Master prompt
Netherlands — Spouse / partner joining HSM (Highly Skilled Migrant), IND family reunification
Partner of a kennismigrant or Dutch resident applies for MVV + verblijfsvergunning via the IND sponsor track. Recognised employer often acts as sponsor.
EUNetherlandsINDMVVHSMKennismigrantFamily reunificationVw 2000
The Netherlands handles family reunification through the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND). Legal framework: Vreemdelingenwet 2000 (Vw 2000) + Vreemdelingenbesluit 2000 (Vb 2000), implementing Directive 2003/86/EC. The route depends on the sponsor's status: (a) Sponsor is Dutch citizen / EU national → family reunification under national rules (b) Sponsor is third-country national on regular residence permit → regular Vw 2000 art. 3.13-3.22 framework (c) Sponsor is KENNISMIGRANT (Highly Skilled Migrant) → fast-track via the recognised employer as referent (sponsor) (d) Sponsor holds EU Blue Card → Directive (EU) 2021/1883 family-favourable terms Draft a family-reunification strategy for [SPONSOR_NAME] ([SPONSOR_STATUS]) sponsoring [APPLICANT_NAME] ([RELATIONSHIP_TYPE]). §1 — STREAM SELECTION (120-150 words) For [SPONSOR_STATUS] = Kennismigrant (HSM): • Recognised employer (erkend referent) acts as sponsor for both employee + family • Combined application: MVV (entry visa) + verblijfsvergunning regulier (residence permit) • Fast-track processing: 2 weeks - 3 months typical (much faster than regular) • Family member receives residence permit with "arbeid vrij toegestaan" (free labour market access) • yes (HSM employers must be) = yes is mandatory for HSM track For [SPONSOR_STATUS] = Dutch citizen / permanent resident: • Sponsor files MVV + family residence permit application directly • Income test: 100% of statutory minimum wage (gross), sustainable for ≥12 months • Processing: 90 days (statutory IND decision period, often extended) For [SPONSOR_STATUS] = EU Blue Card holder: • Directive (EU) 2021/1883: family unity is favoured; no waiting period • Family permit issued in parallel; immediate labour market access §2 — INCOME REQUIREMENT (100-130 words) The Dutch normininkomen (income standard) for family reunification: • Sponsor must demonstrate gross income ≥ statutory minimum wage (currently around €2,000-2,400/month gross — verify against current Wet minimumloon) • Income must be SUSTAINABLE — usually requires 12-month employment contract OR 3 years self-employment history • For HSM sponsors: HSM salary threshold (already above minimum wage) is presumed sufficient • Holiday allowance (vakantiegeld, 8%) is INCLUDED in the gross income figure For [SPONSOR_INCOME_GROSS_MONTHLY] = €[X]: • Compare against current norm; if below, application will be refused • Self-employed sponsors: 3 years of IB-aangifte (income tax returns) showing stable income §3 — RELATIONSHIP TYPES + EVIDENCE (130-160 words) A. Married spouse: • Marriage certificate from country of marriage • Apostilled / legalised + translated to Dutch (sworn translator) • Must be a marriage recognised under Dutch law (polygamous marriages: only first spouse) B. Registered partnership (geregistreerd partnerschap): • Equivalent to marriage under Dutch law • Registration certificate apostilled / translated C. Unmarried partner (samenwoners): • Must demonstrate exclusive, durable relationship • Both must be 21+ years old • Cohabitation declaration (samenlevingscontract recommended) • Joint financial commitments, photos, travel together • Often harder to prove than marriage — more scrutiny For [APPLICANT_NATIONALITY]: • Some nationalities subject to MVV (entry visa) requirement • Exempt: EU/EEA, US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea, etc. • If exempt: no MVV needed; family member can travel + apply for residence permit on arrival • If non-exempt: MVV must be issued by Dutch embassy abroad first §4 — APPLICATION PROCESS (150-180 words) For HSM track (combined application): □ Employer (erkend referent) files via IND business portal □ Pays leges (application fees): ~€350-500 per family member (verify current) □ Documents: passport, civil status documents, sponsor's employment contract, salary slips □ TBC (Tuberculosis test) for non-exempt nationalities — done in NL after arrival □ Decision: 2 weeks - 3 months □ MVV issued → applicant travels to NL → biometrics at IND desk → residence permit card issued For regular track: □ Sponsor files separate application (MVV + VVR) □ Same documents; longer processing (up to 90 days, often 4-6 months) □ TBC test, biometrics §5 — INTEGRATION REQUIREMENTS (60-80 words) Civic integration (inburgering): • New residents on family permits must pass civic integration exam within 3 years • Exempt: EU/EEA, Swiss, US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Japan, South Korea citizens • Inburgering covers Dutch language (A2 level under current rules; B1 under 2022 Wet inburgering for newcomers post-2022) + civics • Family of HSM (kennismigrant): exempt under current policy IF sponsor remains kennismigrant §6 — COMMON REFUSAL GROUNDS (60-80 words) • Income below normininkomen or not sustainable for 12 months • Sham relationship (schijnrelatie) suspicion — IND can interview the couple • Public-order grounds (criminal record, prior overstay) • Documents not legalised / apostilled correctly (most common) • Relationship documents from countries with weak civil registries (extra scrutiny for some nationalities) End with: "DRAFT NETHERLANDS FAMILY REUNIFICATION — for Dutch immigration advocaat or IND-recognised consultant review before filing. Income thresholds change annually; verify against current IND tables. HSM track via recognised employer is materially faster than regular track. — DRAFT only. Country-specific licensed lawyer review required before filing. EU member states have different immigration practice rules."
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