Netherlands Self Employed Residence Permit: The Complete Guide for UK Applicants

The Netherlands has been a hotspot for independent professionals in recent years¹, so it’s no surprise that countless Brits continue to imagine running their self-employed businesses from this beautiful country.

If you’re keen to do the same, it’s time to apply for a Netherlands self-employed residence permit. In this guide, we’ve broken down the entire process, covering the key steps, essential documents you’ll need, financial requirements, and more.

We've also touched on the reasons that make Wise Business the perfect business account for freelancers and self-employed individuals in the Netherlands.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

Table of contents

Key facts How to apply for the Netherlands Self-Employed Residence Permit Step 1: Check your eligibility Step 2: Gather the required documents Step 3: Pay the fees and submit your application Step 4: Wait for the visa to be processed Step 5: Register your arrival and collect your permit Step 6: Renew the permit when the time comes Paying taxes as a self-employed freelancer in the Netherlands Summary Manage your freelance earnings like a pro with Wise Business FAQs How long does it take to receive the visa? What is the specific minimum income I need to get the Netherlands self-employed residence permit? Can I bring dependents (partner, spouse or kids) on my Netherlands self-employed residence permit? Am I allowed to take on part-time employment in addition to my freelance work while holding this permit? What are the most common reasons an application for the Netherlands self-employment residence permit is rejected? Do I need to have secured clients or signed contracts in the Netherlands before I submit my application? Do I need private health insurance to get the permit?

Key facts

Topic	Notes
Residence Permit Exemptions 🗺️	Are you an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen? If so, you do not need a visa or residence permit to live and work in the Netherlands. You only need a valid ID/passport, and must follow local registration, tax, and safety rules2. Are you a UK citizen? If so, you do not need a visa to travel to the Netherlands, but you *do *need a Self-Employed Residence Permit to legally live and work in the Netherlands.
The Basics 💡	Register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) Ready your business plan Meet income requirements Demonstrate that your activity is of essential interest to the Dutch economy Wait for the Dutch immigration and naturalisation service (IND) to process your application on the basis of advice obtained from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency3.
Startups 🌱	Read our detailed Dutch startup visa guide to learn more about the best option for startups.
Visa Duration and Residency 🌎	The Self-Employed residence permit is temporary and valid for up to 2 years. It can be extended if your business remains viable. After five years of legal residency, you can become eligible for permanent residency3.
Application Fee 💶	€405 (unless you are a long-term resident in another EU member state - in which case it costs €243)4. Note that this fee is for the residence permit application and doesn’t include additional costs such as those pertaining to notarising documents. It is advisable to check the official IND website for the exact fee at the time of application.
Processing Time ⏳	Typically takes 90 days10.

How to apply for the Netherlands Self-Employed Residence Permit

1. Check your eligibility
2. Gather the required documents
3. Pay the fees and submit your application
4. Wait for the visa to be processed
5. Register your arrival and collect your permit
6. Renew the permit when the time comes

Step 1: Check your eligibility

In order to be eligible for a Netherlands Self-Employed Residence Permit, your business activities must serve the economic interests of the Netherlands¹².

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) makes a call on this using a points-based system.

You need at least 90 points, consisting of 30 points per category across three categories - personal experience, business plan quality, and economic contribution⁵.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

You must gather the following documents:

• A valid passport or other recognised travel document
• A completed Appendix Antecedents Certificate form, which declares past crimes or offences⁶
• Proof of registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel). This involves choosing a business name, deciding your formal structure (e.g., sole proprietor/eenmanszaak), and getting a KvK registration number. This also notifies the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) that you intend to operate as a self-employed individual.
• Proof of sufficient and long-term income from your business activities.
• A business plan consisting of:
  • A clear description of your business, target clients, services/products
  • Market analysis and competitive landscape
  • Revenue projections, expense forecasts, and financial viability
  • Evidence of prior experience, qualifications, or client commitments as a self-employed person
  • A clear outline of how your self-employment in the Netherlands will contribute to innovation, job creation and investment in the long-term.
  • Your plan to manage bookkeeping, income tax returns, and VAT returns.

Step 3: Pay the fees and submit your application

How much does the Netherlands Self Employment Residence Permit cost?
It costs €405 for all first-time applicants, unless you are already a long-term resident in another EU member state, in which case it costs €243.

The total amount you need for the permit and additional costs can range from €500 (approximately £433) to €700 (approximately £607).

To give you an idea of the total amount you might need, it costs €405 for the residence permit application fee⁴, €82.25 to register your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)¹⁵, €39 for a TB (tuberculosis) test⁷ (if applicable to you), and €100+ for additional costs, such as those pertaining to the gathering of the required documents outlined in step 2.

Tip: If you're unsure of how to apply, you can always reach out to dedicated agencies to guide you through the process¹¹. This will cost extra but could provide peace of mind.

Step 4: Wait for the visa to be processed

The IND typically aims to decide on applications for the Netherlands Self-Employed Residence Permit within 90 days¹⁰.

Step 5: Register your arrival and collect your permit

Once your residence permit is approved, collect it from the IND. It will state whether you can work as a self-employed person (and whether you have the freedom to work in other roles).

Note: Within 3 months after permit issuance (if applicable), you may need to schedule your TB (tuberculosis) test at the GGD (public health service) using the referral form (Appendix TB test referral 7604), unless you’re exempted.

Step 6: Renew the permit when the time comes

The Netherlands Self-Employed Residence Permit is usually valid for 2 years³. To extend it, you must continue meeting the application criteria.

