
The Netherlands is a popular destination for international students, and many wish to bring their spouses with them. If you are an international student in the Netherlands, your spouse will need to apply for a visa and/or residence permit. The process depends on the duration of their stay and your nationality. If you are an EU student, your spouse will not need a visa, but non-EU/EEA students' spouses will need to apply for a visa and/or residence permit. Spouses of international students in the Netherlands are generally allowed to work, but there are some restrictions. This paragraph will explore the conditions under which a spouse of an international student can work in the Netherlands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a spouse of an international student work in the Netherlands? | Depends on the type of residence permit held by the international student. |
| Type of residence permit that prohibits spouse from working | Residence permit for study |
| Other requirements for spouse to be allowed to work | The spouse must have a work permit. |
| Other requirements for spouse to be allowed to work | The spouse must have a residence permit that states 'arbeid vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist' on the back. |
| Other requirements for spouse to be allowed to work | The spouse must have a residence permit that is valid for at least one year. |
| Other requirements for spouse to be allowed to work | The spouse must have a residence permit that is not a Single Permit (GVVA). |
| Other requirements for the main applicant | The main applicant must have Dutch nationality or a residence permit. |
| Other requirements for the main applicant | The main applicant must have sufficient funds to support the spouse. |
| Other requirements for the main applicant | The main applicant must have an independent sufficient and sustainable income. |
| Visa requirements for spouse | The spouse must have a visa that is valid for at least 90 days. |
| Visa requirements for spouse | The spouse must have a provisional residence permit (MVV). |
| Visa requirements for spouse | The spouse must have a sponsor declaration signed by the main applicant. |
| Visa requirements for spouse | The spouse must have a birth certificate that is legalized and translated. |
| Visa requirements for spouse | The spouse must have health insurance. |
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What You'll Learn

Spouse visa requirements
If you are a non-EU/EEA student with a residence permit in the Netherlands and your spouse intends to join you, they will need to apply for a visa and/or residence permit. The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a spouse visa in the Netherlands are outlined below.
- The spouse must obtain a Dutch residence permit, which is mandatory for them to live in the Netherlands with you.
- If your spouse intends to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, they will typically need a provisional residence permit (MVV). This can be obtained from a Dutch embassy or consulate before their arrival in the Netherlands.
- You may be required to demonstrate a solid financial plan and sufficient financial means to support yourself and your spouse during their stay.
- Your spouse may need to register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) upon arrival in the Netherlands.
- Depending on the nature of your residence permit, your spouse's right to work may vary. If your residence permit is for study purposes, your spouse will not be permitted to work, and their residence permit will state 'arbeid niet toegestaan' (work not allowed).
- If your spouse intends to work, their employment options will depend on the conditions stated on their residence permit. In some cases, they may need to obtain a work permit from their employer.
- Your spouse may be required to take out health insurance to cover any potential healthcare costs during their stay in the Netherlands.
- If your spouse is from outside the EU/EEA, additional eligibility criteria may apply, such as providing proof of a long-term and exclusive relationship or passing a civic integration examination.
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Work rights for spouses of students
If you are an international student in the Netherlands, your spouse may be able to join you, but their ability to work will depend on the type of residence permit you hold.
Spouse Visa Requirements
To be eligible to apply for a spouse visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- You must be a Dutch national or have a residence permit for at least one year. Temporary residence permits, such as those for exchange students, au pairs, or seasonal labour, do not qualify.
- You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your spouse. This means earning at least the legal minimum wage.
- You must be married or in a long-term exclusive relationship.
- Your spouse must be at least 18 years old.
If you are an international student with a residence permit for study, your spouse will not be allowed to work in the Netherlands. Their residence permit will state 'arbeid niet toegestaan' (work not allowed).
However, if you are permitted to work, your spouse will generally be able to work as well. They will need to apply for a work permit and may need to obtain a provisional residence permit (MVV) before travelling to the Netherlands.
It is important to note that the visa and residence permit requirements and processes can be complex and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is always best to check with the appropriate authorities and seek up-to-date information.
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Residence permits
If you are an international student in the Netherlands, your spouse can join you on a dependent visa. However, they must meet certain conditions. Firstly, you must be married or in a long-term exclusive relationship. Secondly, you must have a valid residence permit for at least one year. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have a minimum income equal to or higher than the minimum Dutch welfare standard and that you can pay for health insurance and housing. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your spouse while in the Netherlands. This means earning at least the legal minimum wage or a percentage of it.
If your spouse is joining you on a dependent visa, they will need to apply for a work permit to be allowed to work in the Netherlands. The conditions of their work permit will depend on the type of residence permit you hold as a student. If your residence permit is for study purposes, your spouse will not be allowed to work in the Netherlands. Their residence permit will state 'arbeid niet toegestaan' (work not allowed). However, if your residence permit is for any other purpose, your spouse will usually be given the same rights to work as you. Their residence permit should state the words 'arbeid vrij toegestaan' (work freely allowed).
