MVV Visa and Family Reunification Netherlands

Family reunification — bringing your partner, spouse, or children to join you in the Netherlands — is one of the most emotionally important immigration processes you’ll go through. It’s also one of the more bureaucratically involved.

I’ve helped several expat friends manage this process, and I’ve seen the frustration caused by missing documents, income shortfalls, and unclear procedures. This guide is my attempt to give you a clear picture of what the process actually involves, what the requirements are, and how to avoid common mistakes.

What is an MVV?

MVV stands for Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf — Provisional Residence Permit. It is a long-stay visa sticker (valid for 90 days) placed in the passport of the family member who wants to come to the Netherlands.

The MVV is not a residence permit itself. It is the authorisation to travel to the Netherlands and then apply for a residence permit (verblijfsvergunning) after arrival.

Not everyone needs an MVV. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, and citizens of certain other countries (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) are exempt from the MVV requirement. They can travel to the Netherlands directly and apply for a residence permit without needing the prior MVV sticker.

However, for nationals of most other countries — including many African, Asian, and South American nations — the MVV is required.

The Two Procedures

There are two ways the MVV and residence permit can be obtained:

1. The Regular MVV Procedure

The family member (the person coming to join you) applies for the MVV at the Dutch embassy or consulate in their country of residence. This is done after the IND in the Netherlands has approved the application in principle.

Steps:

The sponsor (person already in the Netherlands) submits a combined application (MVV + residence permit) to the IND in the Netherlands.
The IND assesses the application, requests documents, and eventually issues a decision.
If approved, the IND sends a reference number/authorisation to the relevant Dutch embassy or consulate.
The family member visits the embassy or consulate to have the MVV sticker placed in their passport, and to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
The family member travels to the Netherlands.
After arrival, they collect their residence permit card (verblijfspas) from the IND.

2. The Residence Permit Only (for MVV-exempt nationalities)

If the family member is from an MVV-exempt country, they skip the embassy step. They travel to the Netherlands directly, register at the municipality, and apply for the residence permit through the IND.

Who Can Apply for Family Reunification?

The person already living in the Netherlands must be:

A Dutch citizen, or
A non-Dutch EU/EEA/Swiss citizen exercising treaty rights in the Netherlands, or
A non-EU national with a valid residence permit for a purpose other than study or temporary work (for example, work, highly skilled migration, or settled status)

Sponsors on temporary or restricted permits may not qualify. Check your permit type carefully.

The Family Member

Family members who qualify include:

Spouse or registered partner. You must be in a genuine relationship. There is a minimum age requirement: both partners must be at least 21 years old (for non-EU sponsors — EU rules are different).
Minor children (under 18) of the sponsor, or of the sponsor’s partner.
Adult children in limited circumstances — generally only if they have no other family to live with and are financially dependent on the sponsor.
Parents — generally only possible if the parent is elderly, ill, or dependent, and there are no other family members to care for them. This is assessed case by case.

The Income Requirement

The sponsor must earn at least 100% of the gross statutory minimum wage on a stable basis. In 2026, this is approximately €2,070 gross per month (exact figure updated annually).

Key points:

Income must be from employment, self-employment, or a combination. Social benefits do not generally count.
The income must be ongoing — temporary or zero-hours contracts may be assessed more cautiously.
If you are self-employed (ZZP), you typically need to demonstrate at least three years of stable income through tax returns and accounts.
If you are a Dutch citizen, there are some exceptions for those receiving certain disability or pension benefits.

The income requirement is one of the most common reasons family reunification applications fail or are delayed. Verify your income well in advance of submitting.

The Civic Integration Requirement

Many family members joining sponsors in the Netherlands must pass a civic integration exam before or after arrival.

The MEV (Toets Gesproken Nederlands and other components) — the basic integration test — is taken at a Dutch embassy or consulate before travel, by family members from certain countries. Passing this test is required as part of the MVV application.

The inburgeringsexamen — the full civic integration exam — must be passed within 3 years of arrival in the Netherlands. It covers Dutch language (A2 level), knowledge of Dutch society, and an orientation on the Dutch labour market. Failure to pass can affect future permit renewals.

As of 2022, the inburgeringsexamen requirements were raised and the municipality became more involved in coordinating the integration process. Your family member will receive a personal plan (persoonlijk plan inburgering en participatie) from the municipality on arrival.

Documents Required

Document requirements vary by personal situation, but typically include:

From the sponsor (in the Netherlands):

Valid passport or Dutch ID
Valid residence permit (if non-Dutch)
Recent payslips (3 months) and employer’s statement confirming ongoing employment
Rental contract or property ownership proof
Bank statements
If self-employed: tax assessments for the past 3 years, Chamber of Commerce extract

From the family member (abroad):

Valid passport
Birth certificate (legalised/apostilled and translated into Dutch)
Marriage certificate or certificate of partnership registration (if applying as spouse/partner)
Police clearance certificate from all countries lived in for 6+ months in the past 5 years
Medical certificate (required for some nationalities)
Proof of passing the basic civic integration test (if applicable)

Documents in foreign languages must be translated into Dutch by a certified translator (beëdigde vertaler).

The Application Process in Detail

Step 1: Gather Documents

Start collecting documents at least 3–6 months before you want to submit. Legalisation, apostille, and certified translation all take time.

