Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Ruinen

About Dependent Visa Law in Ruinen, Netherlands

In the Netherlands, what many people call a dependent visa is legally a residence permit for family reunification or family formation. This allows certain family members to live with a sponsor who is lawfully residing in the Netherlands as a Dutch national, an EU or EEA or Swiss national exercising free movement rights, or a non EU national who holds a valid Dutch residence permit. Ruinen is part of the municipality of De Wolden in Drenthe, and national immigration law applies uniformly, with applications processed by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, known as the IND. Many applicants first obtain a provisional residence permit, known as an MVV, before entry, then collect a residence card in the Netherlands. EU free movement rules may apply if the sponsor is an EU or EEA or Swiss citizen, which can change the process and conditions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you navigate rules that are detailed and change over time. Common reasons to seek legal help include complex eligibility questions, such as proving a durable and exclusive relationship for unmarried partners, handling blended families, stepchildren, or custody and consent for minors, and understanding when EU law applies instead of national rules.

Income and financial requirements can be nuanced. Sponsors must usually show independent and sustainable income at or above a statutory minimum level. Proving sustainability can be challenging for self employed sponsors, those with probationary or temporary contracts, sponsors with multiple part time jobs, or those receiving benefits.

Document preparation is critical. Many civil status documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated. A lawyer can help ensure the right format, prevent delays, and address issues like name discrepancies or missing records.

Some applicants must pass the basic civic integration examination abroad before entry. Others may be exempt. Legal advice helps determine if an exemption applies and how to prepare.

Prior immigration history can affect outcomes. Overstays, previous refusals, or criminal or public order issues need tailored legal strategies.

If the IND refuses an application, there are strict deadlines for objections and court appeals. A lawyer can assess the decision, gather evidence, and pursue a remedy promptly.

Local Laws Overview

Key rules stem from the Aliens Act 2000, the Aliens Decree 2000, and IND policy guidelines. They apply across the country, including Ruinen.

Sponsor and relationship. The sponsor is the family member already in the Netherlands. For spouses and partners, both sponsor and partner generally must be at least 21 years old. Marriage, a registered partnership, or an unmarried relationship that is durable and exclusive can qualify. You are expected to live together at the same registered address in the Netherlands.

Income requirement. The sponsor usually must have independent and sustainable income at or above a statutory minimum level. Sustainability typically means an indefinite contract or a fixed term contract that continues for a sufficient period after the decision date, or, for self employment, demonstrated income based on tax assessments. Some categories, such as qualifying refugee family reunification within a set window, have different or reduced requirements.

MVV and entry. Many nationalities need an MVV entry visa issued by a Dutch embassy or consulate before traveling. Some nationalities are exempt from the MVV, yet may still need a residence permit application. Under EU free movement rules, family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens may follow a different route.

Civic integration abroad. Family formation or reunification applicants who need an MVV often must pass the basic civic integration examination abroad. There are exemptions based on nationality, education, or other legal grounds.

Registration and biometrics. After arrival, register in the Personal Records Database with the municipality of De Wolden, obtain a citizen service number, and attend an IND appointment for biometrics and residence card issuance.

Health and insurance. Some nationalities must take a tuberculosis test shortly after arrival. Health insurance is required. If you start working, Dutch public health insurance rules will apply.

Work rights. The residence card shows a labor market endorsement. Work rights vary by category. Many family members have open access to the labor market, while some may have restrictions. Always check the text on the residence card.

Processing time and fees. The IND has statutory decision periods that commonly run up to about 90 days for regular family applications. Fees apply and change periodically. Current amounts and timelines should be confirmed before applying.

Changes and obligations. The sponsor must report significant changes to the IND, such as income changes, moving address, or relationship changes. Not reporting can lead to fines or permit issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies as a dependent for a Dutch family residence permit

Common eligible family members include a spouse, registered partner, or unmarried partner in a durable and exclusive relationship, and minor children. In specific situations, other family members may qualify, such as adopted children or certain adult dependents, but the conditions are stricter.