If your spouse is from outside the EU/EEA, they will need to apply for a Dutch residence permit. They may also need a provisional residence permit (MVV), which must be collected at a Dutch embassy before travelling to the Netherlands. An MVV is required for stays longer than 90 days. The MVV application can be submitted directly to the Dutch Immigration Services (IND) upon arrival in the Netherlands, or it can be obtained from a Dutch embassy or consulate before entering the country.
As an international student in the Netherlands, you must register with the municipality to receive a "citizen service number", which allows you to receive wages. You are also required to have Dutch Basic Healthcare Insurance, which is compulsory. You can extend your residence permit after your studies, and you do not need a separate work permit to work after graduation. However, your residence permit and student visa may be cancelled if there are changes in your situation, such as discontinuing your studies or insufficient funds.
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Health insurance
If the spouse intends to work, either part-time or full-time, they must switch to a standard Dutch health insurance plan. This is also the case if the spouse is doing an internship that pays the Dutch minimum wage or more. Standard Dutch health insurance costs around €1,500 per year and covers essential healthcare, such as visits to a doctor/general practitioner (GP), maternity care, and hospital care. It does not cover dental costs for individuals over 18.
If the spouse is working, they may be eligible for financial aid from the Dutch government to compensate for the cost of health insurance. To receive this benefit, the spouse must be registered with a municipality and meet certain criteria. The Dutch Tax Office provides healthcare benefits if eligible for Dutch public health insurance. The spouse can also compare different insurance policies on websites like Zorgwijzer.nl to find the best option.
It is important to note that upon arrival in the Netherlands, the spouse is legally required to register in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP) in their local municipality. Additionally, the spouse of an international student may need to apply for a visa and/or Dutch residence permit, depending on their nationality and the duration of their stay. If the spouse intends to work, they should check the conditions stated on their residence permit, as their right to work will depend on the type of permit held by the international student.
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Immigration procedures
If you are an international student and want to bring your spouse to the Netherlands, you must fulfil certain conditions to apply for a spouse visa. Firstly, you must have Dutch nationality or a residence permit. If you are an international student, you will need to apply for a student visa or education visa. Secondly, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your spouse. This means earning at least the legal minimum wage or a percentage of it. You will also need to prove that you have enough money to live in the Netherlands for the duration of your course, which is approximately €870 per month. You will be required to take out health insurance to cover any healthcare costs for yourself and your spouse. You will also need to demonstrate how you will pay for housing.
If you are an unmarried student, you will need to provide even more official and verified documents. You will have to sign a sponsor declaration, acting as a guarantor for the costs incurred by the Dutch State regarding your spouse's stay and their return to their home country.
Your spouse will need to apply for a work permit if they intend to work in the Netherlands. The conditions of their right to work will be outlined on their residence permit. If your spouse plans to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, they will need a Dutch residence permit and, in most cases, a provisional residence permit (MVV), which is collected from a Dutch embassy before travelling to the Netherlands.
The immigration process for visiting relatives of students depends on the duration of their stay. If they are staying for less than 90 days, they may need a Short Stay Schengen visa, which can be applied for at a Dutch embassy or consulate. If they are staying for more than 90 days, they will need an MVV, which is a special entrance visa. To apply for an MVV, your spouse will need to state the purpose of their visit to the Netherlands, i.e. to stay with a family member.
It is recommended that you start the visa application process at least six months in advance.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of residence permit held by the international student. If the student has a residence permit for study, the spouse cannot work. If the student has Dutch nationality or another type of residence permit, the spouse will typically be allowed to work.
The spouse of an international student needs to apply for a spouse visa or dependent visa. They may also need a provisional residence permit (MVV) if they plan to stay for more than 90 days.
The international student must have Dutch nationality or a residence permit, and they must earn at least the legal minimum wage. The spouse must be at least 18 years old, and they must have a legalized and translated birth certificate. They may also need to take and pass a civic integration examination.
The international student must first prove that they have a solid financial plan and sufficient financial means to support their spouse. The spouse must then apply for the appropriate visa and/or residence permit, and they may need to collect an MVV sticker at their local Dutch embassy before travelling to the Netherlands. Once in the Netherlands, they must register with the municipality and may need to obtain a work permit from their employer.
Yes, the spouse is typically only allowed to work a maximum of 16 hours per week and can only work full-time during June, July, and August. They must also have Dutch Basic Healthcare Insurance, which is compulsory.








































