Since Brexit, UK passport holders are classed as third-country nationals in the EU. This means the option to simply register and begin freelancing in the Netherlands is no longer available.
The only viable path for you to live and work as self-employed, contractor or small business in the Netherlands is by applying for a Self-Employed Residence Permit via the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
The alternatives are:
- finding regular employment at an existing firm (and having that firm sponsor your visa, which mean they will need to prefer you over local employees). this is probably not what you are looking for.
- Startup visa. Costly and very difficult alternative that only works for highly-innovative company (i.e. almost nobody)
- working through an employer of record (EOR). This is a costly option but does work in some cases.
The Visa Reality
The Netherlands does not offer a specific ‘digital nomad’ or easy ‘freelancer visa.’ The self-employed permit is a formal business immigration route requiring a thorough application.
Your application must demonstrate that your professional activity is in the essential economic interest of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) evaluates this using a points-based system.
Self-Assessment: RVO Points Calculator
Estimate your eligibility by answering the questions below. This calculator uses the official RVO scoring system to help you understand if you’re likely to meet the 90-point minimum (with at least 30 points in each category).
A. Personal Experience (minimum 30 points required)
B. Business Plan Quality (minimum 30 points required)
C. Added Value for Netherlands (minimum 30 points required)
Important Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate only and is not a guarantee of approval. The actual RVO assessment is more detailed and considers the quality of evidence you provide, not just the categories you select.
Each application is evaluated individually, and the IND/RVO may interpret your documentation differently than this simplified assessment suggests.
For a professional evaluation of your specific situation and guidance on building the strongest possible application, please contact our advisers using the contact form on this page.
| Criterion | Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| A. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE (minimum score 30 points) | ||
| Education | Max 35 points |
|
| Entrepreneurship Experience | Max 35 points | 0-35 points (up to 35 inclusive) Less/no points:
|
| Work Experience | Max 10 points | Bachelor/Master/PhD:
|
| Income | Max 10 points | Gross income 12 months prior to application:
|
| Experience with the Netherlands | Max 10 points | Entrepreneurship (0-4 points):
|
| Start-up Entrepreneur | 30 points | In possession of:
|
| B. BUSINESS PLAN (minimum score 30 points) | ||
| Potential Market | Max 25 points | Products/service (0-10 points):
|
| Organization | Max 25 points | 0-25 points (up to and incl. 25 pts)
|
| Financing | Max 50 points | Solvency ratio (equity/balance total):
Forecasts for the next three years. Point of attention is the reality of the underlying premises. Revenues for the Dutch economy have to be made credible. If already active in The Netherlands: provision of annual accounts, tax declaration and tax decisions (value added tax as well as income tax). |
| Start-up Entrepreneur | 30 points | In possession of:
|
| C. ADDED VALUE FOR THE NETHERLANDS (minimum score 30 points) | ||
| Innovation | Max 20 points | 0-20 points (up to and incl. 20 pts.)
|
| Job Creation | Max 40 points | Number of FTE (excl. applicant):
|
| Investments | Max 40 points | Fixed and intangible assets:
|
| Highly Educated Person with Thorough Business Plan | 30 points | If criterium A (personal experience) and B (business plan) together have a score of at least 90 points and separately have a score of 45 points each and criterium C (added value) does not score 30 points, then criterium C (added value) will be fixed at 30 points. In that case the applicant will get a positive advice. |
| Start-up Entrepreneur | 30 points | In possession of:
|
Total Score Required: Minimum 90 points overall, with at least 30 points in each of the three categories (A, B, and C).
Key Application Requirements
You need a minimum of 90 points to qualify, consisting of 30 points per category across three areas:
- Personal Experience: Clear evidence of your education, qualifications, and work experience relevant to your proposed business.
- Viable Business Plan: A detailed, professional plan with realistic market analysis, strategy, and comprehensive financial projections demonstrating long-term viability.
- Economic Contribution: Explicit demonstration of how your business will benefit the Dutch economy through innovation, job creation, investment, or specialized knowledge.
Financial Requirements
Your business must generate a minimum monthly gross profit of €1,697.82 (approximately £1,475 as of 2025), inclusive of holiday allowance. This income requirement must be clearly demonstrated in your financial projections.
