NETHERLANDS: IMMIGRATION FOR SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS

ADVANTAGES

The allure of the Netherlands beckons to countless individuals with dreams of establishing roots there. The country presents an array of enticements for those aspiring to call it home, including:

1. 1. 1. A welcoming and tight-knit community that streamlines assimilation.
      2. The seamless use of English in daily interactions, spoken by almost every Dutch resident.
      3. Thoughtfully designed roads catering to cyclists, an integral aspect of Dutch culture.
      4. A robust infrastructure that elevates both day-to-day life and overall well-being.
      5. A meticulously structured public transportation network ensuring swift and reliable citywide connectivity.
      6. Showcasing one of the globe’s most enviable work-life balances, the Dutch ethos champions early productivity, granting ample time to relish each day’s vitality.
      7. A secure and open-minded society evident in the Netherlands’ impressively low crime rates.
      8. Dynamic seasons, each offering distinct joys. Glide across frozen lakes on ice skates, immerse in the vibrancy of spring’s tulip blooms, traverse scenic canals during summer, and delight in autumn’s tapestry of colourful leaves painting the landscape.
      9. Effortless access to various European destinations and unrestricted exploration within the Schengen Area.

REQUIREMENTS

1. 1. 1. Your work is of essential interest to the Dutch economy (The product or services you offer must be new for the Netherlands). The RVO assesses the essential interest of the work you want to start as a self-employed person in these 3 areas:
         1. Personal experience
         2. Business Plan
         3. Added value for the Netherlands. 
      2. You are registered in the Trade Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (in Dutch: Kamer van Koophandel). 
      3. You meet the requirements to practise your profession or to start working as a self-employed person. This means that you have all the necessary permits.
      4. You meet the income requirements. This must be evident from your business plan.
      5. If you are a freelancer, you must have one or more commissions in the Netherlands. Working as a freelancer means that you have no boss and accept separate commissions.
      6. If you start working on a self-employed basis in the individual healthcare sector, you must be listed in the register of individual healthcare professionals, the BIG-register.

DOCUMENTS

All documents must be translated to Dutch, English, French or German, and legalised by a local translator:

1. 1. 1. Valid passport or ID
      2. Criminal record
      3. Civil status
      4. Birth certificate
      5. Evidence of sufficient economic resources
      6. Completed and signed ‘Declaration on income of self-employed person’ appendix together with the appendices demanded therein
      7. Copy of the document that was issued by the competent Dutch authority showing that you have the necessary permits to be allowed to practice a particular profession or run a particular enterprise
      8. Business plan
      9. Diplomas
      10. Copy of the employment contract(s) from your previous employment(s);
      11.  Completed and signed ‘Statement due to European sanctions against Russia and Belarus’ appendix
      12. If you are a freelancer: copies of agreement(s) relating to the assignment(s) that you will be carrying out as freelancer
      13. If there is an enterprise in the country of origin: a copy of the deed of incorporation and the articles of association of the enterprise
      14. Financial data
      15. Data relating to proposed investments
      16. Turnover data from the Dutch market

PROCESS

Embarking on this personalised journey within the Netherlands’ self-employment immigration program, our initial meeting with our team of experts stands ready—a meticulously scheduled consultation marking the commencement of our partnership. During this interaction, we delve deeply into your distinctive circumstances and aspirations, leaving no stone unturned as we craft a tailored roadmap. As we shape a comprehensive strategy, your questions and curiosities about the path ahead are warmly welcomed.

In the lead-up to submission, your documents undergo meticulous translation and organisation, ensuring that your application aligns seamlessly with the requirements of the authorities. In parallel, we collaborate closely, whether in person or virtually, to explore the optimal living accommodations, facilitate the establishment of a bank account, assess educational options for any dependents, and navigate your enrollment in the Netherlands’ healthcare system—a pivotal aspect of your new chapter.

Once your application is filed, anticipation for a response sets in—typically within approximately 90 days. While variations in processing times are possible, rest assured that our vigilant attention remains unwavering. Upon securing a favourable outcome, your journey takes a tangible step forward with the acquisition of self-employment residence permits.

These vital permissions in hand, your voyage to the Netherlands finds its momentum. The process of securing your permits involves specific steps with designated authorities, as specified in your application. This phase may encompass biometric data collection, signatures, and other formalities, all contributing to the authenticity of your journey. With these essentials secured, you stand ready to embrace your new life in the Netherlands. 

Remember, in the first three months following permit issuance, address any requisites outlined earlier in the process, such as medical examinations, to ensure a seamless transition to your new chapter.

INFORMATION

1. 1. 1. The IND must take a decision within 90 days. The IND can extend the decision period by a maximum of 6 months if we ask for advice from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
      2. Your residence permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years. You can renew it, and if you have worked in the Netherlands for 5 years, you no longer need a work permit to work in the Netherlands. You will be allowed to work without a work permit as soon as you have received a residence permit with the work status ‘free to work’.
      3. Your family members or relatives are allowed to work in the Netherlands without a work permit.
      4. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for the permanent residence permit.