Do we need an MVV to enter the Netherlands

Many applicants do. Whether you need an MVV depends on your nationality and the route you are using. Some nationalities are exempt from the MVV, and family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens often follow a different process under EU law.

What income does the sponsor need

Generally, the sponsor must show independent and sustainable income at or above a statutory minimum level. An open ended employment contract or a fixed term contract of sufficient duration can meet this test. For self employment, the IND looks at tax assessments and business records. Exact thresholds change periodically.

What documents are required

Typical documents include passports, proof of relationship such as marriage or partnership certificates or evidence of a durable relationship, birth certificates for children, proof of the sponsor's income, and proof of housing and intended cohabitation. Many foreign civil documents must be legalised or apostilled and translated by a sworn translator.

Do I need to pass the civic integration exam abroad

If you need an MVV for family formation or reunification, you often must pass the basic civic integration exam at a Dutch mission before entry. Exemptions exist based on nationality, qualifications, or other legal grounds.

How long does the process take

Regular family applications commonly have a statutory decision period of up to about 90 days. Processing can be faster or slower depending on the case, completeness of documents, and IND workload. Asylum based family reunification has different timelines.

Can family members work in the Netherlands

Work rights depend on the residence category and are printed on the residence card. Many family members have open access to the labor market, while some categories can be restricted. Always check the labor market endorsement on the card.

Can we apply while the partner is already in the Netherlands

This depends on the partner's current status and nationality. Some must apply from abroad and wait for the MVV. MVV exempt nationalities and EU or EEA or Swiss routes may allow in country procedures. Filing from the wrong location can lead to refusal, so confirm the correct route first.

What if our application is refused

You usually can file a written objection within a short legal deadline. If the objection is rejected, you may appeal to a Dutch court. A lawyer can evaluate reasons for refusal and advise on the best strategy, including new evidence or a revised application.

Do we have to live together at the same address

Yes, cohabitation is a core condition for most family residence permits. You are expected to register at the same address in the municipality and maintain a shared household. Prolonged separation can risk the permit unless there is a justified reason.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND. The national authority that decides on family residence permits and MVV applications.

Municipality of De Wolden. Handles local registration in the Personal Records Database and issues your citizen service number after you move to Ruinen.

The Netherlands Worldwide and Dutch embassies and consulates. Handle MVV submissions and the civic integration exam abroad.

DUO Civic Integration. Administers the basic civic integration examination abroad and provides information on integration obligations.

GGD Drenthe. Regional public health service for tuberculosis testing where required.

Het Juridisch Loket. Provides basic legal information and referrals, including on immigration matters.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand Legal Aid Board. Information on eligibility for subsidised legal aid in the Netherlands.

Dutch Council for Refugees. Guidance for recognised refugees and their families on family reunification procedures.

Kamer van Koophandel Chamber of Commerce. Useful for self employed sponsors who need to evidence business registration and income.

Tax and Customs Administration Belastingdienst. Relevant for income documentation and assessments, especially for self employed sponsors.

Next Steps

Clarify your route. Determine whether you are applying under national family rules or EU free movement rules. Check if you need an MVV and whether the civic integration exam applies.

Assess eligibility. Confirm relationship criteria, age requirements, intention to live together, and the sponsor's income position. If you are a recognised refugee, check if special reunification rules apply within the protected window.

Prepare documents. Obtain passports, civil status documents, and proof of relationship. Arrange legalisation or apostille and sworn translations where required. Gather income evidence such as contracts, payslips, employer letters, or tax assessments.

Plan timing. Align exam dates, embassy appointments, and travel plans. Ensure your documents will still be valid at the time of decision. Do not travel before receiving the MVV if one is required.

Register after arrival. Upon moving to Ruinen, register with the municipality of De Wolden, attend IND biometrics, complete any required health checks, and secure health insurance.

Monitor compliance. Keep copies of all submissions and IND letters. Report changes in address, income, or relationship to the IND promptly. Track residence card expiry and plan renewals in good time.

Consult a qualified immigration lawyer. For complex relationships, self employment, mixed status families, previous refusals, or tight deadlines, obtain tailored legal advice to reduce risks and avoid delays.