NRI Spouse Dependent Visa Europe: Country-by-Country Guide 2025
Bringing your spouse or family to Europe requires a dependent or family reunification visa. Requirements vary widely — here is what each major NRI destination requires.
Family Reunification vs Dependent Visa: What Is the Difference?
In European immigration terminology, the right to bring your family to join you is called family reunification (Familienzusammenführung in German, gezinshereniging in Dutch). It is a right under EU Directive 2003/86/EC that allows EU long-term residents and third-country nationals on qualifying visas to bring their immediate family (spouse, minor children). The process, income thresholds, and timelines differ significantly by country.
Germany: Familienzusammenführung
Germany's family reunification for non-EU spouses of Indian nationals (Blue Card or work permit holders) requires:
- Basic German language: The sponsoring spouse's partner must demonstrate A1 German language proficiency (simple sentences, Goethe-Institut test) before applying — unless they qualify for an exception (highly skilled, Blue Card holder's spouse, degree in a German-speaking country).
- Income threshold: The sponsor must earn enough to support the family without public funds. For a couple, approximately €2,000–2,200 net per month is typically required.
- Accommodation: Proof of adequate housing (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord).
- Timeline: Processing at the Indian embassy takes 3–6 months. Apply early — appointment slots at the German embassy in India fill months in advance.
Netherlands: MVV + Residence Permit
For spouses of non-EU nationals with a Dutch residence permit (kenmerken hoog opgeleide or regular work permit):
- Apply for an MVV (Machtiging tot Voorlopig Verblijf) — a provisional residence visa — at the Dutch embassy in India. IND (Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst) processes the underlying application.
- No Dutch language requirement at the entry stage (unlike Germany), but integration exams are required within 3 years of arrival.
- Income: The sponsor must earn at least the applicable statutory minimum wage (approximately €2,070/month gross in 2025).
- Processing time: IND aims for 90 days. Actual processing: 3–6 months in peak periods.
United Kingdom: Family Visa (Appendix FM)
Since Brexit, UK family visa rules apply to all non-EEA nationals including Indian nationals:
- Financial requirement: The UK-based sponsor must earn at least £29,000 gross per year (raised from £18,600 in April 2024; further increases planned). Savings can partially substitute income.
- English language: The spouse must pass the IELTS Life Skills A1 or B1 test (or have a degree taught in English).
- Processing: Typically 60–90 days from UKVI for the initial application.
- Initial visa is for 30 months; renewable for another 30 months; after 5 years total, eligibility for indefinite leave to remain.
Ireland: Join Family Visa
Ireland's family reunification is somewhat more flexible:
- Spouses of non-EEA workers with a valid Irish Stamp 1 or 1G work permit can apply for a Join Family (Stamp 3) visa.
- No income threshold explicitly stated, but proof of self-sufficiency and accommodation required.
- No language test required at application stage.
- Processing: 6–12 months currently (INIS has significant backlogs).
Does an OCI Card Holder Need a Visa to Join You?
An OCI card holder Indian spouse can enter India freely, but for joining you in Europe they still need the standard family reunification or dependent visa — the OCI card provides rights in India only, not in any European country. The process is identical whether your spouse holds an OCI card or not.
Documents Checklist (Common Across All Countries)
- Marriage certificate (apostilled in India, translated into the local language if required).
- Sponsor's current residence permit (copy).
- Sponsor's employment contract and 3–6 months' payslips.
- Accommodation proof (rental contract + landlord declaration).
- Health insurance proof covering the spouse.
- Sponsor's bank statements (3–6 months).
- Passport photos meeting the country's biometric specifications.
Use the NRI Tools Embassy guide to find the Indian embassy contact details and consular appointment booking for your country — open the embassy guide.