Netherlands self-employed visa

RVO scores three areas, personal experience, business plan and added value for the Netherlands, and you need at least 30 points in each, or 45 each for experience and business plan. The points system does not apply to Turkish nationals, long-term EU residents of another member state or independent professions such as medical specialists or artists; for Turkish nationals RVO assesses only the business plan.

For Turkish nationals RVO looks at the financial health of the business, whether it provides something needed in the Netherlands, its contribution to economic growth, whether it can compete in a free-market economy and whether it would disrupt the market or the labour market. Each part of the plan needs a financial explanation.

The business plan must show that the business will generate sufficient income; for the second half of 2026 the IND lists EUR 1,766.77 gross profit a month including holiday allowance.

The standard fee is EUR 423; Turkish citizens pay EUR 85 under the Association Agreement.

After a positive IND decision you book an appointment within three months at the Dutch embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence to have the MVV sticker placed; the MVV is valid for 90 days. After arrival you register with the municipality (BRP) to receive a citizen service number (BSN) and collect your residence document at an IND desk.

An extension can be requested once the permit expires within three months; apply before expiry or at the latest within four weeks after it to avoid a gap in lawful residence. More than two years after expiry only a new application, possibly with an MVV, is possible. The IND decides within 90 days, and foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German. The extension fee is EUR 423, or EUR 85 for Turkish citizens. Turkish self-employed persons who already hold a Dutch permit allowing self-employment fall under the Association Agreement once they do genuine and effective work, which is certainly the case if they earn at least half the social welfare level or work at least 40 % of a normal full-time week.

If the IND refuses the application you can lodge an objection (bezwaar) with the IND within the period stated in the decision, and then appeal to the court. The IND decision letter explains the steps.