Family Reunification and Family Formation in 2026

IND-CN recognizes family reunification and family formation as residence purposes, with separate document lists for partners, children, adopted/foster children and other qualifying situations.

The exact evidence depends on relationship type, nationality, sponsor status and whether an MVV is required.

Sponsor income standard

Current IND-CN means guidance uses a percentage of the island-specific gross minimum wage.

For one sponsored person, the guarantor standard is 120%:

  • Bonaire: $2,223.52/month;
  • Sint Eustatius: $2,206.88/month;
  • Saba: $2,217.28/month.

For several sponsored persons, such as a partner plus one or more children, the standard is 140%:

  • Bonaire: $2,594.10/month;
  • Sint Eustatius: $2,574.70/month;
  • Saba: $2,586.82/month.

These are 2026 calculations from the official 2026 minimum-wage amounts and IND's current 120%/140% formula.

Common evidence

RCN's forms and enclosures include, depending on the relationship:

  • relationship declaration;
  • civil-status documents;
  • consent/declarations for minors;
  • guarantee;
  • sponsor income evidence;
  • identity/passport documents; and
  • legalized/translated foreign documents where required.

Applicants should use the current document list for their exact relationship category.

MVV

Applicants from MVV-required nationality groups normally complete the MVV stage before entering for long-term family residence. A first-degree relative living on the island can act as reference in the MVV process where applicable.

The current MVV guidance says to allow up to three months, with an IND aim of two months for a complete application.

2026 fees

Family fees are lower than most work/business categories:

  • adult family reunification/family formation: $196;
  • minor family reunification/family formation: $65;
  • adopted/foster child: $65.

The same core amounts appear in the 2026 schedule for MVV, first permit and extension.

Work rights

Family residence should not automatically be described as unrestricted work permission. The employment position depends on the permit conditions and the work-permit rules applicable to the individual/employer.

Before taking local employment, confirm whether a TWV is needed.

Permanent residence and citizenship

Family residence can be relevant to long-term lawful stay, but permanent residence still has its own five-year/continuous-residence conditions and nationality is a separate procedure.

Marriage or partnership does not automatically create Dutch citizenship.

Return to the Caribbean Netherlands immigration hub, browse visa types, explore the Caribbean region, review our methodology, and read the legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba