Family migration

Family reunification

In the Netherlands, family reunification rules permit Dutch citizens or holders of a residence permit with a non-permanent purpose of stay to bring their partner (married or unmarried) to the Netherlands. It is also possible to bring (underage) children to the Netherlands. In this case, the children must have maintained a family life with the Dutch citizen prior to arrival in the Netherlands.

Young adults ( between 18 and 25 years) can reside in the Netherlands, if they have continuously been a part of the family of the Dutch resident. However, there are different requirements for young adults. The young adult is not able to take care of themselves and does not have any children. Thus, they have to financially depend on the parent that resides in the Netherlands. Moreover, he or she is not married and does not have an long-term relationship. For adopted children there are more complex requirements.

We have years of experience in cases concerning family reunification. Thus, we know how to avoid the pitfalls. Contact us for more information on family reunification, we are more than happy to help you.

Upon acceptance of your family reunification request, your foreign partner is able to obtain his/her visa. This visa can be received in the country where the foreign partner resides. This is done at the consulate or embassy. Once the partner arrives in the Netherlands, (s)he can obtain a residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service. A permit for a short period of time is valid for five years. The end date of the validity of the residence permit is similar to that of the family members. The residence permit grants you and your partner the equal rights to work in the Netherlands.

Civic integration exam

When the foreign partner is younger than 65 they are required to take a civic integration exam. The exam exists out of three different subjects. The participant will be tested on his/her speaking skills, knowledge of the Dutch society and reading proficiency. These are all basic skills. The civic integration exam can be taken at the consulate or embassy in the country where the partner resides. The fee for the test amounts to 150 euros. Importantly, the request and the residence permit must be requested within a year after passing the Civic Integration Exam.

Is it not possible to take a civic integration exam due to personal circumstances? In that case, you can request an exemption. Do you have any questions about this? Do not hesitate to contact us!

Rules in the Netherlands

After everything is worked out, there are a few rules to maintain the residence permit. The foreign partner is required to live at the same address. The partner is required to financially sustain themselves. Thus, there cannot be a request for social benefits the partner. Within three years upon entering the Netherlands the foreign partner must have passed the required exams. A failure to pass the required exams can have negative consequences. The residence permit may be revoked or you may be fined.

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