Netherlands Dutch Child Residence
Netherlands
Residency
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See if you're a match →This route protects a minor Dutch child's ability to live in the Netherlands with essential care from a non-EU family member.
- Who it helps
- Non-EU caregivers or siblings of a minor Dutch child
- Child
- The Dutch child must be under 18 and live in, or be moving to, the Netherlands
- Care
- The child must depend heavily on the applicant's care
- Also known as
- The Chavez route
Summary
The Netherlands has a route for some non-EU parents, caregivers, and minor siblings of a minor Dutch child. It is often called the Chavez route.
The core idea is practical: if a Dutch child under 18 depends heavily on a non-EU family member's care, that family member may need residence in the Netherlands so the child can effectively live there as a Dutch citizen.
Eligibility
You may be a fit if:
- You are not an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen.
- You are the parent, step-parent, foster parent, caregiver, or minor sibling of a Dutch child.
- The Dutch child is under 18.
- The child lives in, or will live in, the Netherlands.
- The child depends heavily on your care or family presence.
- You do not already have another lawful residence basis in the Netherlands or the EU that solves the situation.
What This Route Allows
If approved, you can live in the Netherlands because of the dependent minor Dutch child. The route can also include work authorization.
What This Route Is Not
This is not a broad family route for every relative of a Dutch citizen. The Dutch child's age, dependency, care arrangement, and practical need for the applicant's presence are central.
Next Steps
- Confirm the child's Dutch nationality and age.
- Map the caregiving relationship and dependency.
- Gather proof of parentage, custody, caregiving, residence, and the child's Dutch status.
- Prepare a clear explanation of why the child depends on your presence in the Netherlands.
- Apply to IND under the minor Dutch child route.