The easy way to think of it is like having to apply for the permit every 2 years by submitting the same documentation as you did the first time.

When you’re renewing your permit, you must notify the IND of any changes to your personal circumstances or self-employment. Failure to do so can lead to fines or permit revocation.

Note: You may qualify for permanent residence after 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence in the Netherlands¹¹.

Paying taxes as a self-employed freelancer in the Netherlands

As a freelancer (or zelfstandige zonder personeel – zzp’er), you’ll need to register with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) and pay taxes on your income¹⁰.

You’ll generally deal with:

• Income tax: based on your annual earnings after deducting business expenses.
• Value-Added Tax: most freelancers charge VAT (usually 21%) on invoices and file quarterly VAT returns.
• Social security contributions: included in your income tax to cover healthcare and other benefits.

You may also qualify for tax cuts and allowances, such as the zelfstandigenaftrek (self-employment deduction). This can significantly reduce your taxable income if you meet certain criteria.

Therefore, while Dutch taxes might seem a bit daunting initially, the system favours freelancers who stay on top of their game.

Teaming up with a local accountant can help you stay compliant, make the most of your deductions, and keep your finances running like a breeze.

"I get paid in euros, have expenses in the UK, and need to move money between other currencies all the time. Banks take too long, charge too much, and always seem to add hidden fees or unnecessary steps... Wise is simple. Transfers of my company’s money are immediate in any currency, converted or not. I know what I’m paying, fees are minimal, and I have zero hassle getting it where it needs to go.”

-- Garry Hurskainen-Green, Founder of Amazing Capitals

Summary

Working as a self-employed freelancer in the Netherlands can be a substantial lifestyle upgrade. The country makes it easy to live and work on your own terms with its thriving freelance culture, supportive visa options, and high quality of life.

Sure, the process takes some planning, but you’re good to go once you’ve sorted everything. As long as you follow the steps we discussed above and have all your eggs in order, you have a solid chance of getting your permit.

Manage your freelance earnings like a pro with Wise Business

With Wise Business, you can receive payments from Dutch clients in Euros (and even invoice them using the free invoice generator) right off the bat once you’ve got your self-employment residence permit.

You can choose to convert these earnings to 40+ currencies at the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees and/or spend in Euros with the Wise Business card while also earning 0.5% cashback on eligible spending.

And your business won't be limited by borders either, as you can send money to over 140+ countries for things like supplier payments, keeping you connected to the world.

Simplify your self-employment by opening a Wise Business account today.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

FAQs

How long does it take to receive the visa?

• Standard timeline: around 90 days
• More complex cases: up to 6 months
• Residence card collection (after approval): usually within 2 weeks
• If applying from abroad (MVV required): expect a few extra weeks for processing

There’s no definite answer for someone who asks this question, as it depends on various factors.

Normally, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) aims to decide on residence permit applications within 90 days.

However, in reality, the process can stretch to 2 to 6 months, particularly if your case needs a closer look, involves extra paperwork, or requires advice from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

What is the specific minimum income I need to get the Netherlands self-employed residence permit?

The minimum income in 2025 is €1,697.82 (approximately £1,475) monthly gross profit (inclusive of your holiday allowance¹⁴.

Can I bring dependents (partner, spouse or kids) on my Netherlands self-employed residence permit?

Yes, but they will need to apply for their own residence permits as your dependents.

To sponsor them, you must prove that your income from self-employment is sufficient to support both yourself and your family.

Am I allowed to take on part-time employment in addition to my freelance work while holding this permit?

No. The self-employed residence permit is granted specifically for you to work as an independent entrepreneur.

Taking on salaried employment for another company is not allowed. Your sole focus must be on running the business outlined in your application.

What are the most common reasons an application for the Netherlands self-employment residence permit is rejected?

The most common reasons for rejection are:

• Having a weak business plan that lacks clear financial projections or fails to demonstrate sufficient 'added value' to the Dutch economy.
• Failing to prove you will earn a sufficient and stable income.
• Insufficient personal experience in your field.
• Submitting an incomplete application with missing documentation.

Do I need to have secured clients or signed contracts in the Netherlands before I submit my application?

No, but it is highly recommended. Providing letters of intent or signed contracts from potential Dutch clients shows the Immigration and Naturalisation Service that your business is viable. It also significantly strengthens your business plan and helps you score the necessary points with the RVO.

Do I need private health insurance to get the permit?

You don’t need it to get the permit, but you do need it once you have the permit. Once you’re granted the permit and you register as a resident in a Dutch municipality, you are legally obligated to take out basic Dutch health insurance (basisverzekering). You must do this within four months of your registration.

Sources:

1. NL Times, Number of freelancers in Netherlands increased 85% in ten years
2. As a foreign self-employed person, can I work in the Netherlands?
3. Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Residence permit self-employed person
4. Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Fees: costs of an application
5. Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Annex 8a pertaining to Section 3.20a, first paragraph, Aliens Regulations 2000
6. Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Appendix Antecedents Certificate
7. Gooi en Vechtstreek, Rates for medical tests
8. Dutch Employer of Record, How to register as a freelancer (ZZP) in the Netherlands: step-by-step guide
9. Dutch Self-Employment Visa
10. Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Residence permit self-employed person - Process and costs
11. INLS, Self-employment procedure – IND Netherlands
12. European Commission, Self-employed worker in the Netherlands
13. Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Application for admission and residence ‘to work on a selfemployed basis’ (foreign national)
14. Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service, Income requirement - Application for a residence permit as a self-employed person

Sources last checked on October 9th, 2025