Moving to the Netherlands to live with your spouse can be an exciting step, but the immigration process involves several requirements that applicants need to understand before applying. If your spouse is a Dutch citizen or legally living in the Netherlands, you may be able to apply for a residence permit to live together in the country.
The Netherlands does not officially use the term “spouse visa” for every family application. In most cases, the process involves applying for a residence permit to stay with a partner, and applicants who need a visa to enter the Netherlands may also need a provisional residence permit (MVV).
This Netherlands Spouse Visa Guide explains the main requirements, application process and costs for a Netherlands spouse or partner residence permit in 2026.
What Is a Netherlands Spouse Visa?
A Netherlands spouse visa generally refers to the residence procedure that allows a foreign spouse or partner to join their husband or wife in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) handles these applications. Depending on the applicant’s nationality and circumstances, the application may involve both an MVV and a residence permit.
The permit is normally a Type I temporary regular residence permit. If the sponsor is Dutch or has permanent residence, the partner’s residence permit can generally be valid for up to five years.
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Netherlands Spouse Visa Requirements
Applicants must meet several conditions before submitting an application. The exact requirements can vary depending on the sponsor’s status and the applicant’s personal circumstances.
1. Valid Passport
Both the sponsor and the foreign partner must have a valid passport or another accepted travel document.
2. Genuine Relationship
The relationship must be verifiable. The Netherlands allows applications based on marriage, registered partnership or, in certain circumstances, an unmarried relationship.
For a married couple, the marriage certificate is one of the key documents used to demonstrate the relationship. Foreign official documents may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
3. Age Requirement
Generally, both partners must be at least 21 years old.
There is an exception for couples who were already married while both partners were living outside the Netherlands. In that situation, the age requirement can be met when both partners are 18 or older.
4. Living Together in the Netherlands
The purpose of the residence permit is to allow the couple to live together in the Netherlands. After arrival, the partners generally need to register at the same address with the municipality.
5. Income Requirement
The sponsor normally has to meet the Dutch income requirement. For the period from 1 July 2026 through 31 December 2026, the required gross SV salary for staying with a partner is €2,337 per month without holiday allowance, or €2,523.96 including holiday allowance.
The sponsor’s income generally needs to be sustainable and independent under the applicable immigration rules. Certain exceptions may apply, so applicants should check their specific situation with the IND before applying.
6. Civic Integration Exam Abroad
Some applicants who require an MVV must pass the Civic Integration Examination Abroad before applying for the provisional residence permit. The exam tests basic Dutch language and knowledge of Dutch society.
However, exemptions and dispensations exist for certain applicants, so this requirement does not apply to everyone.
7. Public Order and Other Conditions
The foreign partner must not pose a danger to public order or national security. Applicants over the age of 12 generally need to complete an antecedents certificate as part of the application.
A tuberculosis test may also be required after arrival in the Netherlands, depending on the applicant’s nationality and circumstances.
Netherlands Spouse Visa Guide: Documents Usually Required
Although the exact document list depends on the applicant’s situation, a typical application may require:
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate or proof of relationship
- Sponsor’s Dutch residence document or proof of Dutch nationality
- Evidence of the sponsor’s income
- Employment contract and recent salary information, where applicable
- Civic Integration Examination Abroad result, if required
- Antecedents certificate
- Legalised and translated foreign documents
- Completed application forms
- Passport photographs and biometric information where required
It is important to check the IND’s personalised document requirements because submitting incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents can delay the application.
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Netherlands Spouse Visa Application Process
The application process usually follows several stages.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying, the couple should confirm that they meet the relationship, age, income and other requirements.
If an MVV is required, the applicant should also determine whether the Civic Integration Examination Abroad is necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Documents
Gather the required personal, relationship and financial documents. Foreign documents may need legalisation and translation before they can be accepted by Dutch authorities.
Step 3: Submit the Application
The sponsor can generally apply to the IND online or by post. In certain situations, the foreign partner may also apply through a Dutch embassy or consulate abroad.
When an MVV is required, the MVV and residence permit are normally applied for together through the entry and residence procedure.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
The current IND fee for a first application for a family or partner residence permit is €254. The fee can change over time, so applicants should always verify the amount before submitting their application.
Additional expenses may include document translation, legalisation, the civic integration exam, travel and other administrative costs.
Step 5: Wait for the IND Decision
The IND generally has a legal decision period of 90 days for this type of residence application. The period can be extended in certain situations, for example if additional information is needed or the application is incomplete.
Therefore, applicants should avoid making non-refundable travel arrangements before receiving the required approval.
Step 6: Apply for the MVV Sticker
If the application is approved and an MVV is required, the applicant receives instructions for obtaining the MVV visa sticker from the Dutch representation specified in the application.
The appointment must generally be made within three months of the IND decision. The applicant provides biometric information and a passport photo. The MVV itself is valid for 90 days.
Step 7: Travel to the Netherlands
Once the MVV has been issued, the spouse can travel to the Netherlands during the visa’s validity period.
After arrival, the applicant may need to register with the municipality, complete any required TB examination and collect the residence permit from the IND.
Netherlands Spouse Visa Costs
The main government application fee in 2026 is:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Partner residence permit application | €254 |
| Document translation | Varies |
| Document legalisation | Varies |
| Civic integration exam, if required | Additional cost |
| Travel and appointment expenses | Varies |
The €254 IND application fee is the official fee for the first family/partner residence application. Other expenses depend heavily on the applicant’s country and individual circumstances.
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How Long Does the Netherlands Spouse Visa Take?
The IND’s official decision period is generally 90 days for a partner residence application. However, the overall journey can take longer because applicants may need time to prepare documents, complete the integration exam if required, arrange an embassy appointment and obtain the MVV before travelling.
A well-prepared application with complete documentation can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Netherlands spouse visa is much easier when you understand the requirements before starting the process. The most important areas to pay attention to are the validity of the relationship documents, the sponsor’s income, the MVV and integration requirements, and the correct preparation of foreign documents.
Because Dutch immigration rules, fees and income thresholds can change, applicants should always verify the latest information with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) before submitting an application.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Netherlands visa rules, fees and requirements may change, so applicants should check the latest official IND guidance before applying.
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About Jordan
Jordan is a content writer at SushilHelps, covering legal topics such as car accidents, personal injury claims, medical compensation, and marriage visas. Jordan focuses on providing clear, practical, and easy-to-understand information to help readers navigate legal and immigration processes across major international destinations. He is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice, but his work is backed by thorough research and a commitment to accuracy. Spotted something that needs a correction? Let us know.