The Netherlands is a signatory to the Schengen Agreement. There are two types of visas in the country: national and Schengen. In most cases, a Schengen visa is issued, which gives the right to visit not only Holland, but also all countries of the Schengen area. But sometimes the conditions for issuing Dutch visas may differ from the Schengen rules. This is usually associated with determining the duration of stay in the country, and in such cases, you can apply for a national visa.
Visa processing is carried out by authorized representatives of the consulate or embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as well as state and commercial visa centers. Reception is held by appointment and often requires a personal presence when submitting documents. If there are already more than 2 Schengen visas in the passport, then you can submit documents through an authorized representative or courier with the obligatory provision of a power of attorney. The Dutch Diplomatic Authority reserves the right to call for an interview and ask any questions.
Working or labor visa to Holland
Those who plan to obtain a visa to the Netherlands for employment should keep in mind that only highly qualified specialists can get a job in this country. Every year, the country issues 28,000 visas for foreign workers and consistently takes measures to promote intellectual immigration.
The employment procedure is regulated by the Aliens Employment Act, and the main responsibility lies with the employer. To obtain a work visa, you must first reach an agreement with the employer, draw up an employment contract and receive an invitation from the Dutch side.
Only an employer can apply for a visa , and he is obliged to prove to the immigration authorities that there are no applicants for a vacancy either among the local population or among applicants living in the EU countries. Five weeks before the start of the paperwork, the employer must inform the workers’ insurance authorities about the open vacancy and then prove that during this time he was actively looking for an employee in his country and in the EU area.
The relevant authorities then evaluate the efforts made, as well as check the proposed salary and living conditions, after which the application for a visa and a residence permit is received. Usually a work visa is issued for the duration of the contract. For long-term work, the term is 3 years with a subsequent extension.
Student visa to Holland
According to the new immigration rules, it is possible to obtain a visa to Holland for study only through a university accredited by the immigration and naturalization service. The administration is obliged to check the documents provided by the candidate and send them to the state immigration service (IND).
Only the university can apply for a visa . Registration begins after the official enrollment in one of the official training programs. A student visa is affixed to the passport and gives the right to obtain a residence permit. You can obtain such a permit (plastic card) after arrival either at the university or at the regional office of the IND. Within 5 days, you must register with the municipality and receive an identification number.
The residence permit is issued for the period of study plus three months, but not more than 5 years. The university is obliged to monitor progress and provide annual reports, depending on which the residence permit can be extended for another 1 year. Students are allowed to work no more than 10 hours per week. The university may also apply for a visa for the student’s relatives, but the entire responsibility for their stay rests with it. After graduation, you either need to get a job or leave the country.
Business visa to Holland
A business visa is required for frequent business trips to Holland. Such a visa has several advantages over a tourist visa, which can be used for a one-time trip:
- longer duration;
- allows you to visit the country regularly;
- requires a minimum package of documents;
- processed faster.
To apply for a visa , an invitation from a Dutch partner is required, indicating the purpose of the trip, the date and financial guarantees of the partner. If the visit to the country is related to a business trip, then a cover letter from the sending company indicating the position and salary is required.
For businessmen, it is better to apply for a Schengen multi-visa, which allows multiple entry to all countries of the Schengen area for a long period. In this case, you do not have to draw up documents for a visa in a new way each time and spend time again on all the formalities. In addition, Holland does not issue visas on an emergency basis and you will have to comply with all deadlines.
A business visa, unlike a tourist or guest visa, which are issued for 90 days, can be issued for a period of 6 months to 5 years. The term of its validity is determined depending on the needs of the business and in the presence of a positive visa history. A business visa does not entitle you to seek employment or work for hire.
Tourist visa to Holland
For personal trips for the purpose of recreation, exploring the sights and cultural life of the country, you can get a visa to Holland for tourists. A tourist visa is a single-entry document that allows you to travel not only to Holland, but also to other Schengen countries.
You can apply for a visa through a travel company or a diplomatic mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands: Embassy, Consulate, state and commercial visa centers. To apply for a visa, you must register two weeks before the trip on the website of the official representative office.
The Embassy may request any documents that confirm the purpose and duration of the trip. The process of consideration of additional information may be somewhat delayed, so it is advisable to start applying for a visa 4 weeks before the intended trip. Also, the Dutch mission may invite the applicant for a visa for an interview.
The presence of a Schengen visa does not guarantee that there will be no problems with entry to Holland. Border and customs services are endowed with serious powers and may require original documents confirming solvency, guarantees of financial security from other persons or bank account statements at the border.
Documents for visa to Holland
What documents are required for a visa – this question directly depends on the purpose of visiting Holland. The package of documents is standard for all countries included in the Schengen Agreement:
- A valid passport issued no later than 10 years ago with a validity period of at least 3 months after the end of the trip.
- Certified copies of all pages of the passport with personal data.
- Internal passport with copies of all available pages.
- Completed and signed visa application form.
- Two standard size photographs (3.5 x 4.4 cm).
- Certificate from the place of work/study.
- Insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros.
- Documents confirming the solvency, or financial guarantees of the sponsor in the amount of 160 euros per day.
- A copy of the hotel reservation receipt for the entire stay.
- Information about booking round-trip tickets.
For children, housewives, students and pensioners, i.e. persons who do not have their own income, a letter is required that guarantees the necessary funding from one of the working relatives. As a guarantee of solvency can be: a certificate from the currency exchange, a copy of a plastic card, an extract from a bank account, traveler’s checks.
In addition, students must provide a certificate from the place of study with permission for the time of absence and a copy of the student card. Entrepreneurs – a copy of the registration certificate and identification code.
In case of doubt, documents may be irretrievably confiscated and entry may be denied at the very border. Therefore, it is very important that all visa documents are authentic and properly executed.
