Leaving your spouse or partner behind is one of the most emotionally compelling reasons for immigrating to another country. Using the Netherlands spouse visa, spouses of Dutch citizens and residents can gain citizenship and residency rights in the country. Immigration laws in the Netherlands are regarded as progressive, and the country is committed to family values. Visas for family reunification are available to individuals legally married or in long-term relationships with someone currently living in the Netherlands.
Sponsors play a crucial role in the spouse visa application process. Providing financial support and housing to the incoming spouse is the responsibility of the Dutch partner as a sponsor. By obtaining this visa, you are able to maintain your family unit and integrate into Dutch society, as well as apply for permanent residency.
Visa Eligibility Requirements for Spouses
A Dutch spouse visa application requires the applicant and sponsor to meet several criteria. Having these requirements ensures that the relationship is genuine and the couple is able to support themselves in the country.
Applicant requirements:
- A minimum age of 21 is required
- Legally married or in a registered partnership
- The basic civic integration test (Dutch language and society) must be passed.
Criteria for sponsors:
- Citizenship or legal residence in the Netherlands is required
- It is necessary to have a sufficient and sustainable income each month (at least 1,027.08 euros gross).
- A two-person housing unit must be available
A marriage certificate or partnership documentation must be submitted and verified by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
Documentation Required to Submit an Application
The application process will be more successful if all required documents are accurate and complete. Documents commonly requested include:
- Passport valid for international travel
- Certificate of marriage or partnership
- Passport or residence permit of the sponsor
- Employment and income proof
- Homeownership or rental agreement
- Certificate of passing the Civic Integration Exam (passed abroad)
- Application form for MVV (if applicable)
Dutch, English, French, or German must be the language of the documents. A certified translator must translate them if not.
Application Processing Time and Procedure
For a spouse visa in the Netherlands, you must apply for an MVV (Authorization for Temporary Stay) if you live outside the European Union. In the Netherlands, the applicant can collect their residence permit after receiving the long-stay visa.
Steps include:
- On behalf of the spouse, the sponsor submits an application to the IND.
- Documents supporting the application are reviewed by the IND.
- The Dutch embassy issues the applicant an MVV visa if their application is approved.
- After arriving, the spouse registers with the local municipality and receives a residence card.
The average processing time is 60 to 90 days, but delays may occur depending on the applicant’s country of origin or document verification.
Spouse Visa Statistics for the Netherlands
By understanding visa trends and approval rates, you can gain insight into how the process works. As shown in the table
| Year | Applications Received | Approved | Rejection Rate (%) |
| 2019 | 17,840 | 15,720 | 11.9% |
| 2020 | 13,102 | 11,288 | 13.9% |
| 2021 | 15,960 | 14,122 | 11.5% |
| 2022 | 19,304 | 17,563 | 9.0% |
| 2023 | 20,821 | 18,908 | 9.2% |
Applicants with valid sponsorships and complete documentation continue to receive high approval rates.
Visas for Spouses Grant Certain Rights
When granted, the spouse visa provides several legal and social benefits, enabling the applicant to establish a stable life in the Netherlands. Among them are:
- Permit to reside for up to 5 years (renewable)
- Work permit-free legal right to work
- Public health insurance access
- Language and integration courses in Dutch
- After 5 years of legal residence, permanent residence becomes available
Five years after establishing a relationship, applicants may also apply for Dutch citizenship if all civic requirements are met.
Requirements for sponsoring income and housing
Visa sponsorship is heavily influenced by the financial capacity of the Dutch partner. The sponsor must prove a consistent income that meets the Dutch government’s legal threshold. As a result, the couple will not have to rely on public assistance.
Benchmarks for financial and housing performance include:
| Requirement | Minimum Standard | Notes |
| Sponsor Age | 21+ | Must be legally independent |
| Gross Monthly Income | €1,027.08 | For single sponsor without dependents |
| Employment Type | Fixed/long-term contract | Self-employed must show recent income |
| Suitable Housing | Space for 2 adults | Must meet Dutch housing standards |
| Income Duration | Sustainable (12+ months) | Reviewed annually |
As a country, the Netherlands places a high value on integration. Spouses of immigrants are expected to: