Can the families of asylum seekers come to the Netherlands?
Once an asylum seeker has a residence permit, their spouse or registered partner and their children can come to the Netherlands. The right to family life is protected in international agreements about human rights.
Demonstrating a family relationship
Once an asylum seeker has been granted a residence permit they have three months in which to apply for family reunification. Before a partner or family member can join them, documentary evidence of the family relationship must be provided. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) checks the documents. For more information see the conditions for the admission of family members on the IND website.
DNA testing of family members
If no documentary evidence of a family relationship can be provided, the IND can ask for a DNA test to be carried out. It can also carry out or commission an identification interview to establish that a family relationship exists. This involves interviewing the family member at a Dutch embassy or consulate.