The best place to immigrate to the Netherlands is Amsterdam. There is an indescribable atmosphere inherent in a modern large city: the operation of a huge airport, a smoothly functioning public transport system, a developed trade sector, as well as services, recreation and education. Immigration to Holland for many people becomes a salvation in the current crisis situation in the world. But recently, in order to move to this country, you need to pass a test in the form of an integration exam, the cost of which is 350 euros. You can get a residence permit in Holland by coming to study or work, or run your own business. Permanent residence will appear only after 5 years of continuous stay in the country. Let's consider all the conditions in more detail.
Immigration conditions
Wealthy people who do not need to provide social assistance to the state have the greatest chance of getting a residence permit.
Dutch residence permit card
Basically, you can immigrate to Holland in the following ways:
- Through a close relationship over a long period of time (three years) with a citizen of the country, and it is not necessary to have a marriage registration;
- Having lived in the Netherlands for five years or more;
- Running your business successfully;
- Having received refugee status;
- Getting an education in Holland.
If immigration to the Netherlands takes place through marriage, then in this case it is not necessary to stay in the country continuously for three years. But it is prohibited to have dual citizenship, except for those whose spouse is himself a Dutch citizen.
New rules
Those wishing to immigrate to Holland receive civic integration knowledge and pass an exam before arriving in the country. It will include watching a film showing footage of homosexual relationships and a nudist beach. This is emphasized because this is the norm for Holland. Next, at the Dutch Embassy you will need to take a test on your language proficiency in the country.
The residence permit can be used for one, three or five years, with the possibility of extension subject to good behavior. After these years, you can apply for Dutch citizenship or an indefinite residence permit.
Residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) for investment – Residence permit extension
Is your residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) by investment expiring soon? Apply for an extension. The residence permit specifies an expiration date. The residence permit will no longer be valid from this date. It is important that you renew your residence permit on time - that is, before the date on which the residence permit expires.
It is your responsibility to ensure that your Dutch residence permit is renewed; it is not automatically renewed. It is recommended to submit your renewal request 3 months before the expiration date.
To renew a residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) for investment, you will need documents proving the fact of such investment. The list of relevant additional documents is determined by which of the following business entities the capital is being invested in:
- Innovative company;
- A contractual joint venture (contractual joint venture) that invests in one or more innovative companies;
- A fund that, according to the decision of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, meets the requirements of the “seed” financing scheme;
- Investment venture fund of the Dutch Association of Investment Companies (NVP).
Residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) for investment - Documents for extending a residence permit in the Netherlands when investing in an innovative company
- Recent annual financial statements of the company/companies in which the applicant has invested;
- A statement by the managers that the capital that the applicant has invested in accordance with the investment plan is present in the company;
- Description of results in relation to job creation (if applicable);
- Description of innovation results (if applicable);
- Description of the results of the non-financial contribution (if applicable).
Residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) for investment - Documents for extending a residence permit in the Netherlands when investing in a joint venture on a contractual basis
- Recent annual financial statements of the company/companies in which the applicant has invested;
- A document confirming that the applicant is a member of the partnership;
- A statement by the managing directors that the capital invested in accordance with the investment plan remains contractually present in the joint venture;
- Description of results in relation to job creation (if applicable);
- Description of innovation results (if applicable);
- Description of the results of the applicant's non-financial contribution (if applicable).
Residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) for investment - Documents for extending a residence permit in the Netherlands when investing in a seed financing fund
- Documents confirming that the applicant takes part financially in a seed fund, which is recognized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands;
- A document stating that the investment is still present in the fund.
Residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) for investment - Documents for extending a residence permit in the Netherlands when investing in an investment venture fund with NVP
- Certificate of participation in the NVP fund;
- A document stating that the investment is still present in the fund.
Emigration to Holland through marriage
A marriage may have an official status and not be marked. In addition, permanent residence in the country is not necessary in this case. You will need to be present at the time of submitting your application for citizenship. But not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance.
The validity of long-term intimate relationships will be checked by the authorities. They take place in the form of numerous surveys, tests, comparison of information, study of all the details, even small ones. In the case of an unregistered marriage, there is one important nuance: if partners separate after receiving permanent residence, the citizen will be required to leave the country.
Pros and cons of moving to Holland
Before deciding to take such a serious step as moving to Holland, of course you need to consider a number of pros and cons.
There are so many nuances to living in Holland that you probably need to somewhat narrow down their impact on your life. For example, consider only those points that concern your family. For example, if you are not a refugee, but a representative of the Russian Federation living with your family, you will probably be interested in issues of social services, work, and the possibility of finding housing.
Let's look at the main advantages of moving.
- Mentality
Europeans who live in Holland have long been accustomed to visitors and consider them part of the country's culture. They treat them tolerantly, there are no clashes or conflicts. The Netherlands is currently home to a huge number of emigrants from various countries, so the Dutch no longer pay attention to representatives of other regions.
Also, the Dutch themselves are quite calm, honest and open people from whom you can always get help.
- Developed culture
Europeans, in particular the Dutch, have a very highly developed culture. This starts with taking care of your home, the area around it and ending with your overall attitude towards the state. There are very well-groomed alleys, streets, perfectly trimmed lawns and squares. These are not only the actions of the government, but also the efforts of the residents of the Netherlands themselves, who believe that it is their duty to protect the environment and make it better.
Also, the country has a lot of attractions, for example, all kinds of galleries, museums, ancient castles. All this is in very good condition, as the people of Holland try to keep an eye on it.
- Standard of living
The standard of living in Holland is really high. So, if we take average figures, then in 2021 this amount was approximately 1,650 euros per month. It is believed that this is a high figure even when compared with the whole of Europe. If you are a highly qualified specialist in any field, then you may even be provided with various tax breaks, which can significantly make life easier for you in the territory of the new state.
Also, the government carefully ensures that the level of bureaucracy is reduced, while assistance to small businesses is systematically provided.
- Advanced transport
In Holland you don't need to have your own car at all. Railways stretch throughout the country, connecting regions, and entire networks have been built inside cities, with metro, trolleybuses, trams, and buses.
The quality of transport is also amazing. It is always new, clean and tidy. There is wi-fi everywhere, and the fare is not so high.
Many Dutch people even prefer to ride bicycles or electric scooters. There are convenient bicycle paths for them, as well as parking, since this type of transport is very popular.
- Quiet and calm rhythm of life
The Dutch do not like noisy entertainment. Therefore, all bars, clubs and restaurants are mainly located in tourist centers. Also, the Dutch maintain a balance between work and their personal lives. They are very hardworking, but they also know how to relax, without thinking about work at all.
Also, in addition to standard entertainment in the form of cafes, restaurants and clubs, they really like to visit hobby groups, as well as sports sections. They love to attend courses and lectures.
Main disadvantages
Against the backdrop of such obvious advantages, it is necessary to consider the disadvantages that most often may arise when moving to Holland.
- Weather
The weather conditions here are really not the most favorable. The fact is that the climate here is very similar to St. Petersburg. It is quite dark and damp here, there are rarely sunny days, the weather is mostly chilly, even in summer. The seasons change smoothly, however, summers as hot as in Russia rarely come. And in autumn and winter you can often see hurricanes with hail.
- Expensive medicine
While Russians are accustomed to the fact that they can go to a regular public hospital at any time, this is not the case in Holland. Even if you have a high fever and decide to call an ambulance, be prepared for the fact that it is quite expensive. The Dutch ambulance can only arrive in the most extreme situations, and the cost of services is very high. So, the cost of one arrival is approximately 300 euros.
- Tough laws
Holland does not tolerate offenders, so very strict measures are taken against them. There are fines and punishments here that are much harsher, even in comparison with the Russian Federation. For violating the law, you can lose your residence permit, and you can also be expelled from the country.
- Not the usual way of life
Of course, the way of life of the Dutch will be new and sometimes incomprehensible to a Russian.
For example, most stores are open until 19:00 in the evening and close immediately. On Sunday, stores are completely closed, so you will have to buy groceries on Saturday.
Also, same-sex marriage and soft drugs are taken lightly here, so if you are an ardent opponent of this, you will probably have a hard time.
However, if you are a European and tolerant person, and you are rarely surprised by anything, you will enjoy life in Holland. Especially if you value regularity and order in everything.
Holland is a country that was created for calm people who know moderation in everything. If they work, but only work, if they rest, then to the fullest. Therefore, be that as it may, you need to mentally prepare yourself for your arrival, otherwise you will have a hard time.
Obtaining permanent residence after five years of living in the country
Permanent residence in Holland becomes a reality after five years of stay in the country. But before you go to live there, it’s worth visiting the state as a tourist to get an idea of it.
Dutch Citizen Identification Card
The main condition due to which residence will be considered continuous is the annual receipt of a residence permit. If this is not done at least once, the applicant leaves the country and starts all over again. And the next time you arrive in Holland, the countdown of five years will begin again.
In principle, nothing complicated, the main thing is not to miss the time to apply for a residence permit and comply with the laws of the country. Sometimes, once you go to earn money, you may want to stay there forever. And this is another opportunity to realize your desire.
General issues
To obtain a residence permit for yourself or your loved ones - the already mentioned residence permit, you need to proceed as follows. Immediately after arrival, you must register at your place of residence - this is done at the municipality.
You can start the procedure for obtaining a residence permit in the same municipality - just contact the migration department. A medical examination will be required - in particular, fluorography is required.
Registration of a residence permit takes about three months. The duration of the document varies - during the first three years, a residence permit of a limited period is issued. The very first residence permit is issued for a period of one year, and after the applicant has been married for three years (on his own - five years), he has the right to apply for an independent residence permit, or even begin the procedure for obtaining citizenship. A permanent residence permit is renewed just like a passport - once every five years.
Until you receive a residence permit, you cannot leave the territory of the Netherlands. However, this formality can be somewhat circumvented - for example, nothing will prevent you from traveling to any of the Schengen countries in your own car. But it’s better not to fly on airplanes - there is constant passport control.
After issuing all the documents, you must visit the local tax office - they will issue you a personal taxpayer number.
Double citizenship
It is difficult to maintain two citizenships, but it is quite possible in the following cases: if a marriage or partnership similar to a marriage is registered with a Dutch citizen; dual citizenship is given to minor children of those parents who belong to the nationality of different states (one parent must be Dutch, the other must be a representative of another states).
Refugees can also obtain dual citizenship.
If at the time of filing the application for citizenship the applicant lives in Holland, the Antilles or Aruba and was born in this territory, he will also be allowed to have dual citizenship.
There are also a few more subtle points. Dual citizenship can be approved by those who, by law, by birthright cannot lose their own nationality, by those who, upon renunciation of nationality, must pay compensation to government authorities, or in the case where any rights are lost: to inheritance; fulfillment of military duty (or compensated by an impressive amount of money).
In all these cases, strong evidence will be required.
If the applicant's home country allows for multi-citizenship status, then dual citizenship can be applied for.
Applying for a residence permit for work
A residence permit is available to anyone who comes to Holland to earn money. Moreover, a work visa to the Netherlands is issued to some specialists and seasonal workers according to a simplified scheme. But each specific case is considered individually, taking into account the level of education, language proficiency, professionalism and demand for a particular specialty.
In this case, a residence permit is issued only if there is a specific employer who wishes to hire a person.
The minimum salary level should be:
- For those under 30 years old - 35,000 euros per year;
- Employees who are older than this age have 48,000.
Immigration to the Netherlands is also possible if you open your own business there. The main thing here is to have enough funds to implement this event and experience, which is recorded in an official document (diploma or transcript).
A sufficient stable income will be considered 1000 euros monthly for a year. In this case, it will be possible to obtain a residence permit after this period.
You can also purchase real estate in Holland for running a business, and at the same time make a profitable investment.
Construction of a new hotel Zaandam in the city of Zaandam
It falls under state protection (the law on foreign investment and private property of foreigners) and allows you to obtain a European multiple visa.
It is important to know: purchasing real estate in the Netherlands to obtain residence permit status does not provide any additional grounds.
What does a residence permit in the Netherlands give?
According to Eurostat, an average of 62 people migrate to the Netherlands every day. And although Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians are not the largest ethnic groups in the state, they come to the country knowing all the advantages that obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands gives them.
- A residence permit in the Netherlands allows its holder to travel without a visa to countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement.
- Depending on the category, a residence permit in Holland allows a foreigner to study, work, run a business or simply live in the country, having a certain capital for this.
- The owner of a residence permit in the Netherlands can take his family with him to the country.
- A foreigner who has obtained a residence permit in the Netherlands receives state and legal guarantees of his safety.
But in order to understand how to ensure that the new immigrant status gives him all these opportunities, you first need to understand the procedure for moving and obtaining a temporary residence permit.
Do you want to get EU citizenship in 12 months? Take the free test and find out your chances.
Immigration as a refugee
Going to live in Holland as a refugee is a popular and sought-after method. But the authorities treat this category quite carefully. This becomes possible if there is a danger of losing life, health, or there is some kind of ethnic or sexual oppression.
The last problem will most likely cause a response from immigration services due to their friendly attitude towards sexual minorities. Another point for a positive answer will be the problem with criminal persecution.
Refugee camp in Holland has decent living conditions
If the motive is religious or political, then the process of obtaining a residence permit and permanent residence may take 6 months or even two years. And all this time you will have to live in a special camp.
In order to obtain such status, you must ask for asylum at the border control upon arrival at the airport. A person involved in these issues will be invited to tell his story.
But if the situation improves in the country from which the immigrant came, a return will follow. This status gives permission to live in the country and study. It is also possible to apply for family reunification to live in the Netherlands.
Residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) by investment – From residence permit to citizenship
Do you want to obtain Dutch citizenship through naturalization by first obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) by investment? Find out how this procedure works and what are the conditions for successful naturalization. You must comply with the following requirements:
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You have lived continuously in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for at least 5 years with a valid residence permit. You have always renewed your residence permit on time. Your residence permit must be valid during the naturalization procedure.
- The application must be submitted to the municipality where you are registered.
- You are sufficiently integrated into the local community. This means that you can understand Dutch, read, write and speak Dutch. Proof of this will be a certificate of integration into civil society.
- In the previous 4 years you have not received a criminal record involving imprisonment, educational or community service, or have not paid/had to pay a large fine (€810 or more) in the Netherlands or abroad. There should not be an open criminal case against you that has not yet been decided. The total amount of all fines received by the applicant over the last 4 years may not exceed 1,215 euros.
- You must renounce your current citizenship. There are some exceptions to this rule (for example, if the country of your current citizenship is not recognized by the Netherlands).
- You must accept a declaration of solidarity.
In the case of foreign minors, the application for Dutch citizenship can only be submitted by their parents or legal representatives. When such individuals turn 18, they can apply on their own.
Children under 18 years of age can retain their nationality if one or both parents become Dutch citizens at the same time, and if the law of the country of current citizenship does not allow this.
What documents do you need to obtain Dutch citizenship through naturalization by first obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands (Holland) by investment?
- A valid passport or other form of identification for cross-border travel.
- A valid residence permit or other proof of legal residence.
- Birth certificate from your country of origin.
- Certificate of integration into civil society or other evidence of integration.
Foreign documents must be legalized and translated before they can be used in the Netherlands. Other documents may also be required. For example, the following:
- Marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate.
- Proof that you have lived together continuously with a Dutch citizen for 3 years or more.
There are a number of exceptions to the 5-year residency rule before naturalization. Let's take a closer look at them. The five-year naturalization requirement does not apply in the following situations:
- You are married to or are the registered partner of a Dutch citizen. After 3 years of marriage or registered partnership (you must live together during the entire procedure), you can apply for citizenship. These 3 years may also be spent abroad under certain circumstances. This rule does not apply to cohabitation without interruption for a period of three years outside the Kingdom, provided that the persons are not married.
- You are a former Dutch citizen. You had Dutch citizenship, but you lost it. In some cases, you can use the expedited naturalization procedure.
- You are a stateless person. You can apply for naturalization after living in the host country for at least 3 years.
- You, as a minor, were raised by a Dutch citizen for 3 years. You will be able to apply for citizenship 3 years after turning 18.
- You have lived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands for a total of 10 years with a valid residence permit intermittently. Moreover, for the last 2 years you have lived continuously in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. You can apply for citizenship after 2 years.
- You have, upon reaching the age of majority, been adopted in the Kingdom of the Netherlands by at least one Dutch citizen.
Immigration to the Netherlands from Russia
The Netherlands has a flexible immigration policy in 2021. However, to move from Russia to this country you will need to have serious reasons. These include: 1. Educational activities. You can receive higher or secondary education in the country.
2. Investments for the development of the Dutch economy.
3. Purchase of real estate in the province. It can be residential or corporate category.
4. Registration of marriage with a citizen of the country.
5. The applicant has close relatives in the Netherlands.
6. Labor activity on a legal basis.
Please note that the Netherlands is welcoming to refugees. You can count on this status if there is an immediate threat to your life in Russia. To obtain refugee status, you can visit the country with a regular work or tourist permit.
