How do I apply as a non-EU family member of an EU citizen?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
First check whether EU law covers your family member and relationship. Apply for EU verification from the Netherlands; entry, supporting evidence and work while waiting have separate conditions.
On this page
1. Check the EU route
This route concerns family members without EU/EEA/Swiss nationality joining a Union citizen in the Netherlands. That citizen must reside lawfully here, with valid passport/ID, health insurance and sufficient income under EU rules. A Dutch sponsor does not automatically bring EU law into play. A Union citizen previously living here under EU law who became Dutch may fit IND's categories; returning with a Dutch citizen from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland uses a separate route. Check which applies before filing.
2. Prove a partner or child relationship
A spouse or registered partner may qualify. An unmarried partner needs at least six consecutive months living together OR at least six months of a durable relationship at application/decision, shown for example by a shared household or financial obligations. Six months' cohabitation is therefore not always mandatory. Children, grandchildren/great-grandchildren and adopted children of the citizen or spouse/registered partner qualify below 21, or from 21 if financially dependent. Children of an unmarried unregistered partner must be under 18 and live with their parent and the citizen.
3. Prove dependency or care needs
Parents and grandparents/great-grandparents of the citizen or spouse/registered partner must be financially dependent. Where dependency is required, IND specifies inability to meet basic needs without this help and at least a year of regular payments; show more than isolated transfers. Other relatives, such as an aunt, uncle or cousin, may qualify through prior dependency in the origin country, a shared household there, or serious health problems requiring the citizen's/partner's personal care with no relatives there able to provide it. Prove the exact category.
4. Arrange documents and entry
Use IND's personalised document list and legalise/translate foreign official documents into NL/EN/FR/DE where needed. EU verification can only be requested from the Netherlands. Check the Visa Advisor first: where necessary apply in your country of residence for a free facilitating Schengen visa, proving the family link and intention to join the citizen. Normal visa requirements do not apply to this visa; Foreign Affairs decides. Without a visa requirement, travel with a valid passport and evidence of the family/residence purpose. A checklist is not entry permission.
5. Use the correct application
Apply yourself or authorise the Union citizen. IND allows an online application for a partner or (grand)child where the citizen is not Dutch, using that citizen's DigiD and iDEAL/Wero. Otherwise use post: B10001 for partner or (adopted) child; B10002 for other family, including parents, grandparents/great-grandparents or grandchildren/great-grandchildren. Follow the precise form category. Check current fees and the minor rate, pay as instructed and retain the application and receipt.
6. Follow the decision and sticker
The decision period is six months. Follow the receipt and Mijn IND. IND explains appointments for a residence endorsement sticker and biometrics. The sticker plus passport proves lawful residence while waiting; it separately states whether you may work. Do not assume unrestricted work from filing alone. If it expires before a decision, book a new sticker. After approval, collect the card by appointment following notification. Check the remedy/deadline after refusal; use the existing late-IND route for delay.
7. Check work and changed circumstances
The EU-family document lasts five years and permits work without a TWV. Claiming public funds such as social assistance may affect residence: seek advice rather than assuming an automatic ban or withdrawal. At expiry you can seek EU verification again. Permanent residence requires five consecutive years meeting residence conditions, not simply holding a card. Death, departure or separation can permit retention under separate conditions: consult IND's retention page and follow-up form B10006. A change does not automatically mean either loss or retention.
Can I work as soon as I apply?
Do not rely on submission alone. The residence sticker states whether work is allowed while waiting. The granted EU-family document permits work without a TWV. Check the actual document and your circumstances.
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IND · Toetsing EU-recht familieleden ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.