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.

This concerns those who hold a residence permit for living with a sponsor who holds a residence permit as a self-employed.

This amendment is prompted by the Family Reunification Directive (Directive 2003/86/EG). According to the Directive, family members shall be entitled, in the same way as their sponsor, to access to employment and self-employed activity.

The changes allow these family members to receive a note on their biometric residence card, confirming their unequivocal right to work as a self-employed person.

If you have any question regarding this policy, please feel free to contact Marcel Reurs or Thomas van Houwelingen.