Best Dependent Visa Lawyers in Spier

About Dependent Visa Law in Spier, Netherlands

Spier is a village in the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, but rules for dependent visas are set nationally by the Netherlands. A dependent visa is typically the residence permit for family members who want to live with a sponsor who is lawfully residing in the Netherlands. Common dependents include a spouse or registered partner, an unmarried partner in a long-term and exclusive relationship, and minor children. In some limited circumstances, other family members may qualify.

Most applicants follow one of two routes. Non-EU family members of Dutch citizens or of third-country nationals usually apply for a provisional residence permit known as an MVV at a Dutch embassy or consulate abroad, followed by a residence permit in the Netherlands. Some nationalities are exempt from the MVV step. Family members of EU or EEA or Swiss citizens often apply under EU free movement rules, which have different conditions.

After approval and arrival, dependents register with the local municipality for the Personal Records Database and obtain a citizen service number. For Spier, this is handled by the municipality of Midden-Drenthe. Health insurance, possible TB screening, and biometrics at an IND desk are also part of the process.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Dependent visa applications can be straightforward, but legal help can be crucial in many real-life situations. A lawyer can advise and represent you when any of the following apply.

You or your partner doesn't meet the income threshold or has a temporary or variable contract. You need to prove a durable and exclusive unmarried partnership. You have prior immigration violations, an overstay, or a criminal record. You or your partner has been married before and needs to show valid divorce documentation. You are bringing children from a previous relationship and need the other parent’s consent or a court order. Your civil status documents need legalization or translation, or are difficult to obtain. You are not sure whether to apply under national Dutch rules or EU free movement rules. You want to bring dependents while you hold a specific permit, such as student, highly skilled migrant, researcher, or self-employed. Your case involves adoption, stepchildren, or guardianship. You have received a negative decision and want to file an objection or appeal. You need to change status or become independent after relationship breakdown, or you are dealing with domestic violence or exceptional hardship.

Local Laws Overview

Legal framework. Dependent visas are governed by the Aliens Act 2000, the Aliens Decree 2000, and policy guidelines implemented by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service known as IND. EU family members are covered by EU free movement rules implemented in Dutch law.

Who counts as a dependent. Typically a spouse or registered partner, an unmarried partner in a long-term and exclusive relationship, and minor children who will live with the sponsor. Proof of relationship and intent to cohabit in the Netherlands is required. Polygamous marriages are not recognized for family migration.

Age and sponsor requirements. For partners, both sponsor and partner are usually at least 21. The sponsor must lawfully reside in the Netherlands with a qualifying residence right or Dutch nationality, and usually must act as the legal sponsor.

Income requirement. For most national routes, the sponsor must have income that is independent, sustainable, and at least equal to the statutory minimum wage level. The exact amount changes periodically and can depend on the type of contract. Indefinite contracts, a sufficient history of fixed-term contracts, or long-term self-employment can qualify. Some categories have different thresholds or exemptions, such as family of recognized refugees.

MVV and residence permit. Many non-EU applicants must obtain an MVV before entering the Netherlands for family purposes. Some nationalities and situations are exempt. After arrival, the residence permit card is collected at an IND desk following biometrics.

Civic integration pre-entry exam. Certain adult applicants must pass the basic civic integration examination abroad before the MVV is granted. Exemptions exist based on nationality, education, or personal circumstances.

Municipal registration and address. If you will live in Spier, you register with the municipality of Midden-Drenthe for the Personal Records Database. Bring legalized and translated civil status documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, if applicable. Registration enables issuance of your citizen service number and access to public services.

Health insurance and TB test. You must enroll in Dutch health insurance when required by law. Some applicants must undergo a TB test within three months of arrival, which is arranged through the regional public health service GGD Drenthe.

Work rights. The labor market endorsement on your residence document determines if you may work. Many family members may work without a separate work permit, but rules can differ by sponsor category. Always check the endorsement printed on the sticker or residence card.

Validity and renewal. A family residence permit usually has the same end date as the sponsor’s permit or is granted for a fixed period if the sponsor is Dutch. You can apply to extend before expiry if conditions remain met.

Becoming independent or long-term resident. After a number of years of lawful residence, many family members can apply for a long-term EU residence permit or permanent residence. There are language and integration requirements, and you must have stable income. In some situations, such as domestic violence, you may apply to continue your residence independently earlier.

Appeals. If IND issues a negative decision, you typically have a short deadline to file an administrative objection known as bezwaar. Further appeal to the court of the Northern Netherlands may be possible.

