Dear editors,
I am married to a Thai and live here in Thailand. I want to live with her in the Netherlands for 2 years. The main reason for this is to sell my house there and to see Europe for a while.
Do I have to go through all that hassle and my wife has to learn Dutch? Is there no other option?
Thanks in advance!
Paul.
Dear Paul,
If you want to come to the Netherlands, you can choose between a short stay visa (max 90 days stay per each period of 180 days) or immigration (TEV procedure including requirements such as integration). There is no possibility to stay in the Netherlands for 2 years in any other way.
Another option is the EU route: living in another EU/EEA country, for example just across the border with Belgium or Germany. In that case there are no integration requirements and, for example, a visa is also free. This is because you, as a married couple in another EU/EEA country, fall under EU rules. Of course, good preparation is also important here, I am not familiar with the details of this route. Then take a look at www.buitenlandsepartner.nl . There you will find sub-forums for the Belgium and Germany route. Or contact an immigration law lawyer who specializes in the EU route.
Yours faithfully,
Rob V