Moving your family to the Netherlands is a big and happy step. But the costs for papers and permits can feel hard to understand. From January 1, 2026, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has raised its fees by about 4.4% or 4.5%. This is because of normal yearly changes based on wages and prices in the country.
This guide explains the latest fees for dependent residence permits in simple words. It covers bringing a partner, child, or other family member. The information comes from official IND sources and updates for 2026. Always check the IND website yourself because rules can change.
Primary Fee Structure (2026 Updates)
The price you pay depends on who you are bringing and their age. These fees are for the first application, when you change the reason for stay, or for a normal extension.
Partner and Spouse Applications
If you want to bring your husband, wife, registered partner, or long-term partner, the fee is higher because it is for adults.
- Partner/Spouse Application Fee: €254 This is the main fee for 2026. It is for spouses or unmarried partners of Dutch citizens or people who already have a residence permit, like Highly Skilled Migrants.
This fee went up a little from last year because of the yearly indexation. It covers the full process for most family partners.
Children and Minor Dependents
The government keeps fees lower for children. This helps families stay together.
- Minor Child Application (Under 18): €85 This is for children under 18 years old. It applies to the first application, changes, or extensions. It is much lower than adult fees to make family reunification easier.
- Adult Child Extension (18+): €243 This is for a child who came to the Netherlands as a dependent when young but is now 18 or older. They need to extend their permit as an adult.
These fees help parents bring their kids without paying too much.
Mandatory Entry Visas: The MVV Fee
Many people from outside the EU/EEA need a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV) before they come to the Netherlands. This is like an entry visa for long stays.
In 2026, the MVV is often combined with the residence permit application. This is called the TEV procedure. You pay one fee for both.
- Standard MVV Fee: Included in the main fee. For partners, it is part of the €254. For children, it is part of the €85.
Some countries do not need an MVV. People from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the USA, and a few others are exempt. They can apply for the residence permit after they arrive or in a different way.
If you need an MVV, make sure to apply early. The embassy or consulate handles this part.
Secondary & Related Costs
The IND fee is not the only money you spend. There are other costs to prepare your papers and avoid problems or delays.
First, your documents from your home country, like birth certificates or marriage papers, must be legalized or have an apostille. This proves they are real.
- Legalization & Apostille: Costs are different in each country. Usually, it is between €20 and €50 for each document. Next, if your papers are not in Dutch, English, French, or German, you need a certified translation by a sworn translator.
- Certified Translations: The price depends on the translator and how many pages. It can add some extra money to your budget. After you pay the IND fee, you or your family must give biometrics. This means fingerprints and photos.
- Biometrics Collection: It is free at IND offices or embassies. But you may need to travel, so add money for transport or trips. For some partners, there is a civic integration exam abroad. This is a basic Dutch language and society test before coming.
- Civic Integration Exam Abroad: It costs around €350. Not everyone needs it. It depends on nationality and the sponsor type.
These extra costs are important. Plan for them so your application goes smoothly.
Sponsor Income Requirements 2026
To bring a dependent family member, the sponsor (the person already in the Netherlands) must show they have enough money. The income must be “sufficient and sustainable.” This means steady and high enough to support the family.
The IND updates these amounts every year. For the first half of 2026, here are the main ones (gross monthly income, not including 8% holiday pay):
- Sponsor with Partner: €2,477.95 This is if the sponsor has a partner or is married/registered.
- Single Parent: €1,734.57 This is for a single sponsor bringing children.
These amounts are for many types of permits, like family reunification or Highly Skilled Migrants. The sponsor must prove this income with payslips, contracts, or other papers. If the income is too low, the application can be refused.
The amounts change twice a year sometimes, so check the latest on the IND site.
Renewal & Status Changes
When your family is already in the Netherlands, you may need to renew or change the permit.
Here are some common 2026 fees:
- Permanent Residence (EU Long-term): €254 for adults, €85 for minors. This is for people who want to stay forever after some years.
- Verification Against EU Law: €85. This is for family of non-Dutch EU citizens who use EU rules.
- Replacement of Permit Card: €162. If you lose your card or it gets stolen, you pay this to get a new one.
Renewals are important to keep legal stay. Apply before your current permit ends.
2026 Pro Tip
Use the “Digital Fast-Track” to make things faster. Apply online through “My IND” if you have DigiD (Dutch digital ID). Digital applications often get processed quicker than paper ones. If the sponsor is a Highly Skilled Migrant with a Recognized Sponsor (like an employer), ask the employer to apply for family at the same time. This can make processing faster and easier, sometimes with group payments.
These tips save time and stress. In the end, bringing your family to the Netherlands costs money, but planning helps a lot. The main IND fees are clear now for 2026, but add the extra costs like documents and travel. Would you like me to draft a “Document Checklist for Dutch Partner Visas” or a “2026 Income Requirement Calculator” based on your specific family size?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers should always check the official IND website or contact them for the most accurate and up-to-date information before making any decisions on immigration or money matters. Rules can change, and personal situations differ.