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  • Netherlands Self Employed Visa 2026 — Complete Guide

    Self-employment visa. Points-based (90/300). EUR 1,735/month income. Low approval rate (7-13%).

    Best For

    Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements

    Not Ideal For

    Those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria

    Known Issues

    Points-based: min 90/300. EUR 1,735/month gross profit. Success rate 7-13%. Processing 90 days.

    At a Glance

    Visa Duration
    12 months
    Processing Time
    60–105 days
    Min Income
    €20,815/monthly
    Path to PR
    5 years
    Difficulty
    5/10 — Challenging
    Application Fee
    €414

    Eligibility Requirements

    RequirementDetails
    Age Range18+
    Profession RequiredNo
    Job Offer RequiredNo
    Sponsorship RequiredNo
    License / Recognition RequiredNo
    Remote Income AllowedNo
    Business Activity RequiredNo
    Health Insurance RequiredYes
    Proof of Funds RequiredNo
    Can Apply From AbroadYes

    Financial Requirements

    ItemAmount
    Minimum Income€20,815/monthly
    Application Fee€414

    Application Timeline

    1
    Business plan and RVO preparation
    30–90 days
    Points-based IND assessment. Must demonstrate essential interest to Dutch economy.
    2
    Submit to IND
    1–5 days
    MVV + residence permit simultaneously.
    Blocker: business plan ready
    3
    IND + RVO processing
    90–180 days
    Standard 90 days. Complex with RVO up to 6 months.
    Blocker: complete application
    4
    Collect MVV and arrive
    7–21 days
    Embassy appointment. Register at municipality.
    Blocker: IND approval

    Family & Rights

    RightDetails
    Family AllowedYes
    Spouse Can WorkYes
    Children AllowedYes
    Work Rightsfull
    Remote Work RightsYes
    RenewableYes
    Time to Permanent Residency5 years
    Time to Citizenship5 years

    Related Pathways

    Cost of Living

    Amsterdam
    Single (monthly)€3,133
    Family (monthly)€5,400
    Rent 1BR (center)€2,030
    Groceries€783
    Transport pass€188
    Rotterdam
    Single (monthly)€2,350
    Family (monthly)€4,200
    Rent 1BR (center)€1,447
    Groceries€588
    Transport pass€141
    The Hague
    Single (monthly)€2,480
    Family (monthly)€4,350
    Rent 1BR (center)€1,600
    Groceries€620
    Transport pass€149

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Self-Employed Visa?

    Self-employment visa. Points-based (90/300). EUR 1,735/month income. Low approval rate (7-13%).

    Who is the Self-Employed Visa best for?

    This pathway is best suited for: Qualified professionals meeting pathway requirements.

    Who should not apply for the Self-Employed Visa?

    This pathway is not ideal for: Those who do not meet the specific eligibility criteria.

    What are the financial requirements for the Self-Employed Visa?

    Applicants need minimum income of €20,815/monthly. Additional costs may include the application fee and relocation expenses.

    How long does it take to process the Self-Employed Visa?

    Processing typically takes 60 to 105 days. Times may vary based on nationality, completeness of documentation, and current processing volumes.

    Can I bring my family on the Self-Employed Visa?

    Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

    Can the Self-Employed Visa lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

    Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward permanent residency in approximately 5 years and citizenship in approximately 5 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

    What are the known issues with the Self-Employed Visa?

    Known issues and warnings: Points-based: min 90/300. EUR 1,735/month gross profit. Success rate 7-13%. Processing 90 days.. We recommend checking the official source for the latest updates.

    Are there alternative pathways to Netherlands?

    Yes. Netherlands offers 13 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Netherlands country page.

    What is the cost of living in Netherlands?

    Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Amsterdam: €3,133/month; Rotterdam: €2,350/month; The Hague: €2,480/month. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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    Official source: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/residence-permit-self-employed-person