What?
The Dutch Japanese trade treaty is a treaty between the Netherlands and Japan dating all the way back to 1913. The treaty was initially intended to promote trade, commerce and shipping between the two countries.
For who?
For immigration purposes this trade agreement is aimed at Japanese citizens, to be more precise, it is intended for Japanese entrepreneurs, ergo anyone who is self-employed in any way.
How does the Dutch Japanese trade treaty agreement relate to immigration?
To cut a long story short, the trade agreement offers Japanese entrepreneurs and their family members a very easy way to obtain residency in the Netherlands.
Requirements?
They are two main requirements to qualify for the trade agreement. The first is that one needs to set up a business in the Netherlands. This can either be a simple sole proprietorship, a partnership or somewhat more intricate LLC (called BV in Dutch).
Secondly the entrepreneur needs to deposit an amount of at least €4500 in a business account. If an LLC (BV) is incorporated than an additional requirement is that the entrepreneur owns at least 25% of the shares.
And then?
Upon approval the entrepreneur and her/his family members will initially get residence permits for two years. After two years, if there is business activity and the invested of €4500 is still present in the business, then the permits will be extended for five years. The Dutch Japanese trade agreement permit can be extended for as long as these requirements are met. Eventually of course one can be eligible for permanent residence……but that is a different topic.
What next?
For questions, reach out to our team at our contactpage or info@arslanlitadvocaten.nl
