Thousands of Russian tourists flock to Holland every year. This picturesque country, located in the northern part of the Old World, is truly a unique corner on planet Earth.
Why Holland
Marine industries are well developed here, and agriculture is well organized. Moreover, the Netherlands is also a storehouse of objects of cultural heritage and historical values. Well, it's no secret that this country is literally mesmerizing with its endless fields of tulips and other flowers. That is why a visa to Holland is issued not only by those who just want to relax abroad, but also those who intend to seriously engage in the flower business in Russia.
It should be noted that in the past, the leadership of the aforementioned state, along with other European powers, ratified the Schengen agreement, therefore, a special order of entry is provided for guests of the Netherlands. In other words, a Schengen visa to Holland must be issued in advance by foreigners. In fairness, it must be emphasized that the country of “tulips” is adjacent to other parties to the above agreement: France, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, therefore, the Schengen visa issued at the Dutch consulate gives the right to freely travel to these countries.
It must be emphasized that there are several options for permits to enter the "flower" country, and it all depends on why you are going there. For example, young people who intend to get an education in the country in question should apply for a student visa to Holland, and those who simply go on vacation and enjoy the beauty should get a tourist visa.
Where is the entry permit issued?
Of course, many are interested in the question of which authorities to submit documents for issuing permission to enter the Netherlands.
However, it should be remembered that applying for a visa to the Netherlands is a rather troublesome business, since you need to collect a huge number of documents. Who is specifically involved in obtaining permits to enter the country of "tulips"? Despite the fact that a visa to the Netherlands is not so easy to issue, you can do it yourself. The package of documents can be addressed to the Embassy of the Netherlands, located in the Russian capital, or to the Consulate General of the "orange" country, located in St. Petersburg. In addition, Dutch visa centers are successfully operating in our regions (in Rostov-on-Don, Yekaterinburg, Kazan). Residents of Murmansk can apply to the Norwegian Consulate General, and residents of Kaliningrad - to the Swedish Consulate General.
It must be emphasized that a visa to the Netherlands when applying to the above authorities you will not receive without an online appointment. As a rule, this procedure begins 14 days before the submission of a package of documents. The approximate term for issuing a permit to enter the Netherlands is 4 days, but in some cases it can be large.
How much does a visa cost?
The cost of the visa includes a consular fee of 35 euros and a service fee (when applying for documents at visa centers), for which you have to fork out for 1000 rubles. As a result, the price of permission to enter the Netherlands is 2200 rubles.
Documentation
Remember: in order to get a visa to Holland, you need to collect a rather voluminous package of documents. At the same time, you should know that their specific list directly depends on what goal you are pursuing, going to a "flower" country. However, you will have to provide basic documents in any case.
So, do you need a visa to Holland? The questionnaire is filled in first of all, while its data should be similar to those contained in the application that you previously issued to obtain a passport.
What more is needed? We list the main ones:
- copy of all pages of an identity document;
- a valid passport whose expiration date is not earlier than 90 days after its intended return;
- original passport that was previously canceled (if it contains a stamp on obtaining a Schengen visa);
- a health insurance contract of € 30,000 or more (guarantee that you will be treated in the Netherlands);
- a document confirming your solvency (bank statement, while the balance should be such that with a daily expenditure of 70 euros on your deposit should be cash);
- color photos in the amount of two pieces (3.5 x 4.5 cm, matte, without ovals and corners on a light background);
- a document confirming the fact of booking a hotel, which contains information about its name, contact details, number of guests and period of stay;
- a document confirming the reservation of the vehicle on which you travel to the Netherlands;
- a document issued by the employer that you are on vacation or are sent on a business trip (it should also contain information about your position, salary, contact details of the company in which you work);
- a document confirming the consent of both or one of the parents to leave the child abroad (if he goes without them or with one of them);
- A duly certified copy of the birth certificate of the child and a questionnaire filled out on it (if you take the children with you to the Netherlands).
Documents should be submitted in person. Moreover, if you do not have time to collect references and statements, then you can entrust this mission to another person, having previously issued a power of attorney for him.
Features of obtaining a tourist visa
Travelers and vacationers receive a visa to Holland by providing the documents listed in the previous paragraph. Moreover, if you want to apply for permission to enter the country of "tulips" as quickly as possible, it is best to seek help from a company that deals with obtaining visas abroad on a professional basis. Yes, in this case you will pay a little more, but you will get a visa as soon as possible.
Features of obtaining a business visa
In addition to the standard package of documents, the entrepreneur will be obliged to report on the reasons for his arrival in the Netherlands and indicate the exact time spent in this country. If the travel initiative comes from the management of the company in which the foreign guest is working, then he must additionally provide a cover letter from the place of work.
It should be noted that a business visa is difficult to roll over. As a rule, it is issued for a period of not more than one year.
Features of obtaining a student visa
This document is issued to those who intend to obtain higher education in the Netherlands. However, you must conclude an agreement with a foreign university in advance and transfer funds to it for tuition, which will remain on deposit until you receive a “foreign” diploma. When moving to Holland, you may be required to obtain a secondary school certificate, as well as papers confirming the fact of admission to a Dutch university. In addition, you will need a copy of the guarantor's application, which is the university of the Netherlands.
Features of obtaining an immigrant visa (MVV)
It is extremely difficult to issue such an option for permission to enter the Netherlands, since it involves obtaining a residence permit.
It should be noted that residents of some countries are not allowed to stay in the Dutch state without an immigrant visa. Specific information can be obtained from the visa application center or consulate of the Netherlands.
The decision about whether to issue you an MVV visa or not is made by a separate structure - the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Netherlands. And, of course, you need to be aware that obtaining an immigrant visa without outside help is a very difficult task, therefore it is better to trust professionals in this matter.