Self-Employed Visa for the Netherlands – Requirements, Points Test and Expert Help
The Dutch Self-Employed Visa lets non-EU entrepreneurs build and run their business in the Netherlands.
UnitCity prepares your points-test scoring, your IND-grade business plan and your full application – so you cross the 90-point threshold the first time.
Get a free points-test assessment
20-minute call. We tell you honestly whether you’ll pass.
Based
in Rotterdam
100%
approval rate
20+ countries
among our clients
IND-experienced
advisors
Who Qualifies for the Dutch Self-Employed Visa?
The Dutch Self-Employed Visa (formally: residence permit for self-employment, or zelfstandig ondernemerschap) is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to start or run their own business in the Netherlands.
This visa is right for you if:
Yes
You’re a non-EU/EEA national
You’re planning a real, operating business in the Netherlands – not a shell company
Your business adds something measurable to the Dutch economy (innovation, job creation, knowledge transfer or investment)
You can support yourself and your family from the business income
You can register the business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
Special cases:
Other routes
US citizens qualify under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) with a much simpler €4,500 capital requirement and no points test.
Japanese citizens qualify under a bilateral treaty with similarly relaxed conditions.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens don’t need this visa – you have free movement rights.
The Points Test Explained
To grant a Self-Employed Visa, the IND scores your application across three categories, with 100 points available in each.
You need:
At least 90 points out of 300 in total
At least 30 points in each of the three categories
Score below 30 in any single category and you fail, even if your overall total is high. This makes the points test about balance, not raw score.
The IND evaluates your background as a founder.
Points are awarded for combinations of:
Education – formal qualifications relevant to the business field
Entrepreneurial experience – at least 5 years of self-employment or company ownership scores highest
Work experience – relevant employment at managerial or specialist level
Income history – previous income demonstrating you’ve earned at a level comparable to what your business will need to generate
Strong applicants typically combine a relevant degree with 3+ years of running a related business or working in the same sector.
This is where most applications win or lose.
The IND scores your plan against:
Market analysis – realistic demand, named competitors, target customer profile
Product or service definition – concrete, not abstract
Organisation – legal structure, staffing, key suppliers, premises
Financial plan – three-year projections, opening balance, financing structure, cash flow
A “good idea” is not enough. The IND treats this like a bank credit assessment. Vague projections, missing competitor analysis, or unsupported revenue assumptions are the most common reasons for low Category 2 scores.
to the Dutch economy
Your business has to contribute to the Netherlands.
Points are awarded for any of:
Innovation – new product, new service, or new approach to an existing market
Investment – capital you bring into the Netherlands
Job creation – Dutch hires planned within the first years
Knowledge transfer – bringing specialist expertise the Dutch market lacks
You don’t need to score on all four – strong scoring in one is usually enough, provided the claim is concrete and verifiable.
We prepare IND-compliant business plans for entrepreneur visas – that’s a service we do every week.
IND-compliant business plan preparation
Dutch Self-Employed Visa Requirements
Beyond the points test, every applicant must meet these baseline conditions:
KvK registration. Your business must be (or be ready to be) registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel). Eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) and BV (private limited company) are both eligible structures.
Sufficient income. You must demonstrate your business will generate enough income to support yourself – and any dependants joining you. The IND uses a minimum income standard updated annually.
Comprehensive business plan. Written in line with IND criteria (see Category 2 above).
Valid passport. Must cover your full intended stay with at least 6 months’ buffer.
Dutch health insurance. Required from day one of registered stay.
Clean criminal record. Antecedents declaration is mandatory.
TB test. Required for nationals of certain countries; many are exempt.
Not sure how you'd score on the points test?
A call with experts gives you an honest estimate of your score
How the Self-Employed Visa Application Process Works
The IND’s published decision period is up to 90 days. Well-prepared files are usually decided in 6–12 weeks (up to 6 months). Here’s how we work:
-
Step 1
Eligibility & points-test scoring
We score your profile across the three IND categories before you commit. If you're below 90 points, we'll tell you what's missing and whether it's fixable.
-
Step 2
Business plan development
We work with you to build an IND-compliant plan: market analysis, organisational structure, three-year financials, opening balance sheet, and a financing structure that holds up to scrutiny.
