Do Dutch citizens need a visa to Russia?
Yes, they do. To enter Russia, passport holders of the Netherlands need a valid Russian visa. Since August 1, 2023, an e-visa is available, allowing a stay of up to 30 days. For longer stays or multiple entries a traditional visa stamped in passport by a Russian consulate is required.
How can Dutch citizens obtain a visa to Russia?
Step 1. Get an Invitation
To obtain a Russian visa, Dutch citizens need to prepare the required documents, including a visa invitation to Russia, which is the primary document. The type of invitation depends on the visa category requested (tourist, business, private, work, or other) and the purpose of the visit.
Step 2. Submit a visa application
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Through a visa application center.
— Convenient and fast.
— Submission is available in person or by post -
Through the Russian consulate.
— Submission is by appointment only.
— Limited slots per day — expect long waiting periods.
— Best suited for urgent or complex cases (e.g., work visas). -
Through an agency — "Full visa service".
— Agencies assist in obtaining a visa remotely, without applicant's presence at the consulate or visa center.
— Ideal for busy travelers or those who prefer to avoid paperwork..
Please note that Russian consulates only accept documents by appointment, and the daily quota for submissions is strictly limited. Therefore, for tourist, business, or private visas, it is advisable to apply through a visa center or use the services of specialized agencies.
Visa centers are intermediary organizations that work with Russian embassies and consulates. They are authorized to accept, process, and forward visa applications to Russian diplomatic missions, as well as to return passports with the issued visas. However, the final decision regarding the issuance or denial of a visa rests with the Russian consular authorities.
⚠️ Regardless of the chosen submission method, start the visa application process well in advance to avoid unforeseen delays. Please be advised that applications cannot be submitted to the consulate no earlier than 90 days prior to the planned entry date.
Get an Invitation
Price from €14
Full visa service (remote visa processing) in the Netherlands
For Dutch citizens, we offer a remote "Full visa service". Applications are submitted through our representative office in Germany at the Russian consular section in Bonn. A German residency permit is not required for this purpose. This service allows you to avoid the inconvenience of visiting the consulate or a visa center in person. We will prepare all the necessary documents and arrange for your passport to be delivered to our partners in Germany. They will submit the documents to the consulate for the visa, and once it is ready, collect the passport with the issued visa and return it to you by courier.
All our visa packages for Dutch citizens include the following:
- All consular and service fees for visa processing.
- Remote visa processing for EU passport holders through our Bonn office — no proof of German residency is required.
- Completion of the official consulate application form on your behalf (using the information you provide).
- Round-trip shipping of original documents via DHL (to our office in Germany and back).
The cost of the "Full visa service" includes all mandatory consular and service fees, DHL courier delivery, and our company's service fee. For standard packages, the cost starts at €119, and for expedited service, from €179. The consular and service fees vary depending on the number of entries and the urgency of the visa. The invitation and medical insurance are paid for separately: the price of the invitation depends on its type, duration, and number of entries; the price of insurance depends on the insurance plan, the number of insured days, and the applicant's age (from €1 per day). The cost of shipping documents to the visa center in Germany and back is an additional €99. Optionally, if you can't provide financial documents, our German partner will issue a guarantee letter for an extra €50, which covers the consulate's financial requirements.
Full Visa Service
Price from €119
Main types of Russian visas for Dutch citizens
- Tourist Visa — for tourism, excursions, sightseeing.
- Business Visa — for conferences, business meetings.
- Electronic Visa — for short trips.
- Work Visa — for employment in a Russian company.
- Private Visa — for visiting relatives or friends in Russia (though a tourist or e-visa is more practical and cheaper).