Studies
A student visa is a common basis for immigration to the Netherlands from Russia. Most of the documents in this case are prepared by the educational institution. Russians can live in the country for the entire period of receiving education, if it is no more than five years. If you study for more than five years, your visa will have to be renewed every year.
The number of working hours in this case should not exceed 10 in one week. During the summer you can work full time. To do this, you will need to obtain a permit, which your employer will obtain from the UWV Werkbedrijf. To arrange the move, a university graduate will need to get a job within six months after completing his studies.
Job
Holland is an attractive province for labor immigrants. You can find a large number of vacancies from local employers, the average salary is about 3 thousand euros.
Economically developed cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam are suitable for labor immigration. There are large corporations here that hire qualified specialists from other countries.
Lawyers for the Investor Visa website recommend that you pay attention to the fact that for some professionals a work permit can be issued in a simplified manner, but each case will be considered individually. If you have entered into an agreement with a Dutch company, you must apply for a work permit and obtain a residence permit (the documents are issued at the same time, this is the responsibility of the employer). The employer will submit all official papers to the migration service. In addition, he must confirm that hiring a migrant is a forced decision. To do this, transmit data that the vacancy was unclaimed for citizens of this country and the European Union, transmit evidence of refusal to other applicants, and indicate the number of interviews.
Business
This method is suitable if you register a company in the Netherlands in 2021. To do this, you need to confirm the availability of financial resources to establish the project and sufficient knowledge (a document on education is submitted). If your company operates successfully throughout the year, you can submit official papers for a residence permit. The authorities will be loyal to those applicants whose business has a positive impact on the provincial economy. The usefulness of your business will be determined by the Dutch Enterprise Service using certain criteria.
Startups are popular at the moment, so the government has developed conditions for such businesses. The creator of a startup needs to prove that his product is unique and confirm the availability of financial resources. It is also required to conclude a contract with an intermediary (a company is selected from an approved list). The intermediary will advise the entrepreneur on various issues and look for an investor.
Investments
A Russian can immigrate to the Netherlands with the intention of investing in the economic development of the country in 2021. To do this, you need to obtain permission from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, whose employees will determine whether such an investment will be useful for the economy.
Some EU countries provide for the registration of a residence permit when purchasing real estate. The Netherlands is not such a country. However, you can invest in a commercial property, a construction company, or a high-end apartment rental company. In this way, you will receive an asset that will generate profit in the future.
Family
Family members of a Dutch citizen can apply for citizenship after they have lived with him for three years. Official registration of marriage is not necessary, in addition, you are not required to permanently reside in the country. However, you will have to undergo strict tests to ensure that the relationship is fictitious. The authorities conduct surveys and tests and carefully check the information received.
Refugee status
You have the opportunity to obtain asylum in the Netherlands. To do this, you need to arrive in the country, then immediately visit the immigration police department and confirm the threat to life and health. Status can be obtained in case of persecution due to political or religious beliefs, national intolerance, or harassment based on sexual orientation. If there are hostilities in your country that threaten you, you can also count on this status. Members of the applicant's family can become refugees if they arrived with him or within three months after his move.
List of documents
To immigrate to the Netherlands you will need the following documents:
- A valid foreign passport.
- Certificate confirming birth.
- Certificate of registration or divorce of marriage, if any.
- A certificate confirming the birth or adoption of children, certificates from an educational institution, permission from legal representatives to move the child to the Netherlands.
- Visa photos in the amount of 4 pieces.
- Documents confirming the presence of your own real estate in the Netherlands or its lease for a long period.
- Document on health insurance.
- Higher education diploma, if available.
- A certificate confirming the absence of an outstanding criminal record in the state where you have lived for at least five years.
- Documents confirming financial security.
- Documents confirming knowledge of a foreign language at the appropriate level.
- Documents confirming the validity of immigration on one or another basis (certificate of enrollment in an educational institution, employment contract).
Please note that the package of documents must be translated into the state language (the exact language depends on the province). All photocopies are notarized. All procedures for collecting documents can be carried out not only in the Netherlands, but also in Russia.
Submission of documents
Official papers are submitted in Moscow, at the representative office of the Netherlands in 2021. If you want to submit them yourself, you need to make an appointment at the Dutch embassy. Embassy staff will check all documents along with your application and take your fingerprints. The application will then be forwarded to the IND, where a final decision will be made.
