gezinsverband

Gezinsverband is a Dutch term that denotes the linkage between family members who form a family unit. In Dutch administrative and legal contexts, it describes which persons are regarded as part of the same family for purposes of rights, duties, and policy measures.

Typically, gezinsverband includes a parent or parents and their dependent children, and can extend to a spouse or registered partner and other dependents, depending on the specific policy or law. The precise composition and rules governing gezinsverband vary between contexts and jurisdictions, and may differ for taxation, social security, housing, education, and immigration.

In practice, gezinsverband is used by government bodies such as municipalities, tax authorities, social security institutions, and immigration services to determine eligibility and entitlements. For example, it can influence how benefits are allocated, how housing is assigned, or whether family reunification rights apply in the context of residence permits. It also appears in demographic data as a way to describe household composition and family ties.

Distinct from broader sociological discussions of family, gezinsverband refers to a functional and sometimes legally defined unit rather than a generic cultural concept. The exact definition is policy-dependent; therefore, it is important to consult the relevant law or regulation to determine who is included in a particular gezinsverband.

See also: familie, huishouden, kin, household composition.