Visa validity periods for Dutch citizens
| Visa | Validity period | Purpose of visit |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | 1–180 days | Tourism, leisure, excursions, cultural events, as well as visiting friends or relatives in Russia |
| Business | 1 month – 5 years | Conducting business meetings and negotiations, searching for business partners, attending conferences (also for long-term visits to relatives in Russia) |
| Electronic | 1–30 days | Trips for a short period of time |
| Private | 30 days – 1 year | Visiting relatives or friends in Russia |
| Work | up to 90 days with the possibility of extension for up to three years | Employment in Russia |
Required documents for a Russian visa for Dutch citizens
-
Invitation.
— Depending on the visa category (tourist, business, private, etc.) — in accordance with consular requirements. -
Passport (original).
— At least two blank pages.
— Valid for at least 6 months after the visa expires. -
Visa application form.
— Completed online at visa.kdmid.ru (in Russian or English).
— Printed and signed personally. -
Passport photo.
— Color, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, on a light background.
— Taken within the last 6 months. -
Medical insurance.
— Insurance policy valid throughout the Russian Federation for the entire visa period, with coverage of at least €30,000. -
Proof of Legal Residence in the Netherlands (for non-Dutch citizens).
For EU citizens: a certificate of registration.
For third-country nationals: original and copy of the Dutch residence permit. -
Documents for Minor Children.
Birth certificate (original + copy).
For children traveling with third parties: a notarized power of attorney from a parent, a copy of that parent's passport, and the child's birth certificate.
Processing times for a Russian visa for Dutch citizens
Visa applications are processed by the staff of the Embassy or the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in the Netherlands. Processing time begins the next business day after a complete set of documents has been submitted.
The standard processing time is 7 calendar days. Urgent processing in 3 business days is available upon request, it requires prior approval and is not guaranteed.
The processing times may be extended during peak seasons. For business visas based on an official invitation letter from a company, expedited processing is not available, and the standard 10-day processing period applies in this case.
How much does a Russian visa cost for Dutch citizens?
The total cost of the visa includes the consular fee and the visa application center's service fee. Please be advised that if you submit your documents directly to the consulate, the service fee will not be applied.
The consular fee depends on:
- The number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
- The processing time (standard or urgent).
For urgent processing, the cost is double the standard rate.
Consular fee rates (in euros):
-
Single entry:
- 7 days — €77
- 1-3 days — €152 (expedited processing)
-
Double entry:
- 7 days — €122
- 1-3 days — €243 (expedited processing)
-
Multiple entry:
- 7 days — €229
- 1-3 days — €456 (expedited processing)
Visa application center service fee:
- Standard — €55
The visa application center offers additional services, including the completion of the application form for a fee of €30 and the delivery of your passport with the visa by courier for an additional fee of €40. These services are optional and incur an extra fee.
All fees listed are for informational purposes only. Please note that the final amount may vary depending on additional services and the current exchange rate.
Tourist visa to Russia for Dutch citizens
If you plan to visit Russia for sightseeing and leisure, you will need a tourist visa. The invitation required for this type of visa is issued by licensed tour operators from the federal register, each with their own reference number [1].
Step-by-step instructions for obtaining a Russian visa
While the format of the invitation is not important, the document must contain the tour operator’s details and reference number, as well as the passport information of the Dutch applicant. The invitation must indicate the travel dates, number of entries permitted, planned travel route (cities to be visited), and places of accommodation.
You can check the validity of your tourist invitation at this link.
To obtain a visa, Dutch citizens will also need a medical insurance.
What is the validity period of a tourist visa for Dutch citizens?
Up to 90 days for single or double entry, or up to 180 days for multiple entry (the maximum period of stay on a multiple-entry tourist visa must not exceed 90 days within each 180-day period).
Get a tourist invitation
Price from €14
Business visa to Russia for Dutch citizens
If a Dutch citizen plans to conduct business negotiations, seek business partners, sign or extend contracts, or participate in seminars or auctions in Russia, he will need a business visa. For this, an invitation is required from a Russian legal entity, which can be issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation (formerly the FMS), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, or on the letterhead of the Russian inviting organization.
What is the validity period of a business visa for Dutch citizens?
