Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

Every year we are in the top 3 of the best law firms in the Netherlands in the field of client satisfaction.

EU nationals and their family members

All EU citizens and their immediate family members have the right to reside in the Netherlands, without a residence permit.

EU citizens or “Union citizens” are citizens of other EU members states that move to The Netherlands. They have the immediate right to reside in the Netherlands if they are employed, looking for employment, or are entrepreneurs, or if they have sufficient means to support themselves and cover their health insurance.

Third country nationals family members

For family members of EU citizens who are nationals from another country, outside the European Union – third country nationals – the rights of residence applicable to EU citizens are extended to them as well. Even unmarried partners are often extended the same rights, and treated as Union citizens.

EU Entry visa instead of MVV

These third country nationals do not need a MVV to enter the Netherlands, and can request an EU entry visa ("EU facilitation visa") to the Netherlands from a Dutch Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence/origin. Applying for such a visa is a short, maximum of 15 working days, and cost free, process. Needless to say, family members who are third country nationals do not need to pass the Dutch integration exam.

5 years residence

After a period of 5 years residence, EU citizens and their family members are eligible for a permanent residence permit. This is the highest residence status in the Netherlands and can only be lost after an absence of two consecutive years. Any physical presence in the Netherlands of a few days is sufficient to 'stop' the period of 2 consecutive years period. A new term of 2 years will then start.

Verification against EU law

An application for EU verification is an application for a residence permit from a third country national for a residence permit to stay with an EU citizen. That EU citizen cannot have the Dutch nationality. A Dutch national can only invoke European immigration law in case this Dutch national has lived in an European Member State other than the Netherlands for at least 3 months.

When meeting the requirements, the application can be done for the following family members:

  • Spouse or registered partner, above the age of 18
  • Unmarried partner, above the age of 18
  • (Grand)child under 21 (or under 18 in case it concerns the (grand)child of the unmarried partner of the EU citizen)
  • (Grand)child or (grand)parent, only when financially dependent on the EU citizen
  • Another family member, for example an uncle, aunt, or cousin. And one of the following  situations applies: (1) The family member is financially dependent on the EU citizen. (2) The family member already lived together with the EU citizen in the country of origin. (3) The family member needs care from the EU citizen because of serious health problems.

 

Additional requirements for the family member(s) may apply. Note that in order to apply for verification against EU law, the person with a nationality from outside the EU, must be in the Netherlands. This means that you must travel to the Netherlands first. When you are still outside of the EU, you will need to apply for an EU facilitation visa, at the Dutch representative in your country of origin, or residence.

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Testimonials
Be in Good Company. Our clients appreciate our excellent and client-oriented service.
9.9
Florent and her team were beyond helpful with our case. It was a complicated situation and theu navigated it with ease.
10
Geoff
17 October 2025
Pieter assisted me throughout the immigration process for obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands through marriage to an EU citizen. Throughout the process, Pieter handled every stage with great expertise, always being very attentive...
10
Thiago
17 October 2025
Advocaat Esther Wolthuis heeft ons super goed geholpen bij de naturalisatieaanvraag van mijn man. Dankzij haar snelle handelen en deskundigheid, kregen wij ontzettend snel bericht met de goedkeuring. Wij raden Kroes Advocaten zeker aan en zijn...
10
Vivian Bohorquez
15 October 2025
I had an excellent experience working with Sander Groen on my residence permit. From the very beginning, he was professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable about every step of the process. Sander made what could have been a stressful...
9
Omer Aviv
15 October 2025
My experience with Kroes Advocaten for my residence permit application was excellent. From the very beginning, my lawyer provided clear, thorough guidance and answered all my questions promptly. The process was well-organized, and I always felt...
10
Thomas
14 October 2025
My husband was offered a return to Holland for a second international post and his company recommended Kroes Advocaten to assist in obtaining residency status for me. We started the process prior to leaving the U.S. and had the distinct...
10
Mark
14 October 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Inge for my application for Dutch citizenship by descent, as well as the subsequent Dutch passport application. From start to finish, she provided exceptional service, marked by clear communication, timely...
10
Graham
10 October 2025
Our lawyer was extremely involved and always available to answer questions. He proposed a solution that significantly accelerated my partner’s relocation to the Netherlands — by months — which was both unexpected and very much...
10
Maksim
10 October 2025
I am extremely satisfied with the legal support and professionalism of Jelle. Throughout the entire process, he demonstrated great expertise, clear communication, and genuine dedication to achieving the best possible outcome. His guidance made...
10
Pakize Ozdemir
8 October 2025
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