The Netherlands is widely regarded as one of Europe's most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs. With its open economy, strategic location, strong legal system, and access to the European Union market, it is no surprise that many self-employed professionals and business owners consider establishing themselves in the Netherlands.
One of the main immigration routes for entrepreneurs is the Dutch self-employment residence permit, often referred to as the "Verblijfsvergunning zelfstandig ondernemer" in Dutch. While this route offers significant opportunities, it is also one of the most complex and misunderstood residence permits in Dutch immigration law.
This article provides a comprehensive and practical overview of the Dutch self-employment visa. It explains how the assessment works, what documents are required, and which structural issues applicants frequently encounter in practice. It is written for entrepreneurs who want clarity before applying, rather than surprises during the procedure.
What is the Dutch self-employment residence permit
The Dutch self-employment residence permit allows non-EU and non-EEA nationals to reside in the Netherlands for the purpose of running a business or working as an independent professional.
This permit is regulated under Dutch national law and is assessed by two authorities:
- The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), which decides on the residence permit application;
- The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), which advises the IND on the economic value of the business
The permit is typically granted for a maximum of two years and can be renewed if the business continues to meet the requirements. After several years of lawful residence, it may lead to permanent residence or Dutch citizenship, subject to the applicable conditions.
Who is this permit intended for
The self-employment visa is designed for entrepreneurs whose activities serve the Dutch economic interests. Typical applicants include:
- Independent consultants and professionals
- Founders of service-based companies
- Owners of small or medium enterprises
- Creative professionals and specialists
- International entrepreneurs expanding to the Dutch market
This route is not suitable for every situation. In many cases, alternative residence permits such as the highly skilled migrant permit, EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transfer, or start-up visa may be more appropriate. Proper assessments at an early stage is therefore essential. You can contact our lawyer at Pathway Partners for a free initial intake evaluation.
The three-part assessment by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
A defining feature of the self-employment visa is the three-part assessment carried out by RVO. Each part is scored using a points system. To receive positive advice, a minimum score must be achieved overall.
Part A: Personal experience and added value
Part A assesses the entrepreneur personally rather than the company. It focuses on whether the applicant has the background and expertise required to run the proposed business successfully. Key elements include:
- Education and qualifications
- Entrepreneurial experience
- Sector-specific knowledge
- Previous roles as founder, director, or self-employed professional
- Relevance of past experience to the Dutch business activity
Supporting evidence typically includes diplomas, CVs, company extracts, contracts, and references. A well-documented professional history is crucial in this section.
Part B: Financial performance of the business
Part B assesses the financial performance and sustainability of the Dutch business itself. This is often the most challenging part of the application. RVO examines factors such as:
- Turnover
- Profitability
- Liquidity
- Solvency
- Financial continuity
Importantly, Part B focuses exclusively on the Dutch legal entity. Financial figures from a foreign parent company, brand, or group do not replace the requirement for Dutch financial data. Foreign figures may provide context, but they do not generate points for Part B.
For newly established companies, this creates a structural difficulty which we will address later in this article.
Part C: Added value for the Dutch economy
Part C evaluates whether the business contributes positively to the Dutch economy. Factors include:
- Innovation
- Job creation
- Knowledge transfer
- Contribution to specific sectors
- Use of Dutch suppliers or networks
This part is closely linked to the business plan and market analysis. A generic or poorly substantiated plan often leads to a negative assessment.
Application requirements and documents
A self-employment visa application requires extensive documentation. The exact list depends on the legal form and business activity, but generally includes the following.
Personal documents
- Valid passport
- Criminal record certificate, depending on nationality
- Resume with extensive description of academic and career backgrounds
- Proof of residence history
Business registration documents
- Dutch Chamber of Commerce extract
- Articles of association for a BV (oprichtingsakte) (if applicable)
- Shareholder or partnership agreements
- Proof of business address
Business plan
The business plan is central to the application and is reviewed in detail by RVO. It should include:
- Description of activities
- Market analysis and competition
- Target clients and pricing strategy
- Marketing and acquisition plan
- Financial forecasts
- Risk analysis
Generic templates rarely succeed. The plan must be tailored to the Dutch market and the applicant's background.
