--- title: "Netherlands Self-employed permit 2026: €1,767+/mo needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/self-employed-residence/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- Netherlands · Business / Startup # Netherlands Self-employed permit **Income needed:** €1,767+ a month ≈ $1,970 Residence permit for self-employed person (zelfstandige) First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Income needed:** €1,767+ a month ≈ $1,970 (Income of at least EUR 1,766.77 a month (≈ $1,970) · Required gross profit per month including holiday allowance, valid 1 July to 31 December 2026; it must be evident from the business plan. A fee of EUR 423 (≈ $470) · IND application fee for a first application or change of purpose as a self-employed person; an extension also costs EUR 423.) - **First stay:** 2 yrs (Residence permit valid for a maximum of 2 years; it can be extended, and a permanent permit is possible after 5 years.) - **Who can apply:** Most passports (Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.) - **Work:** Yes (Self-employed work is allowed; work as an employee needs a work permit (TWV), which is no longer required after 5 years of work in the Netherlands.) - **Spouse work:** Can work (Family members receive residence permits allowing self-employed work and free work without a work permit.) ## Key facts Self-employed permit is a business / startup route for Netherlands. Applicants need income of €1,767+ a month ≈ $1,970. You can stay 2 yrs, renewable. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Money needed:** €1,767+ a month ≈ $1,970 - **Government fees:** €423 ≈ $470 - **Processing:** Up to 90 days - **First stay:** 2 yrs ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fee €423 ≈ $470; income to show €1,767+/mo ≈ $1,970; decision: up to 90 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: €423 ≈ $470** - EUR 423 (≈ $470) IND application fee for a first application or change of purpose as a self-employed person; an extension also costs EUR 423 (≈ $470). **Shown, not spent: €1,767+/mo ≈ $1,970** - EUR 1,766.77 a month (≈ $1,970) Required gross profit per month including holiday allowance, valid 1 July to 31 December 2026; it must be evident from the business plan. **Renewal: Renewable** The permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years and can be extended before it expires. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person) **Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence** After holding the permit for 5 years you can apply for a permanent residence permit. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person) **Citizenship: After 5 years of residence** Naturalisation needs 5 consecutive years in the Kingdom of the Netherlands on a valid residence permit, a permit with a non-temporary purpose when you apply, and the civic integration exam at level A2. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service](https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-through-naturalisation) **Processing: Up to 90 days** The IND must decide within 90 days, or up to 6 months if advice is requested from RVO or the education ministry. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person) **Where to apply: From abroad** Non-EU citizens apply at a Dutch embassy or consulate, requesting the entry visa (MVV) and residence permit together. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Applications are made from outside Netherlands, not after arriving - Not open to EU, EEA or Swiss passports ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant is a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. - The work is of essential interest to the Dutch economy, or to Dutch culture for artists. - RVO scores personal experience, business plan and added value; each area needs 30 points, or 45 each for experience and business plan. - The scoring system does not apply to Turkish nationals, long-term EU residents of another EU state, or independent professions. - The applicant is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and holds the permits needed for the profession. - A freelancer has one or more commissions in the Netherlands. #### What you must show - Gross profit is at least EUR 1,766.77 (≈ $1,970) per month including holiday allowance, shown in the business plan. - The application fee is EUR 423 (≈ $470). #### Documents - The application form lists the documents; foreign documents are legalised and translated. #### Steps 1. The applicant applies for the MVV and residence permit together at the Dutch embassy or consulate. #### After you arrive - The permit allows self-employed work; work as an employee needs a work permit unless the holder has worked 5 years in the Netherlands. ## When you become tax resident How Netherlands decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 2 years at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** Residence determined by durable ties to the Netherlands rather than a fixed day count. - **Income tax:** Work and home income for people under retirement age: 35.75% up to EUR38,883, (≈ $43,400) 37.56% to EUR78,426 (≈ $87,600) and 49.5% above. [All tax rules for Netherlands](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/tax/) Tax records checked 12 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Residence permit to work as a self-employed person or freelancer, assessed by RVO on a points system for personal experience, business plan and added value to the Dutch economy. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4) #### What you must show and pay - Income of at least EUR 1,766.77 a month (≈ $1,970) · Required gross profit per month including holiday allowance, valid 1 July to 31 December 2026; it must be evident from the business plan. (sources 1, 3) - A fee of EUR 423 (≈ $470) · IND application fee for a first application or change of purpose as a self-employed person; an extension also costs EUR 423 (≈ $470). (sources 2, 3) #### Requirements - The applicant is a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. (source 3) - The work is of essential interest to the Dutch economy, or to Dutch culture for artists. (source 3) - RVO scores personal experience, business plan and added value; each area needs 30 points, or 45 each for experience and business plan. (source 3) - The scoring system does not apply to Turkish nationals, long-term EU residents of another EU state, or independent professions. (source 3) - The applicant is registered with the Chamber of Commerce and holds the permits needed for the profession. (source 3) - A freelancer has one or more commissions in the Netherlands. (source 3) - Gross profit is at least EUR 1,766.77 (≈ $1,970) per month including holiday allowance, shown in the business plan. (sources 1, 3) - The application fee is EUR 423 (≈ $470). (sources 2, 3) - The application form lists the documents; foreign documents are legalised and translated. (source 3) - The applicant applies for the MVV and residence permit together at the Dutch embassy or consulate. (source 3) - The permit allows self-employed work; work as an employee needs a work permit unless the holder has worked 5 years in the Netherlands. (source 3) #### Stay - Residence permit valid for a maximum of 2 years; it can be extended, and a permanent permit is possible after 5 years. - First stay: up to 24 months, decided case by case. