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EU nationals and family members

Are you an EU national or a family member of an EU citizen? Discover your residence rights in the Netherlands and get legal assistance with your application. Choose the package that suits you.

Residence as an EU national or family member of an EU citizen

What are your rights and when do you need assistance?

Are you a citizen of an EU Member State, or a family member of someone who is? In many cases, you have the right to reside in the Netherlands. However, while the rules may appear flexible on paper, practice often proves more complex. I am happy to help you arrange everything properly from a legal perspective, so you are not faced with any surprises.

Residence for EU nationals

As a citizen of the European Union, you may come to the Netherlands without a residence permit. You are granted a so-called free period of three months. During this period, you do not need to have a specific purpose of stay. You may simply be here.

If you stay longer than three months, you must be able to demonstrate that you are lawfully residing in the Netherlands, for example as:

  • An employee
  • A self-employed person
  • A job seeker
  • A student
  • Economically inactive (with sufficient financial means)

You do not need to apply for a residence permit for this. Registration with the IND is only required if you also wish to apply for residence for family members who do not themselves have EU nationality.

Residence for family members of EU nationals

Are you the partner, spouse, or child of an EU citizen? In that case, you can often reside in the Netherlands on the basis of the right to family reunification under EU law (Directive 2004/38). This is known as derived right of residence.

The advantages:

  • No mandatory civic integration exam
  • Lower income requirements than applications under national law
  • Often fewer supporting documents required

However, this procedure also comes with challenges. The IND asks critical questions, for example about whether there is a genuine relationship, especially in the case of unmarried partners. An error in your application or unclear evidence can lead to rejection. It is therefore advisable to get it right the first time.

Conditions for family members of EU citizens

You may be eligible if you:

  • Have a valid passport
  • Do not pose a threat to public order
  • Have a family relationship with an EU citizen who is lawfully residing in the Netherlands

You may qualify, for example, if you are:

  • A spouse, registered partner, or unmarried partner (with at least six months of cohabitation or a demonstrably durable relationship)
  • A minor or financially dependent child (including stepchild or adopted child)
  • A financially dependent parent or grandparent
  • Another family member (such as a brother, sister, nephew, or aunt) if you are dependent or require care

Are you, for example, looking for ways to bring an (elderly) parent to the Netherlands? This can be complex, especially since the abolition of the elderly policy. In my blog “Can You Bring an (Elderly) Parent to the Netherlands If You Are an Adult?” I explain the options, including the so-called Belgium route and how to apply for a residence permit for your parent under European law.

Not sure whether you qualify? Get in touch and we will review your situation together.

Need help with your application under EU law?

As a lawyer specialising in European and Dutch immigration law, I can assist you with:

  • Assessing your rights under EU regulations
  • Preparing a strong application for yourself or your family members
  • Gathering convincing evidence (for example regarding dependency or relationship)
  • Handling objection or appeal proceedings in case of rejection

You do not have to do this alone. Would you like to know what you are entitled to? Then book a free 20-minute introductory consultation.

EU residence document application: choose the package that suits you

Whether you want to handle much of the process yourself with a legal check, or prefer to leave everything to me, I offer two clear packages. You choose what best fits your situation and you know exactly where you stand.

1. Smart Together Package: €695 (incl. VAT) 2. Carefree Complete Package: €1795 (incl. VAT)
You do it yourself, I provide legal oversight
For those who want to submit confidently, but seek assurance that everything is correct.		 I arrange everything from A to Z – you only provide the documents
For those who want maximum peace of mind and do not want to leave anything to chance.
Included:

  • Personal checklist with all required documents
  • Review of your application and supporting evidence
  • Legal feedback and tips to strengthen your case
  • One correction round after your adjustments
  • Specifically focused on EU law (derived rights, dependency, relationship requirements)
 Included:

  • Extensive checklist and tailored timeline
  • Guidance in collecting documents
  • Legal analysis of your rights under EU regulations
  • Drafting persuasive substantiation (relationship, dependency, cohabitation)
  • Completing and submitting the IND application form
  • Responding to any additional questions from the IND
  • Notice of default and appeal in case of late decision (if necessary)
  • Full monitoring of progress

Not sure which package suits you?

Then first book a free and non-binding 20-minute intake. I will explain your options and what best fits your situation.

Smart Together Package €695 incl. VAT Carefree Complete Package €1795 incl. VAT
Contact moments 1 correction round + feedback Unlimited
Document checklist Personal & concise Extensive & tailored
Legal review and advice ✓ ✓
Substantiation of relationship/dependency – ✓
Completing IND application forms Do it yourself I do it for you
Submitting application to IND Do it yourself I do it for you
Guidance in collecting documents – ✓
Responding to additional IND questions – ✓
Monitoring deadlines and progress – ✓
Notice of default to IND (in case of no timely decision) – ✓
Appeal to the court in case of late decision – ✓
Fixed price, no surprises ✓ ✓

Note:

  • The package prices stated apply to online sessions via video call. If you prefer an in-person appointment, please let me know. I am happy to arrange this for you, but please note that additional costs may apply.
  • The stated prices exclude additional costs, such as IND fees and any costs for requesting or legalising documents.

Non-binding introduction

Schedule your free introductory consultation

Do you have a question about residing in the Netherlands, for example for a partner or family member? Or are you stuck with immigration law and unsure where to begin? Then you can first get to know me without obligation during a 20-minute introductory phone call.

Free introduction