Self-employment / Freelance in Netherlands
One documented route of this kind in Netherlands, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Self-Employed Person (incl. DAFT / Japan treaty route)
Residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs; US (DAFT) and Japanese nationals are exempt from the points test and need only EUR 4,500 minimum capital.
- Processing time
- Within 90 days; extendable to 6 months if RVO (economic) or OCW (cultural) advice is sought
- Validity
- Max 2 years (Type I)
- Language requirement
- None for the permit itself
- Permanent residence
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
- Citizenship
- 5 years of continuous lawful residence
Requirements
- Business of essential interest to the Dutch economy (RVO points test: at least 30 points across three areas, or 45+45 in two)
- Exempt from the points test: US nationals (DAFT), Japanese nationals (trade treaty), Turkish nationals (standstill), EU long-term residents, certain independent professionals
- Treaty (DAFT/Japan) minimum capital EUR 4,500 for a sole proprietorship, VOF, CV, or BV
- KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration with a real Dutch address (no PO box)
- Valid passport
Required Documents
- Application form and passport photo required
- Valid passport required
- KVK registration required
- Business plan / proof of EUR 4,500 capital (treaty route) required
Official fees
- IND application fee 423 EUR
- Minimum business capital (DAFT/Japan treaty) 4,500 EUR
Process Steps
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1
Book embassy appointment
From abroad, book a Dutch embassy/consulate appointment.
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2
Submit and give biometrics
Submit form, passport photo, and valid passport; give biometrics.
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3
Send application to IND
Send the application to IND within 3 weeks of the embassy date stamp.
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4
Pay fee
Pay EUR 423 within 3 weeks.
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5
Await decision
Decision within 90 days (up to 6 months if RVO/OCW advice sought).
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6
MVV appointment
Book MVV appointment within 3 months. If applying from within NL, apply by post within 3 months of arrival.