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia. #### Work Self-employed work is allowed; work as an employee needs a work permit (TWV), which is no longer required after 5 years of work in the Netherlands. #### Family Family members receive residence permits allowing self-employed work and free work without a work permit. Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Required amounts: income requirements (valid 2026)](https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service: fees for residence permit applications](https://ind.nl/en/fees) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Residence permit self-employed person](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Dutch scoring system, business of essential interest (Annex 8a to section 3.20a Aliens Regulations 2000)](https://ind.nl/en/documents/07-2022/dutch-scoring-system-business-of-essential-interest.pdf) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-10 · published 2022-07-01 5. [Becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation](https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-through-naturalisation) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11 ## Self-employed permit and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Self-employed permit | Needs income of €1,767+ a month ≈ $1,970 | 2 yr, renewable | Yes | | [DAFT self-employed](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/daft-self-employed/) | Needs an investment of €4,500+ ≈ $5,030 | 2 yr, renewable | Yes | | [Startup permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/startup-residence-permit/) | – | 1 yr | – | | [Startup Visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/startup-visa-89-4/) Portugal | Needs savings of €6,446+ ≈ $7,200 | 2 yr, renewable | – | | [Entrepreneur visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/entrepreneur-visa/) Spain | – | 3 yr, renewable | – | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Self-employed permit? Income of at least EUR 1,766.77 a month (≈ $1,970). Required gross profit per month including holiday allowance, valid 1 July to 31 December 2026; it must be evident from the business plan. A fee of EUR 423 (≈ $470). IND application fee for a first application or change of purpose as a self-employed person; an extension also costs EUR 423 (≈ $470). ### How long can I stay on the Self-employed permit? Residence permit valid for a maximum of 2 years; it can be extended, and a permanent permit is possible after 5 years. ### How long does the Self-employed permit take to process? The IND must decide within 90 days, or up to 6 months if advice is requested from RVO or the education ministry. ### Can I work on the Self-employed permit? Yes. Self-employed work is allowed; work as an employee needs a work permit (TWV), which is no longer required after 5 years of work in the Netherlands. ### Can I bring my family on the Self-employed permit? Family members receive residence permits allowing self-employed work and free work without a work permit. ### Who can apply for the Self-employed permit? Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Not open to: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia. ### Does the Self-employed permit lead to permanent residence in Netherlands? Time on the Self-employed permit counts toward permanent residence in Netherlands, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. Time on the Self-employed permit counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. ### How are Self-employed permit holders taxed in Netherlands? No special regime in our records is tied to the Self-employed permit. The standard rules apply: Work and home income for people under retirement age: 35.75% up to EUR38,883, (≈ $43,400) 37.56% to EUR78,426 (≈ $87,600) and 49.5% above. ## More in Netherlands [Orientation year (zoekjaar)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/orientation-year/) [Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/working-holiday/) [Blue Card](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/eu-blue-card/) [Start-up personnel permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/essential-startup-personnel/) [Highly Skilled Migrant](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/highly-skilled-migrant/) [Work permit (single permit)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/work-single-permit/) [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/student-residence/) ## Business / startup visas elsewhere [🇮🇹 Startup Hub (in-country)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/startup-hub/) [🇬🇷 Business investor permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/business-investment-b2/) [🇩🇪 Self-employed permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/self-employment-21/) [🇫🇷 Entrepreneur / freelancer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/entrepreneur-liberal/) [🇬🇧 Innovator Founder](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/innovator-founder/) [🇨🇾 Startup visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cyprus/startup-visa/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 5 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Required amounts: income requirements (valid 2026)](https://ind.nl/en/required-amounts-income-requirements) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Immigration and Naturalisation Service: fees for residence permit applications](https://ind.nl/en/fees) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Residence permit self-employed person](https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Dutch scoring system, business of essential interest (Annex 8a to section 3.20a Aliens Regulations 2000)](https://ind.nl/en/documents/07-2022/dutch-scoring-system-business-of-essential-interest.pdf) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-10 5. [Becoming a Dutch national through naturalisation](https://ind.nl/en/dutch-citizenship/becoming-a-dutch-national-through-naturalisation) · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.