Run your own business in the Netherlands – as a freelancer, consultant or company owner. We help you build a business plan that passes the RVO points test.
Your business must serve an essential Dutch interest – RVO scores this with a points system.
Both are business routes. The stage of your company decides which one fits.
| Self-employed permit | Start-up visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage of your business | Running business or solid plan | New, innovative idea |
| Facilitator | Not required | Required (RVO-recognised) |
| Assessment | Points: experience, business plan, added value | RVO checks innovation and the step-by-step plan |
| First permit | 2 years, renewable | 1 year, not renewable |
| Innovation required | No | Yes |
It starts with a free 30-minute consultation.
We assess your experience, business idea and finances against the points system.
We help you write a plan with market research, financial forecasts and clear added value for the Netherlands.
KVK registration, IND application with RVO advice – and the MVV entry visa where needed.
After two years we prepare your renewal, including proof that your business earns enough.
The complete route in seven steps.
Americans, Japanese and Turkish citizens have their own, simpler routes. Everyone else applies through the regular self-employed permit with the RVO points test.
Define your product or service, your target market and why your business adds something to the Netherlands.
Market research, competition, marketing, organisation and three-year financial forecasts – supported by letters of intent, contracts or investments where possible.
Register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and arrange any licences or diplomas your profession needs.
You apply with the IND. The IND asks RVO to score your plan, which adds time to the procedure.
Collect the MVV if needed, register at the municipality, collect your residence card and arrange insurance.
Keep good records from day one: invoices, bank statements and tax returns show at renewal that your business earns enough.
Three parts – and you need to score on all of them.
Your education, work experience in the sector and earlier entrepreneurship. Proof matters: diplomas, references and a track record.
How realistic and well-researched is your plan? RVO looks at market analysis, organisation, financing and forecasts.
Innovation, investment, jobs for others, or a product or service that the Dutch market does not yet offer.
At least 30 points in each of the three parts – or 45 points each for experience and business plan. A weak part cannot simply be compensated by a strong one.
Most refusals come down to the business plan.
Your business must add something to the Dutch economy – for example innovation, jobs, investment or a product that is not yet offered. RVO measures this with points.
Usually not. If you work for one client under their direction, the IND may see it as disguised employment. A healthy client base helps your application.
Yes. Americans (DAFT), Japanese (Dutch-Japanese trade treaty) and Turkish citizens (Association Agreement) follow simpler rules. Some professions, such as artists and certain medical professions, are assessed differently.
At renewal, your business must provide independent and sufficient income. The IND sets the required amount twice a year – we check the current figure for your situation.
Yes, your partner and children can apply with you, provided you meet the income requirement for them.
The IND will usually refuse the application. That is why the business plan is crucial – we review it with you before filing.
The first 30 minutes are free.
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