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How can I apply for the domestic violence visa to relocate to the Netherlands?

I’m from a Sub-Saharan country and I live in a hostile home environment, and I don’t feel safe due to threats by male members of my family. I just heard about the domestic violence visa that I can take to move to the Netherlands but I don’t know if I can apply for it straight up or do I have to go to the Netherlands on a tourist visa and do it from there?


Answers
  • Delissen Martens
    October 20, 2023

    Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a domestic violence visa. A residence permit for victims of domestic violence can only be granted to applicants already present in the Netherlands. It is not possible to qualify for a visa on the basis of domestic violence. Applicants present in the Netherlands can qualify for a residence permit as a victim of domestic violence, if the national authorities of their country of origin cannot or are unwilling to protect them against domestic violence. Domestic violence is different from honor-based violence. The differences are outlined on the website of the Dutch immigration authority (IND).