Application costs: Budget between €500-€700 total, which includes:
- Residence permit application fee: €405 (or €243 if you’re already a long-term resident in another EU state)
- KvK (Chamber of Commerce) registration: €82.25
- TB test: €39 (if applicable to your nationality)
- Document preparation and notarisation costs
The Most Important Rule: No Salaried Employment
Crucially, the Self-Employed Residence Permit is granted only for you to work as an independent entrepreneur. You are strictly prohibited from taking on salaried employment for another company or client while holding this permit. Your focus must remain solely on the self-employed business outlined in your application.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
1. Check Eligibility & Secure Your Plan
Confirm you meet the income requirements (€1,697.82 monthly gross profit minimum) and prepare your professional business plan to score at least 90 points in the RVO’s evaluation system (30 points each for personal experience, business plan quality, and economic contribution).
2. Register with the KvK
Register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel or KvK). Choose your business structure (e.g., Sole Proprietor / eenmanszaak) and obtain your registration number. This costs €82.25 and automatically notifies the Dutch Tax Authority of your self-employment status.
3. Gather Documents & Apply
Collect all required documents: valid passport, completed Antecedents Certificate, KvK proof, comprehensive business plan, income projections, and evidence of qualifications. Submit your complete application package to the IND and pay the €405 application fee (or €243 if already an EU long-term resident elsewhere).
4. Wait for IND Decision
The IND officially aims to decide within 90 days, but realistically expect 2-6 months depending on case complexity and whether the RVO requires extended consultation on your business plan’s economic value.
5. Collect Permit & Register
Once approved, collect your residence permit from the IND (typically within 2 weeks). Register with your local municipality, complete your TB test within 3 months if applicable, and secure Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months—this is legally mandatory.
6. Renew Every Two Years
Your initial permit is valid for 2 years and can be extended if your business remains viable and you continue meeting all criteria. After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
What to Expect: Processing Times
While the IND officially aims to decide within 90 days, in practice expect 2-6 months. Complex cases requiring extended RVO consultation can take longer. After approval, you’ll typically collect your residence card within 2 weeks.
Essential Documents Checklist
- Valid passport or recognised travel document
- Completed Appendix Antecedents Certificate form (declaring past offences)
- Proof of KvK registration (including your business name, structure, and registration number)
- Comprehensive business plan covering all requirements listed above
- Proof of sufficient and sustainable income from your business activities
- Evidence of relevant qualifications and experience
- Letters of intent or signed contracts from Dutch clients (not mandatory but highly recommended)
After Approval:
Once your permit is granted:
- Register with your local municipality within the specified timeframe
- Complete your TB test within 3 months of permit issuance (if applicable)
- Obtain Dutch basic health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registration (legally required)
- Register with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) for income tax and VAT purposes
Tax Responsibilities
As a self-employed person (zzp’er) in the Netherlands, you will handle:
- Income tax: Based on annual earnings after deducting business expenses
- VAT: Usually 21% on invoices, with quarterly returns required
- Social security contributions: Included in your income tax assessment
You may qualify for the zelfstandigenaftrek (self-employment deduction), which can significantly reduce your taxable income. Consider working with a Dutch accountant to optimise your tax position and ensure compliance.
Permit Renewal and Permanent Residency
The initial permit is valid for 2 years and can be extended if your business remains viable and you continue meeting the original criteria. You must notify the IND of any changes to your circumstances or business activities.
After 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence in the Netherlands, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Family Considerations
If your spouse, partner, or children are also UK nationals, they will need to apply for their own residence permits as your dependents. To sponsor them, you must demonstrate that your self-employment income is sufficient to support your entire family, not just yourself.
Other Options?
While other visa routes exist, they’re rarely suitable for most independent professionals:
- Highly Skilled Migrant visa (via direct employer): Requires a sponsoring employer, making you a full employee rather than self-employed.
- Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement: You maintain your UK limited company and work through a Dutch EOR who sponsors your visa. Your UK company invoices clients, while the EOR handles your Dutch employment compliance. This works but costs €400-700+ monthly in EOR fees, plus you will technically be an employee (not self-employed) in the Netherlands. Faster than the self-employed permit but expensive long-term.
- Startup visa: Designed exclusively for highly innovative tech companies requiring facilitator support. Extremely selective and costly (facilitator fees often exceed €5,000), plus ongoing mentorship requirements.
For genuine freelancers and small business owners who want to be recognised as self-employed in the Netherlands, the Self-Employed Residence Permit remains the only practical route. If you are looking beyond the Netherlands, you could check out this article on residence by investment schemes.
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