Local practicalities for Spier. You will coordinate BRP registration with the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, arrange any TB test with GGD Drenthe, and attend an IND desk for biometrics and to collect your residence document. The closest IND desks for Drenthe residents are commonly in Zwolle or another nearby city. Appointment availability can affect timelines, so plan early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can I bring to the Netherlands on a dependent visa if I live in Spier

Generally a spouse or registered partner, an unmarried partner in a durable and exclusive relationship, and minor children. The family must intend to live together at the same address in the Netherlands. There are special rules for other family members and for EU citizens.

Do I need an MVV to join my partner in the Netherlands

Many non-EU or non-EEA nationals need an MVV entry visa before traveling for family reunification. Some nationalities and categories are exempt. Even if you are exempt from the MVV, you still need a residence permit. A lawyer can confirm whether you must apply from abroad or may apply in the Netherlands.

What income does my sponsor need to have

Your sponsor normally needs independent and sustainable income at least equal to the statutory minimum wage level. The exact figure changes and depends on age and contract type. Employers’ letters, employment contracts, payslips, and bank statements are commonly used to prove this. Different rules can apply to students, researchers, and recognized sponsors.

How long does the process take

For MVV and residence permit applications, IND aims to decide within up to 90 days. After approval and biometrics, the residence card is usually ready within a few weeks. Timelines can be affected by document preparation, legalization, embassy appointments, and IND desk availability.

Can I work in the Netherlands as a dependent

Many family members are allowed to work without a separate work permit. The labor market endorsement printed on your residence sticker or card determines this. Because endorsements can differ by category, always check your document and ask IND or a lawyer if uncertain.

Do I need to pass a language test before coming

Some adult applicants must pass the basic civic integration examination at a Dutch embassy before the MVV is issued. Exemptions exist based on nationality, education, or medical reasons. Separate integration requirements may apply later for permanent residence or long-term EU residence.

What documents should I prepare

Common documents include valid passports, legalized and translated marriage or birth certificates, proof of relationship such as joint lease or correspondence, sponsor’s income evidence, and health insurance. If bringing children, proof of parental authority and consent may be required.

What if the IND refuses my application

You usually have a short period to file an administrative objection known as bezwaar. If that is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the court. A lawyer can assess the refusal, collect additional evidence, and represent you in the process.

What do I need to do when I arrive in Spier

Register with the municipality of Midden-Drenthe for the Personal Records Database, enroll in health insurance if required, complete TB screening if applicable, and attend your IND appointment for biometrics or residence card pickup. Keep all documents and appointments organized and request confirmations.

Will my permit length match my sponsor’s

Often yes. If your sponsor has a temporary residence permit, your permit typically aligns with that end date. If your sponsor is Dutch or has permanent residence, you may receive a fixed initial period with options to extend, subject to continued eligibility.

Additional Resources

Immigration and Naturalisation Service IND. The national authority that decides on MVV and residence permit applications, handles biometrics, and issues residence cards.

Municipality of Midden-Drenthe. Handles BRP registration for residents of Spier, issues the citizen service number, and records civil status data.

GGD Drenthe. Regional public health service that conducts TB screening when required after arrival.

International Welcome Center North. A regional service center in the northern Netherlands that provides information and in some cases facilitates procedures for highly skilled migrants and their families.

DUO Civic Integration. The government body responsible for civic integration requirements and examinations.

Legal Aid Board Raad voor Rechtsbijstand. Manages subsidized legal aid for those who qualify financially and need legal assistance in immigration matters.

District Court of the Northern Netherlands Rechtbank Noord-Nederland. The competent court for appeals in immigration cases arising from Drenthe.

Next Steps

Clarify your route. Decide whether you will apply under Dutch national family rules or EU free movement rules. Your nationality, your sponsor’s status, and your relationship determine the correct path.

Assess eligibility early. Check the income requirement and contract type of your sponsor, your need for an MVV, any civic integration exam obligations, and whether TB screening will apply to you.

Prepare documents. Gather passports, legalized and officially translated civil certificates, proof of relationship, and income evidence. Start legalization and translation early because it can take time.

Coordinate local steps. Plan your BRP registration with the municipality of Midden-Drenthe, arrange health insurance, and schedule IND desk appointments for biometrics and card pickup. If you are a newcomer to Spier, ask the municipality which documents to bring to your registration.

Consider professional help. If your situation is complex or time sensitive, consult an immigration lawyer experienced in family migration in the Netherlands. Bring copies of all documents and any IND correspondence to your consultation so the lawyer can assess your case efficiently.

Track deadlines. Note any IND decision deadlines, objection periods, or document validity dates. Keep records of submissions, appointments, and receipts.

Plan for the future. After arrival, stay compliant with address registration, insurance, and any integration requirements. Calendar your permit renewal window and explore options for independent or long-term residence when you become eligible.

This guide is for information only. For tailored legal advice about a dependent visa in Spier, consult a qualified Dutch immigration lawyer.