-
Step 3
Document compilation
KvK registration, apostille and sworn translation of foreign documents, financial statements, antecedents declaration, proof of address, MVV documents where applicable. Every document is checked before submission.
-
Step 4
IND submission and tracking
We file the application with the IND. If the IND asks follow-up questions (this is common for entrepreneur applications), we respond within 24 hours with full supporting evidence.
-
Step 5
Post-approval setup
BSN registration, Dutch bank account, business banking, KvK registration, accountant onboarding, 30% ruling check, health insurance, rental contract. We hand you a functioning Dutch business and life, not just an approval letter.
Self-Employed Visa Services: How UnitCity Helps
UnitCity is a Rotterdam-based business immigration firm focused on helping non-EU entrepreneurs set up and run companies in the Netherlands.
The Self-Employed Visa is one of our core services – we file applications under this route most weeks of the year.
What's included in our Self-Employed Visa service:
- Points-test scoring and gap analysis
- IND-compliant business plan preparation
- KvK registration (eenmanszaak or BV)
- Full document compilation, legalisation and translation
- IND filing and follow-up correspondence
- Family reunification for partner and minor children
- Post-arrival setup: BSN, banking, address registration, health insurance
- Permit renewal at the end of the initial term
Related services most Self-Employed Visa clients also need:
- Dutch BV incorporation – if you want the limited-liability structure rather than sole proprietorship
- Bookkeeping and tax compliance – Dutch VAT, income tax, annual filings
- 30% ruling application – significant tax benefit if you qualify
- Office space and registered address – required for KvK if you don't have a Dutch home address yet
Most clients work with us on the visa plus two or three of these. Bundles are quoted on scope and usually save 15–25% versus buying everything separately.
Why Expats Choose UnitCity
100% approval rate on first submission
Clients from 20+
countries
Based in Rotterdam – serving
all of the Netherlands
Talk to an immigration advisor
Drop us a message. We typically reply within a few hours during business days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a Dutch Self-Employed Visa without prior business experience?
Prior experience strengthens your Category 1 score, but it’s not strictly required. If your education and work background relate to your planned business, and your plan is exceptionally strong in Categories 2 and 3, you can still pass the 90-point threshold. We’ll assess your specific case on the free call.
How much capital do I need for the Self-Employed Visa?
There’s no fixed minimum capital requirement (unlike the DAFT route, which requires €4,500 for US citizens). However, your business plan must show you can finance your activities and support yourself. In practice, most successful applicants demonstrate access to €20,000–€50,000 of capital, depending on the business type. US citizens have a simpler DAFT route.
Can I work as a freelancer on this visa?
Yes. The Self-Employed Visa covers freelance and consulting work, provided you register with the KvK (typically as an eenmanszaak) and meet the points test and income requirements.
Can I switch to the Self-Employed Visa from another Dutch permit?
Yes – common switches include Start-up Visa → Self-Employed (after the initial year), Orientation Year → Self-Employed, and HSM → Self-Employed (when you want to leave employment to start your own business). Switches need to happen before your current permit expires, and the points test applies to the switch.
How long is the Self-Employed Visa valid?
The initial permit is valid for two years. After that, it’s renewable for another five-year period if your business is active, profitable, and still meets the points test criteria. After five consecutive years of legal residence, you become eligible for a permanent residence permit.
Do I have to hire employees?
No. Hiring strengthens Category 3 (added value), but it’s not required. Sole-trader businesses with no employees regularly get approved when other categories are strong.
Can I work a part-time job while holding a Self-Employed Visa?
The permit is specifically for self-employment. 8. What happens if my business doesn’t generate enough income?
At renewal, the IND reviews whether your business is operating and generating sufficient income or whether you are paying yourself a sufficient salary. If income falls below the threshold, the permit may not be renewed. The first year is treated more flexibly than later years.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner and minor children qualify for family reunification. Partners can work in the Netherlands without separate work permits. Income thresholds apply – your business income must support the family.
How long does the application process take?
The IND has a legal decision period of up to 90 days. Well-prepared files are typically decided within 3-6 months. The full timeline from first consultation to permit in hand usually depends on document availability and business plan complexity.
What if my application is rejected?
You can file an objection (bezwaarschrift) within 4 weeks of the decision. The cause matters – fixable issues (documentation, business plan weaknesses) can often be corrected and resubmitted. We handle appeals when our assessment indicates a reasonable chance of success.
