Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Ruinen

About Dependent Visa Law in Ruinen, Netherlands

In the Netherlands, what many people call a dependent visa is the family reunification or family formation residence permit. It allows eligible family members of a person who lives lawfully in the Netherlands to join them. Typical dependents include a spouse or registered partner, an unmarried partner in a durable and exclusive relationship, and minor children. The national immigration authority is the Immigration and Naturalisation Service, commonly called the IND.

Ruinen is a village in the municipality of De Wolden in the province of Drenthe. Immigration rules are national, so the same Dutch laws apply in Ruinen as elsewhere. After arrival, you handle several practical steps locally in De Wolden, such as municipal registration, obtaining a citizen service number, and arranging health insurance. Understanding how national immigration requirements interact with local procedures helps you avoid delays and keep your family legally compliant.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dependent visa applications can look straightforward but frequently involve complex details. You may benefit from a lawyer if you need to prove a durable unmarried partnership, have documents from multiple countries that require legalization or apostille, must meet income and sustainability thresholds as a sponsor, or are unsure whether you or your family member needs a long-stay entry visa called an MVV. A lawyer is particularly helpful if you have past immigration issues, criminal records, previous visa refusals, custody or consent questions for minor children, a relationship that ends during the process, or if you need to appeal an IND decision. Legal counsel can also coordinate timelines for MVV, arrival, municipal registration, TB testing if applicable, and integration obligations, and can represent you in objections and court appeals if needed.

Local Laws Overview

Legal basis and authorities - Family migration is governed primarily by the Dutch Aliens Act 2000, the Aliens Decree, and the IND policy guidelines. The IND decides on applications. Municipalities handle registration in the Dutch population register called the BRP and issue the citizen service number, known as BSN. In Ruinen, you register with the municipality of De Wolden. Local public health services like GGD Drenthe handle TB testing when required.

Who can sponsor - Sponsors can be Dutch citizens or non-EU nationals who hold a Dutch residence permit that allows family members, such as highly skilled migrants, EU Blue Card holders, researchers, employees, and students. Sponsors generally must be at least 21 years old to bring a spouse or partner. There are specific conditions for sponsoring minor children, including parental authority and consent when applicable.

Income requirement - For most family reunification cases, the sponsor must have independent, sufficient, and sustainable income at or above a government-set threshold that is broadly aligned with the statutory minimum wage. Different rules and thresholds can apply depending on the sponsor type, such as highly skilled migrants, students, or holders of asylum residence. The IND assesses whether income is sustainable, for example through an indefinite employment contract or a fixed-term contract of adequate duration.

Relationship requirements - Spouses and registered partners must prove a genuine relationship. Unmarried partners must demonstrate a durable and exclusive relationship, usually with evidence like joint registration or shared finances. Both partner categories typically require that each partner is at least 21. For minor children, you must prove the family relationship with legalized birth certificates and, if applicable, consent from the other parent or proof of sole custody when moving a child to the Netherlands.

MVV and TEV procedure - Many nationalities need a long-stay entry visa called an MVV to enter the Netherlands for family migration. Often the sponsor starts a combined entry and residence procedure known as TEV from within the Netherlands. Some nationalities are exempt from the MVV requirement. Depending on the situation, a basic civic integration exam abroad may be required at a Dutch embassy or consulate before the MVV is issued for spouses or partners.

Documents and legalization - Foreign civil status documents like birth or marriage certificates generally must be legalized or apostilled and translated by a sworn translator if not in Dutch, English, French, or German. The IND can request original documents and will verify authenticity.

Processing time and fees - The statutory decision period for many family applications is up to 90 days, though complex cases can take longer. Government fees apply and change periodically. Always check the current IND fees before filing.

Rights and work authorization - The residence card will show a labor market endorsement that determines whether a dependent can work and whether a work permit is required. Many dependents of highly skilled migrants and EU Blue Card holders have open access to the labor market. Other categories may face restrictions. Always check the endorsement printed on the card.

Local registration in Ruinen - Within 5 days of moving to Ruinen, register your address with the municipality of De Wolden to be entered into the BRP and to receive your BSN. Bring your passport, residence permit or IND approval, and legalized civil documents for you and any dependents. After registration, you can apply for DigiD and arrange health insurance.

Health insurance and TB test - New residents generally must arrange Dutch health insurance within 4 months of becoming subject to the Dutch health insurance obligation. Some applicants must undergo a TB test within 3 months after arrival if indicated by the IND. The test is arranged through GGD Drenthe.

Integration obligations - Many family migrants must pass civic integration exams within a set period after arrival. Obligations and timelines can differ depending on your permit type and the date of residence. Non-compliance can lead to fines or issues with future extensions or permanent residence.

Extensions and change of conditions - A dependent permit usually matches the sponsor’s permit validity and conditions. You must apply to extend on time and notify the IND of changes such as address, employment, relationship status, or change of sponsor. After several years and meeting conditions, some dependents can qualify for permanent residence or naturalization.

Appeals and legal remedies - If the IND intends to refuse or refuses your application, you generally have 4 weeks to file an objection, called bezwaar. If the objection is rejected, you can usually appeal to the administrative court. In urgent situations you can request a preliminary injunction to prevent negative consequences while the case is reviewed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who counts as a dependent for Dutch family migration purposes

Common dependents are a spouse, a registered partner, an unmarried partner in a durable and exclusive relationship, and minor children. In specific circumstances there are routes for other family members, but these are limited and often do not fall under standard family reunification. Each category has its own documentary and eligibility requirements.

