What is needed
- Genuine residence together in the other country
- The Dutch citizen worked, studied or had sufficient means there
- Your family life was built or continued there
- You return together to the Netherlands
EU route
Back home with your Dutch partner
A Dutch citizen who lived with you in another EU country, EEA country or Switzerland can return under EU law.
Why people choose it
- No Dutch income requirement
- No civic integration exam abroad
- Residence document valid for 5 years
- Free to work
Lived in the UK before 31 December 2020? That can also count.
Evidence
What you must prove
Residence abroad
Registration, rental contract and utility bills in the other country.
Work or means
Employment contract, payslips, studies or bank statements.
Living together
Proof that you lived there together as a family.
The return
Registration in the Netherlands after your return.
Process
Your EU-route application
1
Plan
We check your plan before you move – the evidence starts on day one.
2
Live abroad
Genuine residence and activity in the other EU country.
3
Return
Register at your municipality in the Netherlands.
4
Apply
Form B10003E – verification against EU law with the IND.
FAQ
Questions about the EU route
How long must we live abroad?
The IND looks at genuine and effective residence – not a fixed minimum on its own. In practice, several months of real residence with solid proof are needed.
Is the EU route a trick to avoid the rules?
No. It is a right under EU law – but the IND checks carefully whether the residence abroad was genuine.
Which country should we choose?
Often Belgium or Germany – close to the Netherlands. We help you plan the move.
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.