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Build path

Build your business in the Netherlands

For founders and freelancers. Whether you may work for yourself here and how you register the business are separate questions, and this path takes them one at a time. The startup visa is one route, not the only one.

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Your situation

Optional. Anything you leave open shows every step.

Showing all 24 steps.

  1. 1

    Choose your route

    First, whether you may work for yourself here. How you set up the business comes after.

    1. Keep permission and registration apart

      Registering with KVK does not give you the right to live or work here, and a residence permit does not register a business. You need to settle both.

      In the system:Right to self-employmentKVK registration

    2. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need no permit to work for themselves

      You can go straight to validating the idea and registering the business.

      In the system:Right to self-employment

    3. Check that your current permit allows self-employment

      Your residence document states what work you may do. Some permits, such as the orientation year, already let you start a business.

      In the system:Right to self-employmentOrientation year

    4. Startup visa: an innovative idea, with a facilitator

      Up to one year to launch an innovative product or service, working with an experienced mentor called a facilitator.

      In the system:Startup visa

    5. Self-employed permit: a business the Netherlands needs

      The IND asks the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) to score your experience and business plan. You need enough points to show an essential Dutch interest.

      In the system:Self-employed permit

  2. 2

    Validate and prepare

    Test the idea, and choose the form the business takes.

    1. Test the idea with real customers

      Talk to the people you want to sell to before you register anything. A plan is cheaper to change than a company.

    2. Choose between freelancing and a company

      Freelancing usually means a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak). A BV or a partnership suits other plans.

    3. Find a facilitator

      The RVO keeps the list of facilitators who meet the requirements. You sign a contract with one before you apply.

      In the system:Startup visa

    4. Find support: incubators, advisers and networks

      Organisations across the Netherlands help founders and freelancers get started.

    5. Budget the set-up costs

      Add up the stated fees for registering before you start.

  3. 3

    Immigration, if needed

    Skip this if you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen or your permit already allows self-employment.

    1. Apply for the startup visa

      You and your facilitator must both be registered with KVK, and you need enough money for your stay.

      In the system:Startup visa

    2. Apply for the self-employed residence permit

      Include your business plan and evidence of your experience: those are what the RVO scores.

      In the system:Self-employed permit

    3. Arrange your entry visa and TB test if they apply

      Depending on your nationality, you may need a provisional residence permit (MVV) and a tuberculosis test.

    4. Not sure which route fits? Get advice first

      An adviser can tell you which permit your plan fits before you pay for an application.

  4. 4

    Register the business

    Put the business on the record and separate its money from yours.

    1. Register at your municipality and get a BSN

      Most of what follows uses your BSN, so sort it out first when you arrive.

      In the system:Municipality registrationBSN

    2. Register with KVK

      Registration puts the business in the Trade Register. It is the same process whatever permit you hold.

      In the system:KVK registration

    3. Open a business bank account

      Keep business and private money apart from the start.

      In the system:Business bank account

  5. 5

    Set up admin

    Tax, logins and insurance, before the first invoice.

    1. Understand VAT (BTW) and your filings

      When you charge VAT, and how often you file returns.

      In the system:VAT (BTW)

    2. Get a DigiD

      Your login for your personal tax return and other government services.

      In the system:DigiD

    3. Arrange health insurance

      Almost everyone who lives or works here must have Dutch basic health insurance, self-employed included.

      In the system:Health insurance

  6. 6

    Operate and grow

    The recurring obligations, and the deadlines that come with a permit.

    1. File your annual tax return

      Your business profit is part of your income tax return, alongside your VAT returns.

      In the system:Tax return

    2. Before your startup year ends, move to the self-employed permit

      The startup visa lasts one year at most. To stay and keep running the business, apply in time.

      In the system:Startup visaSelf-employed permit

    3. Extend your permit before it expires

      A self-employed permit is temporary. Apply for the extension before the end date on your card.

      In the system:Self-employed permit

    4. Keep building your network

      Support organisations, chambers and communities for founders at every stage.