For legalisation, check whether the country of origin is party to the Apostille Convention. If it is, an apostille stamp from the relevant authority is sufficient. If it is not, full legalisation through the Dutch embassy may be required.

Step 2: Submit the Application

The sponsor submits the application to the IND. As of 2024, most applications are submitted via the IND portal (ind.nl/formulieren). Some applications can be initiated by the sponsor’s employer (for highly skilled migrants whose family joins them).

Pay the application fee. In 2026, the fee for a family reunification permit is approximately €210 for adults.

Step 3: IND Assessment

The IND reviews the application and may request additional documents or clarifications. They have a legal processing target of 90 days from receiving a complete application. In practice, timelines vary — checking current IND processing times on their website before you submit is wise.

Step 4: Embassy Appointment (if MVV required)

If the application is approved and an MVV is required, the IND notifies the relevant Dutch diplomatic post. The family member makes an appointment at the embassy or consulate to receive the MVV sticker in their passport and provide biometrics.

Step 5: Travel and Registration

The family member travels to the Netherlands within the 90-day MVV validity period. They register at the local gemeente (municipality) to receive their BSN (citizen service number) and collect their residence permit card from the IND.

Relationship Verification

The IND takes relationship authenticity seriously. For partner applications, be prepared to provide:

Evidence of shared time together (photos, travel records)
Communication records
Evidence of joint finances or living arrangements if applicable
Letters from family or friends who know the relationship

In some cases, the IND may conduct a relationship interview. Both partners may be asked questions separately about their relationship.

If the IND suspects a relationship is not genuine (for example, arranged marriages of convenience for immigration purposes), they will investigate. This process can be stressful — maintain thorough documentation of your relationship from early on.

Children’s Applications

Children under 18 of the sponsor or their partner can typically join through family reunification. Points to note:

Both parents must generally consent to the child relocating. If the other parent is not joining, you may need to provide proof of their consent (notarised where possible) or a court order.
For children born outside marriage, proof of legal paternity may be required.
Children born in the Netherlands to non-Dutch parents are not automatically Dutch citizens.

Common Reasons Applications Are Rejected

Income below the threshold. The most common issue. Ensure your income is clearly documented and above the minimum.
Incomplete or incorrectly legalised documents. Missing apostilles, missing translations, or documents older than the allowed age.
Relationship credibility concerns. Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
The sponsor’s permit is not suitable. Some permit types don’t qualify for family reunification.
Age requirements not met. Both partners must be at least 21 (in most non-EU cases).
Civic integration test not passed. If required, failure to pass the MEV will result in refusal.

If Your Application Is Rejected

You have the right to appeal (bezwaar) within 4 weeks of the rejection. If the appeal fails, you can go to court (beroep). The legal process is complex and I strongly recommend engaging an immigration lawyer if you receive a rejection.

Getting Professional Help

Family reunification applications are manageable on a DIY basis if your situation is simple. However, an immigration lawyer adds significant value in complex cases:

Self-employment or irregular income
Previous visa refusals or overstays
Relationship complexity (divorce, children from previous relationships)
Nationality from a high-scrutiny country
Sponsor on an unusual permit type

Look for lawyers registered with the IND’s roster or members of the Dutch Association of Immigration Lawyers (VAJN).

After Arrival: Next Steps

Once your family member has arrived and registered:

Register at the gemeente (municipality) to receive a BSN
Open a Dutch bank account
Register with a GP (huisarts)
Arrange health insurance (zorgverzekering) — this is mandatory
Begin or continue civic integration (inburgering) if required

For health insurance guidance, see Best Health Insurance Add-Ons Netherlands 2026.

Internal Resources

FAQ

What is an MVV visa for the Netherlands?

MVV stands for Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf, or Provisional Residence Permit. It is a long-stay visa sticker placed in your passport that allows you to enter the Netherlands and then apply for a residence permit. Most people applying from outside the EU to join family in the Netherlands need an MVV before they travel.

Who qualifies for family reunification in the Netherlands?

A Dutch citizen or legal resident can apply to be joined by their spouse or registered partner, minor children (under 18), or in some cases adult children. The sponsor (the person already in the Netherlands) must meet income requirements and have a valid residence permit. The family member must meet relationship and identity requirements.

What is the income requirement for family reunification in the Netherlands?

The sponsor must earn at least 100% of the statutory minimum wage, which in 2026 is approximately €2,070 gross per month. This must be stable income — temporary contracts may be assessed differently. Self-employed sponsors must demonstrate stable income over at least three years.

How long does the MVV and family reunification process take?

The IND has a target of processing applications within 90 days of receiving a complete application. In practice, timelines vary. Complex cases or missing documentation can significantly extend the process. Processing times are updated on the IND website.

Do EU citizens need an MVV to join family in the Netherlands?

No. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not need an MVV. They can enter the Netherlands and register at the municipality. Family members of EU citizens may also be exempt from the MVV requirement depending on their own nationality and whether they qualify under EU free movement rules.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MVV visa for the Netherlands?

Who qualifies for family reunification in the Netherlands?

What is the income requirement for family reunification in the Netherlands?

How long does the MVV and family reunification process take?

Do EU citizens need an MVV to join family in the Netherlands?

Sarah van den Berg

Expat coach and relocation specialist at Expat Netherlands Hub.