Residence permit for family reunification
This procedure allows family members of a Dutch citizen or a foreign resident to join them in the Netherlands. The sponsor in the Netherlands must have sufficient and stable financial resources.
Specification reviewed on
Required documents
The list below is exhaustive. Each document is described as it must be submitted, including the most common errors that lead to rejection.
Identity
Applicant's passport
A copy of the valid passport. You must provide a copy of all pages containing information and travel stamps. Blank pages are not required.
Common errors
- Forgetting to copy the pages with travel stamps. Providing illegible or incomplete copies.
Sponsor's proof of identity
A copy of the identity page of the sponsor's passport or identity card, including the pages with travel stamps. Alternatively, a front and back copy of a valid Dutch residence permit.
Common errors
- Providing an expired document. Forgetting the pages with travel stamps if a passport is provided.
Marriage certificate
For married spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate. If the marriage is already registered with a Dutch municipality (BRP), this document is not required. Foreign certificates must be legalised or apostilled and translated if necessary.
Common errors
- The certificate is not legalised or apostilled. The translation was not done by a sworn translator or the translation itself is not legalised if it was done abroad.
Deed of registered partnership (deed of registered partnership)
For registered partners, a copy of the deed of partnership. If the partnership is already registered with a Dutch municipality (BRP), this document is not required. Foreign deeds must be legalised or apostilled and translated if necessary.
Common errors
- The deed is not legalised or apostilled. The translation is not done by a sworn translator or the translation itself is not legalised if it was done abroad.
Applicant's declaration of single status (Unmarried status declaration)
For unmarried partners, a copy of the applicant's declaration of single status. This document must come from the country of origin and must not be more than six months old. If the applicant resides in a country of continuous residence, they must provide the declarations from both countries.
Common errors
- The document is more than six months old on the date of submission. The document is not legalised or apostilled.
Unmarried status declaration
For unmarried partners, a copy of the sponsor's unmarried status declaration, less than six months old. This document is not required if the sponsor has Dutch nationality, a permanent residence permit, or an asylum residence permit.
Common errors
- The document is more than six months old on the date of submission. The document is provided when an exemption applies.
Child's birth certificate
For a minor child, a copy of their birth certificate. If the parental link is not clear from the certificate, other evidence must be provided (for example, proof of adoption). The certificate must be legalised or apostilled and translated if necessary.
Common errors
- The certificate is not legalised or apostilled. The parental link with the sponsor is not clearly established.
Proof of identity of the parent remaining in the country
A copy of the identity document (for example, the passport) of the parent who is remaining in the country of origin and who has given their consent.
Common errors
- The copy is illegible or the document is expired.
Appendix 'Declaration of civil status'
For child applicants aged 15 or over, the 'Declaration of civil status' appendix (form 7609) must be completed and signed.
Common errors
- The form is not attached for a child aged 15 or over, or it is incomplete.
Resources
Proof of income of the sponsor
You must provide proof of the sponsor's income. The income must be independent, durable and sufficient to meet the required threshold. The exact list of documents to be provided depending on the source of income (employed, self-employed, etc.) is found in an appendix 'Means of evidence of income' which is not provided in the corpus.
Common errors
- The amount of income is below the required threshold. The sponsor's employment contract does not have a sufficient period of validity (usually at least 12 months at the date of the application).
Other documents
Application form (Application for the purpose of residence of ‘family and relatives’ (foreign national))
The main application form, model 7525. It must be fully completed and signed by the applicant. All relevant appendices must be attached to it.
Common errors
- An incomplete or unsigned form may lead to the inadmissibility of the application. Selecting more than one purpose of stay may also invalidate the application.
Appendix: Declaration of relationship
For unmarried partners, the appendix Declaration of relationship (form 7608) must be completed and signed by both partners. It certifies the exclusivity of the relationship and their cohabitation.
Common errors
- The form is not signed by both partners. The information is incomplete.
Questionnaire for residence with a partner (Questionnaire for residence with partner)
For unmarried partners, this questionnaire must be fully completed and signed by the sponsor. The form itself is not included in the corpus.
Common errors
- The questionnaire is not attached to the application or is incompletely filled out.
Proof of parental authority
A document proving that the respondent has legal authority over the child. The exact nature of this document is not specified in the corpus.
Common errors
- The document provided does not conclusively prove the exclusive or shared parental authority of the respondent.
Declaration of consent from the parent remaining in the country (Declaration of Consent)
If the other parent who also has parental authority remains in the country of origin, they must sign a declaration of consent authorising the child to come to the Netherlands. This document must be enclosed with the application.
Common errors
- The declaration is not signed or is not enclosed with the case when the situation requires it.
Appendix 'Antecedents Certificate' (Antecedents Certificate)
The 'Antecedents Certificate' appendix (form 7601) must be completed and signed by any applicant aged 12 or over. This document is used to declare any criminal record.
Common errors
- Failure to complete the form truthfully may lead to the rejection of the application or the withdrawal of a permit already granted. Forgetting to enclose it for an applicant aged 12 or over.
Appendix 'Declaration of intent to undergo a TB test'
This form (model 7603) must be completed if the applicant is not exempt from the tuberculosis test requirement. By signing it, the applicant undertakes to take the test within three months of obtaining their residence permit.
Common errors
- Not enclosing this form when the test is required, or enclosing it when an exemption applies.
Have your situation reviewed
Having the list does not indicate whether your situation will lead to a successful outcome. The questionnaire takes a few minutes and an adviser will send you a written opinion within one working day, whether your application is admissible or not.