Bring your spouse, registered partner or long-term partner to the Netherlands – we guide you through income, documents and the civic integration exam abroad.
Five conditions – most of them concern you as the sponsor.
If your partner is an EU citizen (not Dutch) living in the Netherlands, more relaxed EU rules may apply.
| Partner of a Dutch citizen or permit holder | Partner of an EU citizen living here | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Dutch national rules | EU free movement rules |
| Fixed income requirement | €2,337 gross / month (H2 2026) | No fixed amount – sufficient means |
| Civic integration exam abroad | Usually required | Not required |
| Minimum age 21 | Yes | No |
| Partner may work | Yes | Yes |
It starts with a free 30-minute consultation.
We check income, relationship evidence and whether your partner must take the exam abroad.
Your partner prepares for the civic integration exam; we check legalised certificates and relationship proof.
You file the combined MVV and residence application as sponsor in the Netherlands.
Your partner collects the MVV, travels, registers at the municipality – and may start working.
The complete route in seven steps.
Before spending money on translations or exams, confirm that both partners are 21 or older, that the sponsor’s income and contract meet the IND rules, and that your relationship fits one of the recognised types.
Unless your partner is exempt, they register with DUO and take the basic exam at a Dutch embassy: reading, speaking and knowledge of Dutch society. Passing this first saves weeks later on.
Passports, marriage or partnership certificate (or proof of unmarried status), evidence of your relationship, the sponsor’s contract, payslips and an employer’s statement.
Foreign certificates usually need an apostille or legalisation, and a sworn translation into Dutch, English, French or German. The right route depends on the issuing country.
The sponsor submits one combined application for the MVV entry visa and the residence permit (the TEV procedure) online with DigiD, and pays the IND fee.
The legal decision period is 90 days. If the IND asks for more information, respond within the deadline. After approval, your partner collects the MVV at the embassy and travels within its validity.
Register at the municipality, collect the residence card, arrange health insurance – and start the civic integration programme in the Netherlands.
What you will typically need. We check every document before filing.
Most refusals are avoidable. These are the mistakes we see most often.
Arriving is the start of the next phase.
After five years of lawful residence and civic integration, your partner can apply for permanent residence – independent of the relationship.
eu-permanent.nl →Partners of Dutch citizens can often naturalise after three years of living together, provided the other conditions are met.
dutch-citizenship.nl →Your partner’s permit depends on the relationship until it becomes independent. Contact us early – there are often options to stay.
Free consultation →Yes. If you have reached the Dutch state pension age (AOW age), the IND does not apply the income requirement. The other conditions – such as the minimum age and the exam abroad – still apply.
Yes, if you have a lasting and exclusive relationship that you can prove – for example by living together, joint bank accounts or a long history of contact.
Among others, citizens of EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea – and partners who have reached state pension age or have a qualifying diploma. We check this for your partner.
Yes. With a residence permit to stay with you, your partner may work without a separate work permit.
Often yes. You then show that your income met the requirement over the previous 12 months – or a longer period if you are self-employed. We calculate this with you.
From 1 July to 31 December 2026, €2,337 gross per month without holiday allowance. The IND updates the amount every January and July.
The first 30 minutes are free. Send your details, or contact us directly.