Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Diever

About Dependent Visa Law in Diever, Netherlands

In the Netherlands, what many people call a dependent visa is the residence permit for family members. It allows eligible family members to join or accompany a sponsor who is lawfully residing in the Netherlands. Diever is a village in the municipality of Westerveld in the province of Drenthe. Immigration rules and decisions are handled nationally by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, known as the IND, while local steps such as registration in the Municipal Personal Records Database happen at the town hall of your municipality.

Eligible family members typically include a spouse or registered partner, an unmarried partner in a long-term exclusive relationship, and minor children. In some situations, older children or dependent parents may be eligible, but the criteria are strict. Many applicants must apply for an MVV, which is a provisional residence permit for long stays, before traveling. The main application pathway for long stays is often called TEV, which combines the MVV and residence permit request in one procedure. The sponsor in the Netherlands must usually meet income and other conditions, and the family relationship must be genuine and durable.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration rules are detailed and change over time. A lawyer can help assess eligibility, prepare evidence, and prevent delays or refusals. People often seek legal help when the relationship history is complex, documents need legalization or an apostille, or when a previous visa was refused. A lawyer is also valuable if the sponsor has a temporary residence status, is self-employed, or has fluctuating income, because the income requirement must be sufficient, sustainable, and long-term. Legal assistance is helpful if you must take the civic integration examination abroad, if you are unsure whether you need an MVV, or if you face deadlines for lodging an objection or appeal after a refusal.

Other common reasons to engage a lawyer include complicated custody situations for children, prior immigration violations, criminal record concerns, or when you need to coordinate registration in Westerveld shortly after arrival while meeting time limits for health insurance and any required TB test. A local or regional practitioner familiar with the IND practice and municipal procedures in Drenthe can streamline the process.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration in the Netherlands is governed by national law. Key sources include the Aliens Act 2000, the Aliens Decree, and the Aliens Circulaire, which contains policy guidelines that the IND applies. Family members of EU or EEA citizens and Swiss citizens benefit from EU free movement rules, which differ from national family migration law for non-EU nationals. Most non-EU family members will follow the national rules for family reunification or family formation.

Typical conditions include a genuine qualifying family relationship, both partners being at least 21 years old for spouse or partner applications, and the sponsor having sufficient, sustainable income around at least the statutory minimum. The sponsor must be lawfully resident in the Netherlands and registered at a Dutch address. Some family categories require the applicant to pass the basic civic integration examination abroad before the MVV can be issued, unless an exemption applies. Many nationals need an MVV to enter for family residence, though certain nationalities and situations are exempt. After arrival, the family member must give biometrics, register in the municipal registry known as BRP, and take out health insurance if required. A TB test within three months of arrival can be required depending on nationality.

For residents of Diever, the municipality of Westerveld handles BRP registration and issues the citizen service number, known as BSN, after arrival. The regional public health service GGD Drenthe can assist with TB testing where required. IND services, such as biometrics and residence card pick-up, are provided through IND desks outside the municipality. You can choose the most convenient IND desk in the region. Procedures, fees, and decision times are set nationally and are updated regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent under Dutch family migration rules

Commonly eligible family members are a spouse or registered partner, an unmarried partner in a long-term exclusive relationship, and minor children. In limited cases, other dependents such as dependent parents or adult children may qualify, but the requirements are strict and evidence heavy. The sponsor in the Netherlands must be a Dutch citizen or a lawful resident with a valid residence permit.

Do I need an MVV before traveling to the Netherlands

Many applicants do. The MVV is a long-stay entry visa placed in your passport. Some nationalities and categories are exempt from the MVV requirement. If you do need an MVV, you usually apply through the combined TEV procedure, where the sponsor submits the application to the IND in the Netherlands. Only travel after the MVV has been issued and you have collected it from the Dutch representation abroad.

What income must the sponsor have

The sponsor must usually show income that is sufficient, sustainable, and long-term, typically at least the statutory minimum wage level. Employment contracts, pay slips, and tax records are used as evidence. Self-employed sponsors provide recent accounts and tax assessments. Some categories have exceptions or different proofs, so it is important to match your evidence to the correct rule.

Is there a language or civic integration requirement

For certain family categories, the applicant must pass the basic civic integration examination abroad before an MVV is issued, unless exempt. After arriving, some family members may have a civic integration obligation in the Netherlands and must complete it within a set period. Exemptions exist based on education, age, or demonstrated language proficiency.

How long does the IND take to decide

The IND aims to decide most family applications within 90 days. Complex cases can take longer. You will receive a written decision. If the decision is positive and an MVV is needed, the visa is issued abroad, and the residence card is collected in the Netherlands after arrival and biometrics.

Can I work in the Netherlands as a dependent

Your work rights depend on the type of residence permit and the labor market endorsement printed on your residence card. Family members of some categories have free access to the labor market, while others may be restricted or require a work permit. Always check the endorsement on the card and seek advice if it is unclear.

How long is the residence permit valid

The family residence permit is usually issued for up to five years or for the same duration as the sponsor’s permit if the sponsor has a temporary status. It can be renewed if conditions continue to be met. Time on a family permit can often count toward a long-term or permanent residence permit if you meet integration and other requirements.

What documents do I need to submit

Expect to provide passports, legalized and if needed apostilled and translated civil status documents such as marriage or birth certificates, proof of relationship such as photos and communications for unmarried partners, proof of sponsor’s residence and income, and health insurance proof after arrival. Document legalization and translation rules are strict, so plan for processing time in your home country.

What happens if our circumstances change after arrival

Changes such as separation, divorce, or the sponsor losing their residence status can affect your permit. Some protections exist, for example in cases of long relationship duration, domestic violence, or death of the sponsor, but you must act quickly and inform the IND. Legal advice is strongly recommended if your situation changes.

Can my children attend school and access healthcare

Children living in the Netherlands are entitled to primary and secondary education. After registration in the municipality and receiving a BSN, you can enroll children in school. Everyone must have appropriate health insurance if they are required to be insured under Dutch law. Register with a general practitioner after arrival.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service known as IND for applications, decisions, and official guidance. Municipality of Westerveld for BRP registration and BSN issuance after arrival. Regional public health service GGD Drenthe for TB testing where required. Expat Center North for regional support services related to residence formalities, particularly if your sponsor is a recognized employer. Het Juridisch Loket for free or low cost basic legal information. Raad voor Rechtsbijstand for information about subsidized legal aid eligibility. Local bar association listings to find an immigration lawyer known as advocaat vreemdelingenrecht.

Next Steps

Confirm your eligibility based on your relationship and the sponsor’s status. Identify whether an MVV is required and if the civic integration examination abroad applies to you. Gather documents early, including passports, civil status records, and income evidence. Arrange legalization, apostille, and certified translations where needed. Coordinate with your sponsor in Diever to prepare the TEV or residence application and to plan for registration with the municipality of Westerveld soon after arrival.

Schedule any required civic integration examination and prepare for it. After a positive decision, travel only with the correct MVV if required, then attend your IND biometrics appointment and collect your residence card. Register in the BRP, obtain your BSN, take out health insurance if required, and complete any TB test within the allowed timeframe. If your situation is not straightforward, contact an immigration lawyer for a document check and strategy. Keep copies of everything you submit, track deadlines for appeals or renewals, and update the IND promptly about changes in address or family circumstances.

This guide is informational and not legal advice. For up to date rules and personalized guidance, consult an immigration professional or the competent authorities.