Some individuals desire to live and work in a foreign country while running their own business or working as a freelancer. One country that people look to go to work and live in while establishing or managing a business, investing in a startup, or providing services to people outside the country remotely is the Netherlands and the visa that makes this possible is a self-employed or entrepreneur visa of which there are several types.
Features of the Netherlands Self-employed visa
The Netherlands Self-Employed Persons visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in the Netherlands as self-employed individuals or entrepreneurs. Here are the key features of this visa:
- General Requirements
Applicants must meet eligibility criteria for all visa types like no criminal record. - Nature of Business
The work/business must be new to the Netherlands and of interest to the economy. - Mandatory Registration
Entrepreneurs must register their business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. - Necessary Permits
Applicants are required to have permits allowing them to legally practice their profession. - Minimum Income Standards
A comprehensive business plan must demonstrate the means to earn a specified income level. - Freelance Requirements
Contract workers need proof of one or more commissions within the Netherlands.
- Application Assessment
The RVO evaluates applications based on experience, business plan, and value using a scoring system.
- Visa Validity
The permit is typically valid for 2 years and can be extended if the visa holder is deemed compliant with conditions.
- Work Permissions
Applicants are allowed only to be self-employed under the self-employed visa. - Family Inclusion
Partners and children of the Visa applicants can also apply for residence and work without additional permits.
- Path to Permanency
After 5 continuous years of living in the Netherlands legally, Visa holders can apply for permanent residency if they meet the other requirements.
In the Netherlands, there are several types of self-employed visas available for foreign nationals looking to establish their businesses or work as freelancers. Here are the main types:
- Dutch Startup Visa
- Valid 1 year, supports recent innovators working with Dutch facilitators to grow ideas in the local market.
- Orientation Year Visa
- Allows recent graduates up to 1 year to find work or start a business without additional permits post-studies in the country.
2. Residence Permit for Self-Employed Persons
- This visa is valid for 2 years and enables freelancing or business management, but applicants must prove the essential economic value of planned work.
3. Establishment Permit
- For experienced entrepreneurs, focuses on local job creation and economic growth through new business investment and development in the Netherlands.
To qualify for the Netherlands self-employed visa, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including minimum funds required, business plan requirements, and age restrictions. Here are the requirements:
- Minimum Funds Required
- Applicants must prove they have sufficient finances to support themselves and their business operations sustainably. For most forms of self-employment, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) requires a minimum investment of €4,500.
2. Business Plan Requirements
- A comprehensive business plan including market analysis, financial projections, operations plan, and demonstrating added value is mandatory.
3. Age Restrictions
- No specified age limit but minors need parental consent and may face legal capacity restrictions.
4. Additional Requirements
- Mandatory registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce is needed.
- The business concept must be of essential interest to the Dutch economy by offering new value.
While self-employment is allowed, hiring staff to help run the business would require permit requirements and restrictions may apply to some activities and business forms. Strict legal compliance is essential to maintain visa legitimacy.
Additional Permits for Hired Employees
- Non-EU employees require work permits for >90 days (TWV) and <90 days (GVVA) engagements.
- Employers must advertise roles to the EU/EEA first before hiring outside.
Restrictions on Activities or Business Structures
- Businesses must offer economic value to the Netherlands to qualify.
- Additional licenses may be needed in regulated sectors like healthcare.
- Operational structures must comply with Dutch laws on taxes, liability, and registration.