The maximum validity period of a business visa for Dutch citizens is five years. However, the permitted period of uninterrupted or overall stay in the Russian Federation on a multiple-entry business visa for all EU citizens is 90 days within every 180-day period.
If a Dutch citizen has not previously had business visas to Russia but requires a business visa for more than three months, it is possible to apply using an invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (electronic) or a Telex. Such official invitations can be issued immediately for a period of 365 days with multiple entries, even if the applicant has never held a Russian business visa before.
Types of business invitations to Russia for Dutch citizens:
- Direct company invitation
- Electronic invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs
- Telex from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
A direct company invitation is a formal request from a Russian organization for the sponsorship of a visa for a Dutch citizen, addressed to a Russian consular section. This invitation type is processed in one day.
An electronic invitation is issued by the migration departments of the territorial bodies of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia (formerly the Federal Migration Service) based on a request from an accredited organization that invites the foreigner. The electronic invitation with a barcode is directed to the relevant Russian consulate database, and the applicant receives a digital copy of the invitation by email. Only the printed copy is needed to apply for a visa, as there is no original. The processing time for electronic invitations for Dutch citizens is determined by the MIA and ranges from 20 to 30 business days.
Telex is a direct request from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to the consulate. When applying, foreign citizens are only required to provide the Telex number (code). Processing time for Telex for Dutch citizens is also 20–30 business days.
What is the difference between a Telex and an Electronic invitation?
If a Dutch citizen has previously held Russian business visas, we recommend obtaining a direct company invitation:
- A company invitation letter is cheaper than Telex or an Electronic invitation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
- Issued online in five minutes – a digital copy of the invitation is sent instantly by email after payment.
- This type of invitation makes it possible to obtain a visa for two to five years (if you have previously used multiple-entry visas to Russia), whereas Electronic invitations and Telexes allow you to apply for a visa valid for up to one year.
Important:
-
Applications for business visas based on a company letter are processed at Russian consulates within 12 business days; urgent processing is not available for this type of invitation.
-
If applying for a multiple-entry visa, Dutch citizens must submit this type of invitation to the consulate in original. You can order courier delivery of the original invitation to the Netherlands.
Here's how to quickly obtain a company invitation letter for a Dutch citizen:
- Complete an online form.
- Pay for your order by credit card on the website.
- Receive an email copy of the invitation instantly after payment.
Order an invitation online
Price from €49
Electronic visa to Russia for Dutch citizens
The Unified Electronic Visa is a new visa format that allows foreign nationals to visit the Russian Federation without getting a traditional visa sticker in their passport. No invitation to Russia is required to apply for this type of visa.
An e-visa can be used for tourism, business, humanitarian, or private visits, as well as participation in social, political, economic, or sporting events. An electronic visa is valid for 120 days from the date of issue. The maximum permitted stay in Russia with an e-visa is no more than 30 days from the entry date. Please note that the e-visa is only valid for single entry.
To apply, Dutch citizens only need to complete the online application form on our website and provide a digital photo and a copy of their passport.
Price from €93
Private visa to Russia for Dutch citizens
To visit relatives or friends, Dutch citizens should apply for a private visa. The inviting party must issue a private invitation for the foreigner in accordance with Russian legislation. The host can be a Russian citizen or a foreign national with a Russian residence permit. In practice, however, a private visa is often less convenient, read here why a private visa is not usually recommended.
Validity period of a private visa
A private visa may be issued as a single-entry, double-entry, or multiple-entry visa. The visa period ranges from 30 days to one year, allowing the visitor to stay in Russia for the entire duration of the visa without leaving the country.
Obtaining a private visa by invitation
If a Dutch citizen is invited by a private person residing in Russia, the inviter must contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation at their place of residence. The invitation is issued on Ministry of Internal Affairs letterhead (Eletronic invitation) with an individual number. The process may take up to 30 days, during which background checks are performed (for criminal records and previous visa or administrative violations). If the Dutch applicant has violated Russian law during previous visits, has violated Russian law during previous visits, the invitation will be denied.
