Who counts
- Spouse or registered partner
- A durable relationship – with proof
- Children and grandchildren under 21, or dependent
- Dependent parents and grandparents
- Other dependent family – assessed individually
EU family
Family of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
If your family member is an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living in the Netherlands, EU law gives you a right of residence.
What you get
- The EU residence document – valid 5 years
- Free to work – no work permit
- No civic integration exam abroad
- After 5 years: permanent residence
Facilitating visa
Coming from abroad?
Family members who need a visa get it free of charge and through an accelerated procedure.
Free of charge
The visa for family members of EU citizens is free.
Faster procedure
Embassies must handle these applications with priority.
Simple evidence
Mainly proof of the family link and the EU citizen’s residence.
Then apply here
In the Netherlands you apply for the EU residence document.
Process
From visa to residence document
1
Visa
If you need one: the free facilitating visa at the Dutch embassy.
2
Registration
Register at the municipality where you live.
3
Application
Apply for verification against EU law with the IND.
4
Biometrics
Photo, fingerprints and signature at an IND desk.
5
Document
Collect your EU residence document – valid for 5 years.
FAQ
Questions about EU family
Does the EU citizen need a minimum income?
The EU citizen must have a right of residence – for example as worker, self-employed or with sufficient means. There is no fixed Dutch income requirement.
We are not married. Can I still apply?
Yes, with proof of a durable relationship – such as living together or a child together.
Does this apply to family of Dutch citizens?
Only if the Dutch citizen used EU law – see the EU route.
EU law
Other EU-law and human-rights routes
Family of an EU citizen
Partner, child or parent of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen living here.
EU route
Back to the Netherlands with your Dutch partner after living in another EU country.
Information valid for 2026, based on ind.nl, politie.nl and EU law. Every case is different – we check your situation in a free 30-minute call.