Joel32 wrote:Às the title states, I am moving to the Netherlands to start a new job. I am irish and I am bringing my non-EU wife. Does my wife have to apply for a visa through the Dutch embassy in Ireland? If so, how long does it take and what type of visa is it? Worried that it could take some time to sort the paperwork...
Thanks so much.
She needs to apply for a short term Schengen visa. As she is the spouse of an EEA national and accompanying/joining you, the visa should be issued free of charge and within 15 days. Please note that documents might have to be translated into Dutch. Best to check with the Embassy.
After arrival you have to comply with all the domestic rules regarding residence (registering your address, etc.) and apply for a residence card for family members of EEA nationals, preferably within 90 days of arriving.
The Dutch authorities can then take up to six months for processing this. The residence card is valid for five years after which she can either apply for indefinite leave (if she satisfies the requirements) or apply for another five-year residence card. It also allows unrestricted access to the job market.