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entrepreneur

  • Entrepreneurs

    If you want to set up a business in the Netherlands, you can apply for a residence permit as an entrepreneur.

    RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)assesses whether your business has a good chance of success and serves the Dutch economy’s vital interests. RVO evaluates your application with a point-based system. 

  • Family members of entrepreneurs exempted from work permit requirement

    From 1 January 2020, family members of foreign entrepreneurs can take up paid employment without having to apply for a work permit.

  • Family members of self-employed have the right to work as self-employed, themselves

    Family members of self-employed have the right to work as self-employed, themselves. The State Secretary of Justice and Security has amended the Aliens Regulations and the Aliens Circular accordingly.

  • ICT permit relaxed, WHP permit restricted

    Along with students and highly skilled migrants, holders of a residence permit for an intra company transfer (ICT permit) can now also take up work as a self-employed person. With this decree, the Minister intends to stimulate the Dutch knowledge economy and keep talent in the Netherlands.

  • Integration Exam: exemption ONA for entrepreneurs

    Since 20 April 2019, integration exam candidates who work in paid employment can apply for an exemption from the ‘Orientation on the Dutch labor market’ (ONA) component of the civic integration exam. As of 1 October 2020, self-employed persons who are ‘active on the labor market’ will also be eligible for an exemption from the ONA examination component. An application for the exemption can be filed on the DUO website.

  • Introduction: Starting a business in the Netherlands

    Entrepreneurs who come to the Netherlands to start a business can apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurs. Start-up entrepreneurs who work together with a recognized facilitator can apply under the more lenient start-up program. Foreign investorscan apply for a Dutch residence permit if they invest in the Dutch economy.

    Entrepreneurs

    Regular entrepreneurs are assessed through a point-based system. Applicants can score points for their business plan, personal experience, and contribution to Dutch economy. The points are not easily obtained, which makes this one of the more rigid procedures. Read more on our page: Entrepreneurs.

    Start-up

    Under the start-up program, a permit is granted for 1 year to develop the business with the support of a facilitator. After this year, the starting entrepreneur must apply for the regular permit for entrepreneurs, via the point-based system. Read more on our page: Start-up

    Investors

    For investors, the investment amount is the main criterion. The investment must meet certain requirements as well, such as proof of benefit to the Dutch economy. Read more on our page: Investor visa

    Matrix comparing Point-based system, Startup program and Investor's permit:

       
    Point-based system 
    Startup program  
    Investors    

    Access to job market  

    Limited to work for own company. Work permit required for any other type of work.

    Limited to work for own company. Work permit required for any other type of work.

    Free access to job market. Work permit not required.

    Duration

    2 years, extension possible depending on business performance

    1 year, extension subject to point-based system

    3 years, extension is possible

    Civic integration requirement

    none

    none

    none

    Family

    Can apply simultaneously; work permit is required for any type of work.

    Can apply simultaneously; work permit is required for any type of work.

    Can apply simultaneously, work permit not required, free access to labor market

    Dutch citizenship

    Application possible after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay

    Application possible after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay

    Application possible after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay

     

    Special categories

    For more information, please contact Hermie de Voer, Vera Kidjan or Lotte van Diepen.

  • Long term residents EU

    In a number of EU Member States, you can obtain the status of long-term resident EC. This is a European type of permanent residence permit.

    Did you receive the status of long-term resident EC in another EU country and do you want to apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands? Then more favourable conditions apply to you.

    If you want to know how you can receive the status of long-term resident EC in the Netherlands, go to the page Permanent residency.

    If you want to know how you can receive the status of long-term resident EC in another EU country, please consult the authorities in the concerned country. You can find a list of participating countries here.

  • New possibilities for startups, scale ups and entrepreneurs

    The Dutch government has announced additional investments into the Dutch startup and scale up policy worth €65 million over the next four years. The newly announced regulations include a pilot for a new type of residence permit for essential, non-EU startup staff.

  • Webinar for foreign art students 2022

    DATE: Tuesday, May 17, 2022
    TIME: 4.30 pm
    REGISTRATION: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    Our annual free lecture for international art students who want to stay in the Netherlands after graduation, will take place as a webinar again this year. The webinar will address the following: