How Partner Work Impacts the Move
When an employee moves to the Netherlands, the move only works long-term if their family settles in well. For couples where both partners work, the decision to relocate sometimes relies heavily on if the partner can keep their career.
In many countries, a dependent visa locks a partner out of the job market. The Netherlands takes the opposite approach. Under Dutch immigration rules, partners of Highly Skilled Migrants get full permission to work from the day their permit arrives.
Whether you apply for a partner visa in the Netherlands or a Dutch spouse visa, the person moving with you can work for any employer without restrictions.
Marriage Isn’t Required: Equal Rules for Every Couple
The Dutch immigration system keeps relationship rules simple and open. Under the Dutch Aliens Act (Vreemdelingenwet 2000), the same rights apply to every couple:
- Full equality for same-sex couples: The Netherlands legalized same-sex marriage back in 2001. Same-sex and opposite-sex couples follow the exact same visa process and get the exact same rights.
- Unmarried couples can apply: You do not need a marriage certificate or civil partnership. Unmarried partners who can show a long-term, exclusive relationship (duurzame en exclusieve relatie) qualify for family reunificationon the exact same terms as married couples.
Free to Work: What “Arbeid Vrij Toegestaan” Means
The biggest practical advantage of a Dutch dependent visa is open work authorization.
The physical residence card issued to a partner carries the official note: “Arbeid Vrij Toegestaan, TWV niet vereist”(Work freely permitted, no work permit required). This note gives partners complete freedom to:
- Work for any company: Any Dutch business can hire them, even if the employer does not have IND Recognized Sponsor status.
- Work without a separate permit: The employer does not need to apply for a work permit (TWV) from the Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).
- Start a business: Partners can freelance (ZZP), consult, or set up their own Dutch company (BV).
This removes the career gap that often derails international moves. Both partners can keep building their careers from day one.
What You Need to Qualify
To get a partner residence permit, you need to prove two things: your relationship is real, and the main applicant earns enough to support the household.
Income Requirements
The primary earner must show steady, independent income. For Highly Skilled Migrants and European Blue Cardholders, meeting the standard monthly salary thresholds automatically covers the income requirement for family sponsorship.
Required Documents
Children: Legalized birth certificates showing parentage.
Married couples: A legalized or apostilled marriage certificate. If it is not in Dutch, English, French, or German, you need a certified translation by a sworn translator.
Unmarried partners: A relationship questionnaire explaining your history together, plus an official certificate of unmarried status (verklaring van ongehuwd zijn) from your home country to prove neither person is married to someone else.
Bringing a partner or family to the Netherlands involves a few clear steps:
- Apply together: The employer usually files the partner’s visa application at the same time as the main employee’s visa through the IND online portal. This ensures both entry visas (MVV) and residence approvals come through together.
- Register at city hall: Once in the Netherlands, the family visits the local municipality (Gemeente) or regional Expat Center. Everyone gets registered in the national records database (BRP) and receives their Citizen Service Number (BSN).
- Pick up residence cards: The family collects their physical residence cards from the IND.
- Get settled: With their BSN and residence card in hand, partners can open a bank account, sign an employment contract, and register for Dutch healthcare.
For more on broader European mobility rules, see our overview of Europe’s New Stance on Global Mobility.
Turn-key service for you
We handle the entire relocation and visa process so your hires can focus on their new role.
- Joint visa filings: We submit applications for employees, partners, and children together to avoid delays.
- Document check: We guide you through apostilles, legalizations, and certified translations so applications are approved the first time.
- Housing and schools: We help families find a home in a competitive market and secure school spots for children.
- Settling in: We arrange city hall appointments, BSN registration, and tax setup for the whole family.
Learn more about our Partner Support Services, read why Family Relocation Matters, or contact our mobility team to plan your next hire.