Work permit

If you want to be self-employed or work as an independent contractor in the Netherlands, you might need a Dutch work permit. 

Free access for self-employed people from Europe 

If you are from a European Union (EU) country or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, you can work as a self-employed person in the Netherlands without a visa or a work permit. You only need to have a valid passport or ID card. In some cases, however, a registration requirement applies if you work in the Netherlands temporarily. 

Self-employment if you are not from Europe 

If you are not from a country that is a member of the EU or EEA or from Switzerland, you usually need a residence permit that allows you to work on a self-employed basis. You can apply to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for this. The IND will assess whether your company is good for the Dutch economy. In order to apply, you must, for example, have a business plan and be registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK ). 

Special residence permits 

There are also a number of special residence permits: 

• Start-up: for entrepreneurs with an innovative idea. You are given one year to develop this idea. 
• Residence permit for orientation year: if you recently did research or graduated in the Netherlands, you can have a year to look for work or start your own business. 

Refugees from Ukraine 

If you are a refugee from Ukraine and you are covered by the Temporary Protection Directive, you are allowed to work in the Netherlands, including as a self-employed person, and do not need a work permit. You must, however, register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and follow the rules for entrepreneurs, such as paying taxes. 

Rights and duties 

If you are self-employed person in the Netherlands, you have certain rights and duties. You have to pay taxes and save up for your future, for example by saving for retirement. You also need to take out health insurance. For detailed information about starting a business, social security and your rights as an entrepreneur, visit Business.gov.nl.