Bringing your family
Most skilled routes let your husband or wife and your children join you. The waiting time and your partner's right to work depend on the permit you hold.
The general picture
- EU Blue Card holders get the most favourable family rules: family members can usually join immediately, without a waiting period, and spouses can work.
- Highly skilled national permits (such as the Dutch highly skilled migrant scheme) also allow families to join quickly, with work rights for spouses.
- Lower-paid or seasonal permits often have stricter rules: waiting periods, income and housing tests, or no family reunification at all.
Country notes
- Germany: spouses of skilled workers and Blue Card holders generally do not need to prove German language skills, and can work.
- Netherlands: family members of highly skilled migrants receive a residence permit that allows them to work.
- Portugal: since late 2025 a general two-year residence requirement applies before family reunification, with exceptions, including for highly qualified professionals.
Documents to prepare in India
- Marriage certificate, apostilled
- Children's birth certificates, apostilled
- Passports for every family member
- Proof of accommodation large enough for the family (often required)
- Proof of income or your employment contract
- Health insurance for family members
- Translations where required
Get marriage registration in order before you start. A religious ceremony certificate alone is often not enough; a registered marriage certificate is the safer document.
Planning tips
- Many people move first and bring the family a few months later, once housing is sorted.
- School places in big cities can be scarce. International schools are expensive; public schools are free but teach in the local language.
- If your spouse wants to work, check whether their own qualification needs recognition.
