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Netherlands Self Employed Visa for Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
A Netherlands self employed visa, officially the self-employed residence permit, is the permit that allows a non-EU citizen to start, take over or continue a business in the Netherlands as a self-employed person or freelancer. The application is assessed according to a points system based on personal experience, a business plan and added value for the Netherlands.
American and Japanese entrepreneurs can instead apply for a self-employed visa in the Netherlands through the Friendship Treaty for Americans (DAFT visa) or the Trade Treaty for Japanese nationals (JHV visa), which have simpler conditions. Kroes Advocaten has a 100% success rate with DAFT visa and JHV applications. We assesses your situation and offers guidance in preparing and submitting a well-substantiated application.
- For most self-employed applicants, a points system applies: a minimum of 90 out of 300 points, with at least 30 points per component (or 45 points on two of the three components).
- The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) assesses the business plan and advises the IND, which makes the decision.
- The procedure takes 6 to 9 months on average. This is because the RVO must issue advice to the IND.A rejection can be challenged through filing an objection (bezwaar).
- Americans and Japanese nationals can obtain a residence permit through the Friendship Treaty (DAFT) or the Trade Treaty (JHV). These are not based on the point system. No business plan is required. An investment of € 4,500 in the company is the main requirement. The application procedure takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Who can apply for a self-employed visa in the Netherlands?
You are eligible for a Netherlands self employed visa if you start, take over or continue a business in the Netherlands and meet the requirements of the points system. American and Japanese entrepreneurs are eligible for the more favourable conditions of the Friendship Treaty (DAFT).
How does the points system work for the self-employed?
The points system assesses your application on three components, each with a maximum of 100 points. In total, a minimum of 90 out of 300 points is required. Elements that earn points include, among others, a solid financial substantiation, the investment of substantial capital, a high level of education and experience, and beneficial for the application is prior experience with living and working in the Netherlands.
Exception: if you achieve at least 45 points for both personal experience and the business plan, the residence permit is also granted if you score fewer than 30 points on the added value component.
How does the application procedure work?
The application for a self-employed residence permit follows these steps:
- You draw up a business plan that meets the requirements of the points system.
- You submit a written application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) in the Netherlands, in case you have a nationality that is exempted from the MVV visa requirement. If you do need an MVV visa, the application procedure starts by submitting the application in person at the Dutch embassy or consulate of your country of residence. Find out if you need a MVV visa.
- The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, assesses the business plan and issues advice.
- The IND makes the final decision based on this advice.The procedure takes 6 to 9 months. The permit is granted for a period of two years. After that, it can be extended for a period of five years. It is important that you renew your self-employed residence permit on time.
The procedure takes 6 to 9 months. The permit is granted for a period of two years. After that, it can be extended for a period of five years. It is important that you renew your self-employed residence permit on time.
Applying for a DAFT visa: settling in the Netherlands as an American or Japanese national
The DAFT visa is a residence permit for American entrepreneurs, based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty. For Japanese entrepreneurs, the comparable Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty applies. Both treaties have nearly identical conditions:
- Registration of the business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
- Investment of at least €4,500 in own capital in the business.
- An opening balance sheet and forecast, prepared by an accountant Dutch bookkeeper with a Becon registration number.
- The application procedure takes 6 to 8 weeks.
Points system versus DAFT visa: what is the difference?
Point system
- Who it's for: All nationalities
- Assessment: Based on points (experience, business plan, added value)
- Minimum investment: No fixed amount, weighted through scored points
- Processing time: Approx. 6 - 9 months on average
DAFT / JHV permit
- Who it's for: Only Americans and Japanese nationals
- Assessment: Fixed conditions (CoC registration, capital, opening balance sheet)
- Minimum investment: € 4.500 in own capital
- Processing time: 6 to 8 weeks
Has your application for a self-employed residence permit been rejected?
If the IND rejects your application, you can lodge an objection against that decision. Kroes Advocaten reviews your file and supports you with:
- Strengthening your business plan
- Filing an objection
- Court proceedings
Frequently asked questions
What is a self-employed visa for the Netherlands?
A Netherlands self employed visa is a residence permit that allows a non-EU citizen to work as a self-employed entrepreneur or freelancer in the Netherlands. Most applicants are assessed under a points system; American and Japanese entrepreneurs can instead apply through the Friendship Treaty (DAFT) or Trade Treaty (JHV).
Who is eligible for a residence permit as a self-employed person in the Netherlands?
Anyone who starts, takes over or continues a business in the Netherlands and meets the requirements of the points system is eligible. American and Japanese entrepreneurs can make use of the Friendship Treaty (DAFT) and the Trade Treaty (JHV). These applications are not based on the point system. The main requirement is an investment of € 4,500 in the company.
How does the points system for self-employed entrepreneurs work?
The points system assesses an application on three components: personal experience, business plan and added value for the Netherlands. Each component requires a minimum of 30 out of 100 points, with a total minimum of 90 out of 300 points.
What happens if I do not meet the minimum of 30 points per component?
If you achieve at least 45 points for both personal experience and the business plan, the permit is also granted if you score fewer than 30 points on added value.
Who assesses my business plan?
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) assesses the business plan and advises the IND, which finalises the application.
How long does the application procedure for the self-employed take?
The application procedure for a self-employed residence permit takes 6 to 9 months on average. For American and Japanese entrepreneurs the application procedure takes 6 to 8 weeks. The RVO are not involved.
What is the DAFT (Friendship Treaty) and the JHV (Trade Treaty) residence permit, and who can make use of it?
The DAFT visa is a residence permit for American entrepreneurs based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, with less strict requirements than the regular points system. An investment of € 4,500 must be done, a registration of the company in the Chamber of Commerce and an opening balance, drafted by a Dutch bookkeeper are required to qualify. For Japanese entrepreneurs, a comparable arrangement applies through the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty.
What conditions do I need to meet under the Friendship Treaty?
Under the Friendship Treaty, you register the business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. You invest at least €4,500 in own capital and have an opening balance sheet and forecast prepared by a bookkeeper with a Becon number.
What is the difference between the points system and the DAFT visa?
The points system applies to all nationalities and assesses the application on points. The DAFT and Japanese Trade Treaty (JHV) residence permit applies only to Americans and Japanese nationals.
What does an application as a self-employed person or under the Friendship Treaty cost?
For the application, you pay administration fees to the IND. The fees are indexed every year.
Can my application as a self-employed person be rejected, and can I lodge an objection?
Yes, an application as a self-employed person can be rejected if you do not meet the requirements of the points system or the Friendship Treaty or Trade Treaty. You can lodge an objection against a rejection with the IND.