Obtaining a private visa based on a close relative’s application
Since September 2021, Dutch citizens who are close relatives of Russian citizens can apply for a one-year private visa based on a written application from the Russian citizen for the entry of their close relative into Russia.
Close relatives are defined as:
- parents;
- spouses;
- children;
- spouses of children;
- full and half-siblings;
- adoptive parents and adopted children;
- grandchildren;
- grandparents.
The Russian citizen must submit this application in person to the consular department of the Russian Embassy in the Netherlands. If the Russian citizen is in Russia, the original notarized application is required. You must also provide the original or notarized copy of a document confirming the relationship (such as a birth or marriage certificate) that is recognized in Russia.
Private visa for special cases
In exceptional circumstances, a private visa to Russia may be issued without a formal invitation. Instead, the decision is made by the Ambassador or Consul of the Russian Federation in the Netherlands, upon a written request from the applicant. A private visa can be issued to a Dutch citizen who needs to visit Russia urgently due to a serious illness or the death of a close relative, or to receive emergency medical care. It is essential that all grounds be fully documented.
How to obtain a private invitation to Russia for Dutch citizens
Our company does not assist with private visa invitations. We generally recommend obtaining a tourist visa or a business visa, since these options are faster and require less paperwork. A private invitation can only be obtained by contacting the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia directly at the registration address at the host's place of registration.
Work visa to Russia for Dutch citizens
To legally work in Russia, a Dutch citizen needs a work visa. It is important to understand the key differences between a work visa and a business visa. A work visa is the only visa type that allows you to be officially employed and receive a salary in Russia. The Russian employer is responsible for initiating and managing the visa process, and for issuing the invitation. The procedure is complex and consists of several stages:
- Obtaining a work permit (handled by the employer).
- Obtaining an invitation for an initial 90-day work visa.
- Completing the migration registration for the foreign citizen upon their arrival in Russia.
- Extending the work visa for the full duration of the employment contract.
- Completing migration registration for the entire duration of the extended visa.
The maximum duration of a work visa is three years (for Highly Qualified Specialists—HQS), and, unlike a business visa, a work visa allows continuous stay in Russia for the full period. Work visa holders can have their visas extended without the need to leave Russia.
Our company does not issue or assist with work invitations.
Where to obtain a Russian visa in the Netherlands?
A Russian visa can be obtained at the consular sections of Russia in the Netherlands or through the official Russian visa application center.
Russian Consulates in the Netherlands
As of August 2025, the diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in the Netherlands operates only in The Hague.
Consulate General of the Russian Federation in The Hague:- Address: Scheveningseweg 2 2517 KT Den Haag.
- Phone: +31 (0) 70 744 82 29 .
- Fax: +31 (0) 70 212 44 42 .
- E-mail: infocon.nl@mid.ru.
- Website: netherlands.mid.ru
- Opening hours: Monday-Friday from 09:00 to 13:00
Appointments are by prior arrangement only.
Russian Visa Application Center in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions
- Find out the reason for the denial — request a written explanation from the consulate if one is not provided automatically. However, be aware that the consulate has the right to refuse without explanation, and a request for clarification may also be denied.
- Correct any mistakes — double-check your documents (application form, invitation, passport validity) and reapply after fixing any issues.
- File an appeal — you can appeal the denial through the consulate or court if you believe it was unjustified, with the help of lawyers or the inviting party.
- Administrative fine: from 2,000 to 5,000 rubles for individuals, and up to 500,000 rubles for the host party (e.g. employer or inviting relative).
- Entry ban: for serious violations like illegal work or overstaying, an entry ban for several years is possible.
- Deportation: for gross violations (forgery, illegal stay) forced expulsion from Russia is possible, along with a subsequent ban on re-entry.
