The Netherlands is one of the best European countries. They are famous not only for their high standard of living and social security, but also for their tolerance, including towards immigrants.
General information
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is located in Western Europe, including the island of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba in the Caribbean. Square - 41,543 km², population - 17 073 999 people (for 2021). The capital is Amsterdam.
In the Middle Ages, together with Belgium, it was part of the Lower Countries. On July 26, 1581, the state won independence from Spain, at the same time the "Golden Age" began. Belgium and Luxembourg separated. In 1848, the Netherlands adopted a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. After the occupation during the Second World War, they recovered with the help of the United States. In 1957 they became one of the founders of the European Union.
Divided into 12 provinces, which are made up of rural and urban communities. South and North Holland are considered the central provinces, which is why Russians often call the state Holland.
Covered by a dense river network, due to which a wide flat lowland was formed. There are small hills in the southeast. The climate is maritime, temperate: warm summers and winters. Average temperature in summer + 16-17 ° C, in winter - + 2 ° C... It often rains, there are fogs, and little snow in winter.
The economy is industrial, developed. GDP is $ 826 billion, of which 73% is in the service sector. Currency - Euro. Excellent infrastructure, free market, high salaries.
Flaws:
- Progressive taxation;
- Aging population.
Main industries:
- Mechanical engineering;
- Electronics;
- Petrochemistry;
- Aircraft building.
Meat, vegetables, floriculture products, metal products are exported.
Ancient and modern cuisine is combined. The main influence is exerted by developed fishing and agriculture. Dutch cuisine is famous for its cheeses and chocolate. National dishes: pickled herring, waffles, croquettes.
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In the rating of living standards compiled by the Legatum Institute and the UN, they occupy 9-10 places. Average salary - 2 855 € per month, decent pensions and tolerant residents.
Emigration
According to statistics, 40% of residents are emigrants. Due to such popularity among visitors, emigration laws have become stricter. Now, to emigrate, an account statement is not enough. It is necessary to pass a test that determines the ability of a foreigner to adapt in the Kingdom (for more details, see the section Immigration).
To move, you need to issue a national visa MVV. The validity period is a year, but you can stay on it for no more than six months (then a residence permit is issued).
List of required documents:
- Completed application form (in English);
- Passport + copies of all pages;
- Passport signed by the applicant + copies of all pages;
- Two color photographs 35 × 45 mm;
- Copies of tickets;
- Proof of rental housing;
- Medical insurance for the amount 30 000 €;
- Financial guarantees (50 € per person).
Also, depending on the purpose of the trip, additional documents may be required:
- Employment - employment contract;
- Business - INN;
- Study - an invitation from the university, etc.
More information can be found on the website of the Immigration Service.
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The sequence of actions is as follows:
- Collect the entire package of documents;
- On the website of the visa center VFS Global choose your preferred city;
- Download and fill out the application form, attach it to the rest of the package;
- Register on the website of the visa center;
- Submit documents on time;
- Wait for results (via the passport number on the website).
Possible reasons for refusal:
- Incorrect filling of the questionnaire;
- The Consulate is not satisfied with the documents;
- Forgery or false information.
In this case, an appeal can be made, but if rejected again, an entry ban will be issued.
Registration cost - 35 € (standard), 70 € (express)... Terms - several weeks.
Immigration
The methods of immigration are presented in the table.
| Employment | Employees of Dutch firms can obtain a residence permit under an employment contract. You will need to stay in the country for at least 5 months, renew the permit annually. |
| Business immigration | Anyone can open a residence permit if he has income (enterprise, freelance, etc.) within the state and pays tax on it. |
| Studies | For applicants to Dutch universities. It is issued only for the period of study, after which you can apply for a work visa. |
| Family reunification and marriage | For spouses or relatives of native citizens. Confirmation of the authenticity of the relationship is required. No need to prove financial viability. |
| Humanitarian | Providing asylum for refugees. |
| Closeness to the citizen | A unique way. Implies that you can move while in close relationship (not necessarily marriage, including same-sex) with a native Dutchman. The relationship must last at least three years. Upon separation, the permission will be canceled. |
According to the new rules, after migration, you need to pass a test for "integration". It includes watching a movie with homosexual footage and a nude beach, as well as a language proficiency test at the Embassy.
A residence permit can be used for a year, three or five years, depending on the behavior of the foreigner. It is important not to forget about the extension, otherwise the resident will leave the Kingdom and the countdown will start over. After five years, the applicant is eligible to apply for permanent residence and citizenship.
Employment
Citizens of Russia and the CIS must apply for a work visa. It is better to apply for it before employment, and then look for an employer in the Kingdom.
Requirements for the applicant:
- A native resident should not apply for a vacancy;
- Job invitation;
- Age - 18-30 years old;
- Having a passport;
- Proof of rental housing;
- Financial guarantees (account statement, employment contract);
- Knowledge of the language at level A2;
- Consent to a medical examination;
- Medical insurance.
Types of work visas:
- Working (issued for 3 years, allows you to work legally);
- Conditional working;
- Temporary;
- Short-term (up to 24 days).
It is faster and easier if the employer takes care of the permit. He will submit the required documents to the Consulate.
Business immigration
To open a full-fledged business, you need to live in the state for at least 3 years. The authorities are interested in foreign investors, therefore they do not put forward special restrictions, but still there are requirements. The matter is regulated by the Dutch Immigration Service (IND) and the Ministry of Finance.
