Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification)
For the spouse, registered partner or unmarried partner of a Dutch national or a resident sponsor.
The Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) is a Dutch family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€243 (2025)) and processing time (~90 days (legal maximum)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) is for
For the spouse, registered partner or unmarried partner of a Dutch national or a resident sponsor.
Counts toward permanent residence and naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence.
Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) - eligibility criteria
- Genuine and exclusive relationship with the sponsor
- Sponsor earns at least the statutory minimum wage (~€2,192/mo gross in 2025)
- Both partners aged 18 or over
- Civic integration exam passed abroad (most non-EU partners)
- Suitable housing and valid passport
Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) (Netherlands) is ~€243 (2025), with an indicative processing time of ~90 days (legal maximum). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed by the sponsor with the IND (MVV abroad where required) |
| Length of stay | Up to 5 years (linked to the relationship) |
| Work rights | Free access to the labour market (work allowed without restriction) |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~€243 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~90 days (legal maximum) |
| Route to PR | Counts toward permanent residence and naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence. |
Pathway & next steps
Counts toward permanent residence and naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence.
Many applicants also compare Child · Residence permit for stay with a parent (child family reunification), EU family · Residence document for family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, MVV · Provisional residence permit (MVV / machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) pitfalls we fix
Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) cost?
The Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) government fee is ~€243 (2025). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IND (Netherlands) before applying.
How long does the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~90 days (legal maximum). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification) lead to permanent residence?
Counts toward permanent residence and naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence.
Can I work on the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification)?
Work rights: Free access to the labour market (work allowed without restriction).
Who can apply for the Residence permit for stay with partner or spouse (family reunification)?
For the spouse, registered partner or unmarried partner of a Dutch national or a resident sponsor.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority