Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Middelburg

About Dependent Visa Law in Middelburg, Netherlands

A dependent visa in the Netherlands generally refers to the residency permission granted to family members who join or stay with a primary residence holder. In Middelburg, as elsewhere in the Netherlands, dependent visas and permits are governed by national immigration law and administered by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND. Common categories of dependents include spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners in durable relationships, and minor children. Depending on nationality and the type of main permit held by the sponsor, family members may need a provisional entry permit - called an MVV - before arrival, or they may apply for a residence permit directly from within the country.

After arrival in Middelburg the dependent must register with Gemeente Middelburg to obtain a citizen service number - BSN - and be entered in the municipal personal records database - BRP. The IND handles the legal decision on the permit application, while the municipality handles local registration, municipal taxes, and access to local services.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration procedures and family-reunification rules can be complex. People often seek a lawyer when:

- The IND refuses a family-reunification or dependent permit and you want to file an objection or appeal.

- The relationship needs careful legal proof - for example unmarried partners or complicated custody situations.

- The sponsor does not meet the income, housing, or other statutory requirements and you need help presenting alternative evidence or applying for an exception.

- Multiple permits are involved - for example an MVV entry visa, combined with a residence permit, or when combining work and family law issues.

- You need urgent action because of imminent deadlines, risk of removal, or delays affecting children and schooling.

- You want to verify whether a dependent has the right to work, access social benefits, or qualify for long-term or permanent residence later on.

A lawyer specializing in immigration and family reunification can advise on eligibility, assemble documents in the correct legal format, represent you before the IND and courts, and help with appeals and legal remedies.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects that affect dependent visa cases in Middelburg include:

- National legal framework: The Dutch Vreemdelingenwet 2000 - Immigration Act 2000 - and the accompanying Aliens Decree set out the rules for family reunification, MVV, residence permits, and the conditions that sponsors and dependents must meet.

- Sponsor requirements: The sponsor usually must have sufficient and stable income, suitable housing, and a legal residence status that allows family reunification. The IND applies statutory income thresholds and verifies the continuity and legality of the sponsor s stay.

- Relationship proof: The IND requires reliable evidence of marriage, registered partnership, or that a durable relationship exists. Documents may need legalization or an apostille and certified translations.

- MVV and entry procedure: Many third-country nationals need an MVV - provisional entry permit - before traveling to the Netherlands. The IND decides whether an MVV is required and whether the application is granted.

- Civic integration and language requirements: Some family categories face a civic integration requirement - inburgering - or must have passed a basic integration test abroad before arrival. The exact obligations depend on the relationship and the permit category.

- Work and benefit rights: Whether a dependent can work depends on the type of residence permit. Some family members can work immediately without a separate work permit, while others need employer authorization or are restricted.

- Municipal registration: Upon arrival in Middelburg the dependent must register with Gemeente Middelburg to obtain a BSN and access public services, schooling and healthcare. The municipality can also check housing suitability for family reunification.

- Remedies and deadlines: IND decisions can be contested. There are specific time-limits for filing objections and appeals to the courts. Missing a deadline can limit legal options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dependent visa in the Netherlands?

A dependent visa usually refers to a residence permit or entry authorization for family members who join a primary permit-holder. It covers spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners in lasting relationships and minor children of someone lawfully residing in the Netherlands.

Who is eligible to apply as a dependent?

Eligibility depends on the family relationship and the sponsor s immigration status. Typical eligible dependents are spouses, registered partners, unmarried partners where a durable relationship can be shown, and underage children. Eligibility varies by the sponsor s permit type and nationality of the dependent.

Do family members from outside the EU need an MVV to come to Middelburg?

Many non-EU nationals do need an MVV - a provisional entry permit - to enter the Netherlands for a long stay. Whether an MVV is required depends on the dependent s nationality and the permit category. The IND decides whether an MVV is necessary when processing the application.

What income or housing requirements apply to the sponsor?

The sponsor must normally demonstrate sufficient and stable income and suitable housing to accommodate the dependent. The IND applies statutory minimum income criteria and checks that housing meets municipal standards. Special rules apply for students, temporary workers, and certain permit types.

How long does the application process usually take?

Processing times vary by case complexity and IND workload. Simple, well-documented applications may be decided within a few weeks to a few months. Cases requiring an MVV or additional checks can take longer. Expect additional time for municipality registration after arrival.

Can a dependent work in the Netherlands?

Work rights depend on the type of residence permit the dependent receives. Some family members may work without additional permits, while others need an employer permit or have restrictions. Check the specific permit issued by the IND to confirm work rights.

What documents are typically required for a dependent application?

Common documents include passports, birth certificates, marriage or partnership certificates, proof of relationship and cohabitation for unmarried partners, sponsor s proof of income and employment, rental contract or property proof, and any translated or legalized documents required by the IND.

What happens after arrival in Middelburg?

After arrival the dependent must register with Gemeente Middelburg to obtain a BSN and be entered into the BRP. The dependent may need to collect a residence permit card and arrange health insurance. Registration is necessary for schooling, work and access to municipal services.

What can I do if the IND refuses the application?

If the IND refuses a dependent application you can file an objection within the statutory time-limit and, if necessary, bring an appeal to the court. A lawyer can help prepare the objection, gather supporting evidence, meet deadlines and represent you at court.

How do I find affordable legal help in Middelburg?

Options include contacting local immigration lawyers, seeking a free initial consultation at a legal aid clinic, checking eligibility for government-subsidized legal aid, or contacting national advice services for guidance. A local immigration specialist can advise on costs and whether you qualify for subsidized assistance.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service - IND - for national rules on family reunification, MVV, residence permits and official procedures.

Gemeente Middelburg - for municipal registration, BSN issuance, and local housing and civic matters.

Juridisch Loket - a national legal advice service that offers basic immigration guidance and can point you to next steps or local services.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand - the Dutch council for legal aid that administers eligibility and subsidies for legal assistance.

Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security - for the statutory framework governing immigration and asylum law.

Local immigration law firms and certified immigration lawyers - for case-specific representation and appeals.

Local community organizations and migrant support groups in Zeeland - for practical support, language help and integration assistance.

Next Steps

1. Gather documents - Start collecting passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of relationship, sponsor income and rental or ownership papers. Get official translations or apostilles if required.

2. Check eligibility - Review the IND rules that apply to your situation or get a short consultation from a legal adviser or the Juridisch Loket to confirm which permit applies.

3. Consider MVV needs - Verify whether the incoming family member needs an MVV and prepare embassy procedures if required.

4. Register locally - Plan to register with Gemeente Middelburg soon after arrival to obtain a BSN, enroll children in school and access healthcare.

5. Seek legal help early - If your case has complicating factors - low or unstable income, unclear documentation, prior refusals, or urgent timelines - contact an immigration lawyer experienced in family-reunification law in the Netherlands.

6. Prepare for appeals - If you receive a refusal, act quickly. There are strict deadlines for objections and appeals. A lawyer can help preserve your rights and prepare persuasive legal arguments.

7. Ask about costs and legal-aid - Before hiring a lawyer, ask about fees, payment plans and whether you qualify for subsidized legal aid through the Raad voor Rechtsbijstand.

If you are unsure where to start, book an initial consultation with a local immigration specialist or visit a legal advice center to get a clear roadmap tailored to your situation in Middelburg.