Residence as a Self-Employed Entrepreneur

When admitted as a self-employed entrepreneur, the primary principle is that a significant Dutch interest must be served. To answer this question, the opinion of various ministries will often be important.

If the applicant is an artist (such as a performer or musician), the IND will consult with the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science to determine if admitting the foreigner serves a Dutch cultural interest.

Points System

For those engaging in independent professional or entrepreneurial activities, advice will be sought from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). A points system is used to assess whether a significant Dutch interest is at stake. Points are awarded based on three components:

  • Personal Background of the Entrepreneur: Educational background(s), economic position and activities up to now, and experience with the Netherlands and the Dutch economy.
  • Business Plan: The substantiation of ideas and plans, organizational form, product/service, market potential, and financial plan.
  • Added Value: The contribution of the economic activity to our country in the form of innovation (in product, process, market, and activity), job creation, and investments.

To qualify for a residence permit, the self-employed entrepreneur must score at least 30 points for each component, totaling at least 90 points. A maximum of 100 points can be achieved per component. Alternatively, if the entrepreneur scores 45 points each in components A and B and holds a higher education degree (university or polytechnic), the last category will not be assessed. As the C category is usually the hardest category to score points, the chances of approval are increased.

Experience shows that a solid business and financial plan is crucial for a positive decision.

Exceptions to the Points System

There are exceptions to applying the points system:

  • For EU long-term residents, no advice will be sought from the RVO for eligibility for residence as a self-employed entrepreneur. The applicant must demonstrate that the proposed business activity generates sufficient income to sustain themselves. Sufficient income means a gross profit at least equal to the minimum wage.
  • American and Japanese entrepreneurs are not assessed using this points system. For this group, depositing €4500 into a business account is sufficient.
  • Turkish entrepreneurs are covered under the so-called Association Agreement and are also exempt from the points system.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office. You can reach us by phone at +31(0)20 223 2466, or by email at info@arslanlitadvocaten.nl. We are happy to assist you! You can also reach us through our social media channels found at the bottom of this page.