Do we need to be married, or is an unmarried partnership acceptable

Unmarried partners can apply if they can prove a durable and exclusive relationship and both partners are typically at least 21. Evidence may include joint tenancy, shared finances, long-term cohabitation, or other proof of a genuine relationship. Marriage or registered partnership remains a common route but is not the only option.

Does my family member need an MVV to enter the Netherlands

Many non-EU nationals need an MVV for long stays. The sponsor usually applies through the TEV procedure. Some nationalities and residence categories are exempt. If the MVV is required, spouses or partners may also need to pass the basic civic integration exam abroad before the MVV is issued. The IND determines MVV requirements based on nationality and circumstances.

What income do I need to sponsor my spouse or partner

The sponsor generally needs independent, sufficient, and sustainable income at or above a government-set threshold that is broadly aligned with the statutory minimum wage. How sustainability is measured depends on the contract type and duration. Different categories, such as highly skilled migrants, students, and asylum status holders, can have different rules or thresholds. The IND assesses the income and may request additional proof.

How long does the application take

Many family applications have a legal decision period of up to 90 days, but processing can vary based on workload and case complexity. If documents need legalization or if additional evidence is requested, the timeline can be longer. Plan for contingencies and avoid booking travel before you have the necessary visa or permit in hand.

Can my dependent work or study in the Netherlands

Yes, study is allowed. For work, it depends on the labor market endorsement printed on the residence card. Many dependents of highly skilled migrants and EU Blue Card holders can work without a separate permit. Other categories may require an employer to obtain a work permit. Always check the endorsement on the residence document to see the exact conditions.

What should we do when we arrive in Ruinen

Register with the municipality of De Wolden within 5 days to enter the BRP and obtain your BSN. Arrange Dutch health insurance within the legal timeframe, complete TB testing if the IND requires it, collect your residence card when instructed, and keep copies of all documents. If you have school-age children, contact local schools promptly to arrange enrollment.

Do foreign documents need to be legalized or translated

Usually yes. Birth and marriage certificates from abroad often require legalization or an apostille under the Hague Convention, plus a sworn translation if not in Dutch, English, French, or German. The IND can ask for originals. Start legalization early to avoid delays.

What happens if our relationship ends after my dependent arrives

You must inform the IND of changes such as separation or divorce. The dependent’s right to stay may be affected, though there are protections in some situations, for example after a long relationship or in cases involving domestic violence. Timely legal advice is important to explore options to continue residence lawfully.

What can I do if the IND refuses the application

You can usually file an objection within 4 weeks. If that is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the court. A lawyer can assess the refusal, gather additional evidence, and represent you. In urgent cases you can request a preliminary injunction to prevent removal while your case is reviewed.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND - The national authority that decides on family migration applications, issues residence documents, and provides official guidance on requirements.

Municipality of De Wolden - Handles BRP registration for residents of Ruinen, issues BSN, and records changes of address and civil status in the local population register.

GGD Drenthe - The regional public health service that conducts TB testing when required by the IND after arrival.

Dutch embassies and consulates - Handle MVV applications abroad and administer the basic civic integration exam where applicable.

Het Juridisch Loket - Provides free initial legal information and can refer you to immigration lawyers. Useful if you need orientation before hiring counsel.

Raad voor Rechtsbijstand Legal Aid Board - Manages subsidized legal aid for those who qualify based on income and assets.

International Welcome Center North - A regional information point serving Groningen, Drenthe, and Friesland that can assist internationals with practical settling-in matters.

IND Desk Zwolle - Commonly the nearest IND desk for residents of Ruinen for biometrics or residence card pick-up, depending on your appointment notice.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Confirm eligibility. Identify your relationship category, check age requirements, and verify whether an MVV and the civic integration exam abroad apply to your situation.

Step 2 - Assess income and housing. Make sure the sponsor’s income meets the IND threshold and sustainability rules. Prepare an address in Ruinen where you can register in the BRP after arrival.

Step 3 - Gather documents early. Obtain passports, legalized and translated civil status documents, proof of relationship, employment contracts and payslips, and custody or consent documents for minor children.

Step 4 - Choose the correct procedure. If an MVV is required, coordinate the TEV application with the IND and the Dutch embassy or consulate. If exempt, prepare for an in-country residence application as instructed by the IND.

Step 5 - Plan your timeline. Account for legalization, exam scheduling, IND processing, and travel. Avoid buying tickets until you have the necessary visa or approval in writing.

Step 6 - Prepare for arrival in Ruinen. Register at the municipality of De Wolden within 5 days, arrange health insurance within the legal deadline, complete any required TB test with GGD Drenthe, and follow IND instructions to provide biometrics or collect your residence card.

Step 7 - Review rights and obligations. Check the labor market endorsement on the residence card before starting work, track your permit expiry date for timely extension, and understand any civic integration obligations.

Step 8 - Seek legal help when needed. If your case is complex, if the IND requests additional evidence, or if you receive a negative decision, contact an immigration lawyer promptly to protect your rights and manage deadlines.

This guide provides general information. Dutch immigration rules can change and individual facts matter. Always verify current requirements with the IND or a qualified immigration lawyer before you act.