Self-employed work

What is a residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs?

A residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs allows non-European citizens to run their own business in the Netherlands. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) assesses whether you qualify for this permit.

Conditions for a residence permit as a self-employed person

There are various conditions for qualifying for a residence permit as a self-employed person. You must demonstrate, among other things, that your business serves a substantial interest for the Dutch economy. You must also show that you meet the income requirements.

The substantial interest is demonstrated, among other things, by:

1. your personal experience;
2. your business plan; and
3. the added value for the Netherlands.

For the assessment, the IND requests advice from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The RVO assesses whether you score at least 30 points for each component, or whether you score 45 points for personal experience and 45 points for the business plan.

In the business plan, you must clearly substantiate how the business will operate, what the market looks like, how many jobs you will create, and how you plan to grow your business. The plan must also be financially viable.

The procedure for applying for a residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs

1. Preparation of the business plan: The first step in the application process is preparing a business plan that meets the IND’s requirements. This plan must demonstrate that your business can make a meaningful contribution to the Dutch economy.
2. Submission to the IND: Once your business plan is ready, you submit the application to the IND together with all required documents.
3. Assessment by the IND: The IND assesses your application. This may take several months, as the IND seeks advice from the RVO. The duration of the procedure also depends on the complexity of your application.
4. Approval or rejection: If your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs. If the application is rejected, you may lodge an objection or adjust and resubmit your application.
5. Extension of the permit: The residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs is usually issued for a maximum period of two years. You can then extend the permit, provided your business is successful and you continue to meet the conditions.

When does the points-based system not apply?

• If you have Turkish nationality
• If you hold EU long-term resident status in another EU country
• If you practise a liberal profession, such as a medical specialist or artist
• If you can rely on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty.

Conditions under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty

If you wish to rely on one of these treaties, the following conditions apply (in addition to the general conditions applicable to everyone):

• You have American or Japanese nationality.
• You establish a business in the Netherlands.
• You invest a specified amount in the business:
  • for a sole proprietorship, the investment amount is €4,500;
  • for a general partnership (VOF) or private limited company (BV), a minimum investment of 25% of the paid-up capital applies, with a minimum of €4,500;
  • for a public limited company (NV), a minimum investment of 25% of the paid-up capital applies. The paid-up capital must be at least €45,000, meaning the minimum investment amount is €11,250.

What can I do for you?

As a lawyer specialising in immigration law, I guide you through the application process for a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur. I assist you from the initial stage through to submitting your application to the IND. I also advise you on questions and support you if issues arise during the procedure.

What does my assistance cost?

For applying for a residence permit as a self-employed person, I work with fixed package prices. This way, you know exactly where you stand:

• Application for self-employed work: €1,995 including VAT
• Application based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty: €1,295 including VAT
• If a partner accompanies you, an additional fee of €695 including VAT applies.

The price is an all-in fee for full legal guidance throughout the entire application process, from the first step to submitting the application to the IND.

Note:

• The stated package prices apply to online sessions via video call. If you prefer an in-person appointment, please let me know. I am happy to arrange this for you, but please note that additional costs may apply.
• Prices exclude additional costs, such as IND fees and any costs for requesting or legalising documents.
• The preparation of a business plan is not included. If you need assistance with this, I am happy to refer you to a specialised advisor.

Would you like to get started together? Feel free to get in touch for a non-binding introductory consultation!