Since 27 July 2020, foreign partners from countries to which the Netherlands currently has an entry ban who are in a relationship with a Dutch or EU national, and their minor children, can visit their partner in the Netherlands provided they can prove that they have a long-distance relationship for at least 3 months.

Depending on the nationality of the partner, he or she will require a Schengen visa to be able to enter the Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days within a 180 day time period.

Before the entry ban came into force due to Covid-19, the partners need to prove that they have seen each other at least twice in person or once for a period of at least 4 weeks.

The following specific conditions apply: The partners both need to demonstrate that they have a love relationship for at least 3 months. They need to make a handwritten statement in which they declare this and provide their personal contact details. They must also sign a declaration of relationship for Covid-19 entry ban exemption in which the date of the relationship is indicated. In addition, proof of the relationship needs to be provided such as for example airline tickets from trips spent together, payments details (e.g. for accommodation) showing that they have spent time together somewhere. Statements by third parties such as friends and family confirming the relationship as well as pictures can also consist of the provided evidence.

The Danish government adopted a similar scheme in May for partners who had long-distance relationships with Danish citizens to allow them to enter Denmark provided they would be able to prove that they had a love relationship by way of photos, sms messages or even love letters.

Initially, the Dutch government seemed to also allow foreign nationals who hold a valid residence status in the Netherlands to see their partners. However, unfortunately the law was eventually not implemented to also apply to Dutch residence permit holders.

Expat Management Group is in close contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Dutch government authorities and hopes for a change in these rules quickly. We will keep our clients updated as the rules may further relaxed soon