Conditions for entrepreneurs:
- Stable income (1572 €);
- Authorized capital in the amount of 18 000 €;
- Having a passport;
- No criminal record, confirmation that the applicant does not pose a threat to public order;
- Consent to a medical examination;
- Niche in demand in Holland;
- Labor experience (education, entrepreneurial experience);
- Business plan.
Procedure for registration:
- Choosing a unique name for the company;
- Registration by a notary;
- Registration of a company in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- Registration with the tax office;
- Registration in the social service.
After opening a company, you need to work for a year, during which it should bring stable high profits. At the end of the term, you can apply for a residence permit.
You can open a limited liability company, general partnership or individual entrepreneur. Registration period is 2 months.
Immigration through the acquisition of real estate
Buying real estate in Holland does not give any privileges and benefits in obtaining a permit. This helps to issue the Schengen, and also allows you not to issue a confirmation of rental housing. Fictitious transactions with the acquisition of real estate are strictly prohibited and threaten with deportation with recognizance not to leave.
Studies
- Higher education for CIS citizens is paid: 6,000–20,000 € depending on the university. About 10,000 € per month are spent on renting housing (hostel), food, transport and other expenses. However, the diploma is appreciated all over the world.
Post-secondary applicants must complete a preparatory course (1–12 months). Cost: 6000-12000 €.
The student is obliged to issue:
- Student visa (MVV) - allows you to cross borders;
- Residence permit (VVR) - Residence permit, which allows you to legally stay in the country for the period of study.
Registration cost - 300 €. Upon arrival, you need to register with the municipality at the place of residence, get BSN (an identification number).
Required documents:
- Certificate of complete secondary education;
- Motivation letter;
- International passport + copies of pages with personal information;
- Financial guarantees (letter from the university about the scholarship, account statement in the amount of 10 412 €, help from parents);
- Two color photographs 35 × 45mm;
- Proof of housing availability (for at least 10 months);
- An invitation from the university.
Requirements for the applicant:
- Age from 18 years old;
- English proficiency;
- Good academic performance (tracked).
Sequencing:
- Choose a suitable university;
- Register on the university website;
- Collect a package of documents;
- Prepare a portfolio or pass entrance exams (for some professions);
- Pay the registration fee (50–100 €);
- Receive an invitation from the university and proceed with the registration of a residence permit.
Most universities send a response within a month after submitting an application.
Pros of learning:
- Constantly improving methods and standards of education;
- The diploma gives the opportunity to work in a large company;
- Tolerance and internationality.
Cons: High living and educational costs.
Family reunification and marriage
This category includes family members of immigrants who have already received a residence permit, who are native citizens or who are entering the country with a main resident. You need to apply in IND.
In the case of a relationship, the spouse, regular partner and same-sex couples have the right to move. The Kingdom also accepts minor children, dependents and parents over 65 years of age.
Requirements for main residents:
- Living space sufficient for each family member;
- Stable income (1425 €);
- The employment contract must have been in force for a year;
- Marriage certificate (or celibacy certificate), birth certificate or family ties;
- Medical insurance for the visitor;
- Passing the exam on civic integration (350 €).
Procedure:
- Preparation of the entire package;
- Submission of an application (both at the Embassy and in the state itself);
- D or MVV visa (valid for 3 months);
- Registration of a residence permit within 3 days.
Everything must be translated and apostilled.
Humanitarian program
A refugee is a person who is at risk to life and health at home. It is difficult to obtain refugee status, but it is possible. You can submit an application both in the state itself (at the airport - the best way), and at the reception points of the Immigration Services.
Procedure for obtaining status:
- Conversation with a representative of the Service (the request is considered for 48 hours);
- Approval or rejection of the application;
- Interview with the applicant;
- Referral to a refugee center (camp where they will provide housing and three meals a day);
- Received a response within 6 months.
If rejected, a legal appeal can be filed. You will have to wait for an answer at home. If approved, the applicant gets the opportunity to live in the Kingdom for up to 3 years, while he needs protection.
Life in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a highly developed European country. Minimal salary - 1400 €, average pension - 900 €, rental price - 600 €.
The Dutch have an unusual trait: tolerance for everything that is not prohibited by law. Most people have their own home. Immigrants complain about medicine: as a rule, antibiotics are prescribed instead of a thorough examination. The disadvantages also include high prices and taxes.
I have been living in Vlissingen for three years. A small, cozy town, mills, nice and helpful people who are friendly to foreigners. The Dutch are punctual, prudent, and also - contrary to stereotypes - law-abiding and lead a healthy lifestyle. Pensioners are very active here, they participate in various activities, go in for sports. This is the only place where I immediately felt at home. Therefore, I do not want to leave.
AVI
The first year was the hardest. It became much easier after I found a job: I gained confidence in myself and began to get used to life. I gradually adapted. My husband and I both got a good job, we were able to buy a house. The language is difficult, but you can master it over time. You can find a job even without knowing the Dutch language; employers have a good attitude towards immigrants.
Yaroslava
The Netherlands is one of the best countries in which immigrants can live. Here, the most tolerant attitude towards them (both on the part of people and employers, universities, etc.). However, before immigrating, it is worth preparing for the high costs.
