Coming to the Netherlands as an Entrepreneur
If you want to move to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur or self-employed person, there are several steps you should take. Depending on your nationality and how long you stay, you may need a visa or residence permit. Find out which steps apply to your situation.
Before you begin
Before you plan your journey
- for information on corona travel and quarantine measures in the Netherlands;
- to take the checklist for arranging your non-business matters (f.i. education, money matters).
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What you need to enter the Netherlands
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Short Stay Visa
If you wish to stay in the Netherlands for a maximum of 180 days for business purposes, you may need a visa. This depends on your nationality.
If you have questions concerning your short-stay visa due to the corona crisis, check the IND Frequent Asked Question page.
More information
Corona virus and travel to The Netherlands
Provisional residence permit (mvv)
A provisional residence permit (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf, mvv) is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in your passport. Depending on your nationality, you need the mvv to travel to the Netherlands for a stay longer than 90 days. In order to get an mvv, you have to meet the requirements for a residence permit.
What you need to stay in the Netherlands
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Residence permit
A residence permit is a document you need if you wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days, depending on your country of origin. To stay in the Netherlands and work in your own company you will need to prove that you serve an essential interest to the Dutch economy. There are general and specific conditions.
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Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
What you need to work in the Netherlands
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Work permit (twv)
Foreign employees normally require a work permit in the Netherlands (tewerkstellingsvergunning, TWV). If you will stay in the Netherlands as an entrepreneur, self-employed professional or for a start-up, the work permit is often part of your residence permit. This depends on your how long you stay.
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Employee Insurance Agency (UWV)
Registration at the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) is a public-service provider that helps business owners run their businesses successfully. The main task of the Chamber of Commerce is managing the Dutch Commercial Register (Handelsregister).
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Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
What else do you need
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Citizen service number (BSN)
The citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN) is a unique personal number allocated to everyone registered in the Personal Records Database (basisregistratie personen, BRP). Everyone who registers with the BRP is automatically given a BSN.
The government uses your BSN to process your personal data. You can use your BSN for any government service in the Netherlands. Your BSN also allows you to identify yourself if you need care. Recognised care providers like general practice doctors and health insurance companies have to use the BSN.
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Non-business information
When you move to the Netherlands, you will also need to arrange non-business matters, for instance medical care and education. To find out quickly what to do and how, Government.nl has devised a checklist.