Family reunion
Foreign nationals that want to live with their family or relatives in The Netherlands may apply for a residence permit related on “family reunion”.
The most common applications are:
1. partner / spouse
2. child(ren) under 18 years
3. parent above 65 years
Partner / Spouse
If your partner already have residence in The Netherlands (= the referent), you may apply for a residence permit related on “family reunion”. Besides the regular requirements of a visa and a residence permit, both partners must have reached the age of 21 years old and you must have passed the you must have passed the examination of basic knowledge of the Dutch language and Dutch society at the Dutch Embassy or Consulate in China. This is called: “The Civic Integration Examination Abroad” (“Basisexamen Inburgering Buitenland”). In The Netherlands a marriage or partnership of two people with the same sex is recognized.
Child(ren) under 18 years
Family reunion for child(ren) is under 18 years old, is possible. In case the child is 15 years or older, a notary deed of unmarried status must be provided as well. The reason for this extra notary deed is needed because in The Netherlands a child is legally allowed to get married from the age of 15 years old on. In practice the Notary Public in China will drawn up a notary deed in which is stated that the child has not reached the marriage age according to the Chinese Law and therefore has no marriage.
Parent above 65 years
Besides the regular conditions for family reunion, this parent must be single and there are no children anymore in his or her home country who can take care of this parent.
Duration of the residence permit
* The first residence permit will be granted for maximum one year and can in the second year be extended for maximum 5 years, provided that the referent has Dutch nationality or a residence permit for non-temporary purpose.
* A residence permit for temporary purpose is for example a residence permit related on study or medical care. In such cases the residence permit will be granted for maximum one year and may be extended to maximum the same duration of the residence permit of the referent.
* If the referent has obtained a residence permit related on work, the first residence permit for the partner/spouse is for maximum one year while the child(ren) will have the same duration as the residence permit of the referent.
In all cases the family member may apply for an “independent residence permit” after having obtained 3 years residence permit related on the referent. The child who has reached the age of 18 years after arrival may apply for such “independent residence permit” after one year. In case the referent has obtained a residence permit related on work, the child must also wait 3 years.
