Netherlands Entrepreneur Visa
Launch your business in the heart of Europe’s trade hub. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders and freelancers through the Dutch residence permit for self-employed persons, from your points assessment to the day your residence card arrives.
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A Merit-Based Route for Independent Professionals
The Netherlands offers a residence permit for self-employed persons to non-EU nationals who want to run a business or work as a freelancer. Instead of asking for a fixed investment, the Dutch system scores your experience, your business plan and the added value you bring to the country.
If you have a solid track record and a business that contributes to the Dutch economy, this route gives you a legal base in one of Europe’s most international markets.
Why Start a Business in the Netherlands?
A clear system, an open economy and strong rights for your family.
A Transparent Scoring System
Your application is scored on clear criteria, so you know what the authorities are looking for before you apply.
Tax Benefits for Self-Employed
Qualifying self-employed people can benefit from deductions designed to support independent professionals and early-stage founders.
Work Rights for Your Partner
Your spouse or partner can generally work for a Dutch employer or start a business from day one.
A Global Trade Hub
The Netherlands connects your business to European markets through world-class logistics and digital infrastructure.
Schengen Mobility
Your residence permit lets you travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, subject to Schengen rules.
A Path to Permanent Residence
After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence, provided you meet the conditions.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions set by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
Personal Experience
Up to 90 points for your education, work experience and entrepreneurial track record.
Business Plan
Up to 120 points for a convincing business plan with realistic financial forecasts.
Added Value for the Netherlands
Up to 90 points for how your business benefits the Dutch economy, for example through innovation or local partnerships.
Minimum Score
The maximum is 300 points. You need at least 90 points overall, with at least 30 points in each of the three parts.
Sufficient Income
Your business should generate roughly €1,735 in gross profit per month in 2026, which we confirm for your case.
Registrations and Insurance
You register with the Chamber of Commerce, arrange Dutch health insurance and, where needed, apply for an entry visa.
Duration, Timeline and Long-Term Residence
The permit is temporary at first, so it helps to plan for renewal and for the long-term goal from the start.
- An initial residence permit for self-employed persons of up to two years
- The immigration service has a target decision time of around 90 days once your file is complete
- A separate start-up route exists for founders working with an approved facilitator
- Maintaining your business and registration supports renewal
- Permanent residence may be possible after five years of legal residence
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Feasibility and Points Audit
We assess your background and business idea against the scoring criteria, so you know where you stand before you invest in an application.
Business Plan and Filing
We help you build a business plan and a two-year financial forecast, then file the application so it can be assessed for the required points.
Entry Visa Collection
If you need a provisional entry visa, we guide you through collecting it at the Dutch embassy or consulate.
Arrival and Residence Card
After you arrive, you attend an appointment to complete your residence card and register with your municipality to receive your citizen service number.
Chamber of Commerce Registration
You register your business with the Chamber of Commerce and begin operating. We point you to advisers for tax and bookkeeping.
What We Handle for You
Business immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your points and your chances before you pay any fees.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that scores well on the business plan criteria.
Registration Guidance
Help with Chamber of Commerce registration and early compliance.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents and translations for you and your family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with municipality registration, insurance and settling in.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Netherlands entrepreneur visa.
How many points do I actually need to qualify?
The assessment is out of 300 points, split into personal experience, business plan quality and added value for the Netherlands. You need at least 90 points overall, with at least 30 points in each of the three parts.
What is the minimum income requirement?
Your business should be expected to generate roughly €1,735 in gross profit per month in 2026. The exact figure is updated regularly, so we confirm it for your case.
Is my spouse allowed to work for a Dutch employer?
In general, yes. Partners of self-employed permit holders can usually work for a Dutch employer or start their own business without a separate work permit. We confirm the rules for your situation.
What is the difference between the self-employed permit and the start-up visa?
The start-up visa is a one-year route for founders of innovative products who work with an approved facilitator. The self-employed permit uses the points system and suits independent professionals and established business plans.
Can I get permanent residence?
After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence if you meet the conditions, which include integration requirements. We can explain the long-term picture for your situation.
How long does a decision take?
The immigration service aims to decide within around 90 days once your application is complete. Timelines can vary, and we keep you updated.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Dutch authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
Ready to Start Your Business in the Netherlands?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.