application to the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) to receive your Dutch residence permit, allowing you to legally stay in the Netherlands.
3. Get Health Insurance:
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. You must register with a Dutch health insurance provider to cover medical expenses for yourself and your family.
4. Find Permanent Housing:
If staying in temporary accommodation, start searching for permanent housing as the Dutch rental market is competitive and may take time.
5. Understand the Tax System:
After receiving your BSN, learn about the Dutch tax system to handle tax payments and apply for government benefits like housing or child support.
Work Permit with the Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
An individual entering the Netherlands with Dependent Visa may be able to obtain a work permit under certain conditions, which depend on the residency status and work permit of the sponsor. Various conditions for working in the Netherlands are detailed as follows:
- If the sponsor does not have a work permit in the Netherlands, his/her spouse or child will not be allowed to work either.
- If the sponsor needs a work permit (TWV), his/her companion must also apply for one in order to be able to work.
- If the sponsor is a student studying in the Netherlands, his/her companions will not need a work permit.
- If the sponsor is self-employed, his/her spouse can be self-employed or work if he/she has a job offer.
- If the sponsor has a GVVA, his/her spouse is only allowed to work if his/her future employer has obtained a TWV.
- If the sponsor has a European Blue Card or a residence permit as a researcher or highly skilled migrant, his/her companions can work without a TWV.
These conditions follow the immigration and employment laws in the Netherlands and depend on the type of visa and the sponsor’s conditions.
Permanent Residence through Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
The duration of the applicant’s presence in the Netherlands depends on the presence of the main person. If he finds a job in the Netherlands, the possibility of obtaining permanent residence increases for the person. If he has a job and earns income after 5 years, he can apply for permanent residence.
It is also necessary to have conditions such as paying taxes on time, not committing crimes and passing the Dutch civics test.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dependent Visa in the Netherlands
- Will the accompanying individual be able to work in the Netherlands after entry?
No, initially the accompanying individual will not have permission to work in the Netherlands and can only obtain a work permit from the Dutch labor office if they receive the employer’s approval.
- Can parents apply for a family reunification visa as accompanying persons for their child?
No, parents will not be considered as accompanying persons for the child, and there is no possibility for them to apply for a family reunification visa.
- Can children apply for family reunification as accompanying persons?
Yes, children under 18 years can obtain a family reunification visa and can be present with their parents as accompanying persons.
- Will the accompanying person with a student residence permit in the Netherlands have permission to work in this country?
No, the accompanying individual will not have permission to work in the Netherlands until they receive the employer’s approval, and they can only obtain a work permit from the Dutch labor office with that approval.
Conclusion:
Those who obtain Dutch residence through study, work, or investment can apply for a Netherlands accompanying visa for their spouse and children under 18. Parents of adult applicants or those accompanying school-age children are not eligible for residence and may only stay temporarily on a tourist visa.
Accompanying individuals cannot work unless they receive a valid job offer and work permit, except when the main applicant holds an innovation or investment visa. For personalized advice on family reunification or accompanying visas in the Netherlands, contact the Malekpour Institute or leave your questions in the comment section for expert guidance.
