Coming to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur

You can travel to the Netherlands without a provisional residence permit (machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf, mvv). Once you are in the Netherlands, you have 3 months to apply for a residence permit. You submit this application directly to the IND.

If you received a residence document from IND under the Withdrawal Agreement in 2021 but then left the Netherlands for a longer period of time, please contact IND to find out if your residence document is still valid.

A residence permit is a document you need if you wish to stay in the Netherlands for more than 90 days. There are several conditions for a residence permit, depending on your situation. You apply to the Dutch representation in the country of your nationality or country of continuous residence. The Dutch representation forwards your application to the IND. Or you may apply for a residence permit directly with the IND. To do so, you must be in the Netherlands. Note: Are you planning to launch an innovative startup in the Netherlands? In that case, you may want to apply for a special residence permit: the residence permit for foreign startups.

When you are in possession of a residence permit as a self-employed professional or entrepreneur, you are allowed to work in the Netherlands, either on assignment as a freelancer, or in your own business. You will not need a separate work permit. Your residence permit will be stamped with the addition: this person is allowed to work in the Netherlands.

If you do not have a business already and you want to start your own company in the Netherlands, you must register with the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister). To register, you must have a valid residence document plus a Dutch address. There is a registration fee. If you are a foreign legal entity that does not have a permanent establishment in the Netherlands, you do not have to register with the Business Register. However, if your business involves VAT, you will have to register with the Netherlands Tax Administration.

The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) uses three criteria to assess if you qualify as an entrepreneur. If you want to know for certain if you need to register, contact KVK.

If you want to live and work in the Netherlands and have dealings with the Dutch government, you need a citizen service number (BSN). If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for over 4 months, you become a resident and must register at your municipality. To register with the municipality you need a legalised and translated birth certificate.

The citizen service number (BSN) is a unique personal number. The government uses it 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.

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.