Financial documents
- Profit and loss statement and Balance sheet
- Interim financial statements, if available
- VAT reports
- Investment overview
- Proof of available capital
- Bank statements
Supporting evidence
- Contracts or letters of intent
- Client references
- Professional certifications
- Portfolio or project descriptions
The core paradox of the self-employment visa
One of the most confusing aspects of the self-employment route is the apparent contradiction between immigration law and financial assessment.
On one hand, Part B requires financial performances of the Dutch company. On the other hand, applicants often do not yet hold a residence permit that allows them to work in the Netherlands. Without a work authorisation, they may not actively perform labour in the Netherlands.
This leads to a common and understandable question: How can an entrepreneur generate Dutch turnover before the permit is granted?
Answer: This is not a loophole or misunderstanding. It is a structural feature of the system.
How the law addresses this issue in practice
The key legal distinction is between owning a company and performing labour in the Netherlands.
Incorporating a Dutch company is allowed without a residence permit. What is restricted is personally performing work in the Netherlands without authorisation. Therefore, in practice, Part B financials may be generated lawfully in the following ways.
1. Work performed outside the Netherlands
An entrepreneur may carry out work while physically outside the Netherlands. The Dutch company may invoice clients for work performed abroad. A Dutch company can also operate through an overseas bank. As long as no labour is performed in the Netherlands, this does not violate Dutch labour law. This is one of the most common and legally accepted ways to build financial history before applying.
2. Use of subcontractors or third parties
The Dutch company may generate turnover through freelancers, agencies, or employees who are already allowed to work in the Netherlands. The applicant does not personally perform the labour. To certain extent this practice also benefits the assessment, namely Part C because if the employees are recruited and they perform the work in the Netherlands, you are creating employment in the Netherlands and that adds up the score.
Note: this requires real economic activities. Artificial constructions or paper arrangements are likely to be rejected.
3. Transition from an existing lawful residence status
Applicants who already hold a residence permit that allows work, such as a highly skilled migrant permit or orientation year, may lawfully generate turnover before switching to self-employment.
This explains why many successful applications involve a change of residence purpose rather than a first entry into the Netherlands.
4. Start-up visa as an alternative
The Dutch start-up visa exists partly to address this structural barrier. It allows early-stage entrepreneurs to enter the market under supervision without meeting the full financial performance requirements from the start.
Why foreign company figures are not sufficient for Part B
Applicants often assume that financial performance of a foreign parent company can be used to satisfy Part B. This is a common misconception.
RVO assesses the financial performance of the Dutch undertaking itself. Group consolidation or brand continuity does not change this. Foreign figures may support credibility in Part A or the business plan, but they do not replace Dutch financial statements for Part B.
This distinction is critical and frequently overlooked.
Common refusal reasons of self-employment visa application
Based on practice, refusals often result from:
- Applying too early with no Dutch financial activity
- Overreliance on foreign company figures
- Generic or unrealistic business plans
- Insufficient explanation of market entry strategy
- Unlawful or unclear pre-application activities
Good thing is, many refusals could be avoided with proper timing and strategy.
Strategic planning is essential
The self-employment visa is not designed as a day-one market entry permit. It assumes either prior lawful work capacity or a staged entry into the Dutch market. Successful applications are almost always the result of careful planning, realistic timelines, and a clear legal strategy.
How Pathway Partners can assist
At Pathway Partners, we specialise in Dutch business immigration and self-employment residence permits. We assist entrepreneurs with:
- Assessing the suitability of the self-employment route
- Structuring Dutch entities in line with immigration law
- Preparing RVO-compliant business plans
- Mapping lawful pre-application activities
- Managing IND correspondence and procedures
- Exploring alternative residence routes where appropriate
Our approach is practical, transparent, and legally grounded. We focus not only on meeting formal requirements, but on building applications that stand up to real scrutiny.
The Dutch self-employment visa offers genuine opportunities, but it is not a simple or automatic route. The three-part RVO assessment, the financial performance requirement, and the interaction with labour law make this one of the most demanding residence permits in the Netherlands.
Understanding the system before applying is essential. With the right strategy, timing, and documentation, the self-employment route can be a powerful pathway to establishing a long-term presence in the Netherlands.
For tailored advice on your situation, contact us. Having professional guidance at an early stage can make the difference between refusal and success.