With a business-friendly environment, good government policy, and a culture that supports self-employment, the Netherlands is one of the most welcoming European countries for entrepreneurs. Many foreigners move there to start a new business or expand an existing one.
Moving to the Netherlands for business comes with certain visa requirements that must be met. As a highly developed economy, the Dutch government regulates who can live and work independently through its self-employed residence permit system.
To operate a business in the Netherlands, one must possess all the correct permits, as working illegally carries stiff penalties, including jail time.
This article provides an overview of the requirements for self-employed foreigners seeking to establish themselves in the Netherlands to get a Visa. We’ll explore permits catered to EEA nationals, start-up entrepreneurs, and conventional small business owners. The goal is to help self-employed individuals understand the eligibility criteria for residence in the Netherlands as they plan to set up shop.
All EU/EEA/Swiss citizens don’t need a Residence Permit or Visa as they do not require a visa to live in any European Union country but must register within 30 days of arrival in the Netherlands. Individuals from non-EU countries would be required to get a D2 entrepreneur visa.
General requirements for all Netherlands Self-employed visa
To work as a self-employed person in the Netherlands, you must meet several general requirements. These requirements ensure that your business contributes positively to the Dutch economy and complies with local regulations. Here are the key requirements:
- Essential Interest: To qualify for the self-employed visa your business must serve an essential interest to the Dutch economy and fill a gap or bolster up a sector in the country. All products and services to be brought in by foreigners should be new to the Netherlands and help grow the economy. Your business shall be accessed by The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to determine if it qualifies or not.
- Registration: Applicants must have registered at the Trade Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel).
- Professional Qualifications: Applicants must show proof that they qualify to practice their profession or offer the service offer.
- Income Requirements: Your business plan must be able to sustain you financially throughout your stay in the Netherlands and meet the specified income requirements.
- Freelancer Requirements: To qualify as a freelancer, you must have one or more commissions in the Netherlands.
- Healthcare Sector: For those looking to get into the nation’s healthcare sector, getting listed in the BIG (beroepen in de individuele gezondheidszorg) register is a must. The online registry for healthcare professionals in the Netherlands.
- Visa and Residence Permit: You will need to apply for a long-stay visa (MVV) and a residence permit for self-employed persons. This application is typically made at a Dutch embassy or consulate outside the Netherlands.
Several categories of visa can be classified as Self-employed visas and each is peculiar to different categories of people below are different categories of self-employed visas available in the Netherlands, along with their eligibility criteria and requirements:
| Visa Category | Eligibility | Requirements |
| DAFT Treaty Visa | U.S. citizens running a business that connects the U.S. and Dutch markets | – Minimum investment of €4,500
– Business plan (recommended) – Clean legal record – Proof of income |
| Orientation Year Visa | Recent graduates from Dutch or recognized foreign institutions | – Viable business plan
– Sufficient financial means – Must apply within three years of graduation |
| Regular Self-Employed Permit | Non-EU nationals wishing to work as self-employed individuals | – Substantial investment in the business
– Business must fill an economic gap – Registration with the KVK – Proof of income |
| Start-up Visa | Entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas | – Business plan showing innovation
– Support from a recognized facilitator – Registration with the KVK |
| Freelancer Visa | Freelancers providing services in the Netherlands | – Proof of commissions in the Netherlands
– Registration with the KVK – Evidence of sufficient income |
