The Dutch self-employed residence permit turns on one question: is your business of essential interest to the Dutch economy? The business plan and the MVV route decide most files. Official references: IND residence permit for self-employed persons, IND income requirements and IND guidance for Turkish citizens.
How is essential interest for the Dutch economy assessed?
The IND asks the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for advice. RVO scores three areas: personal experience, the business plan and added value for the Netherlands. The IND states that a business qualifies with at least 30 points in each area, or with 45 points for personal experience plus 45 points for the business plan. The permit is won or lost on this evidence, not on company registration itself.
What should the business plan demonstrate?
RVO checks whether the company is financially healthy, offers something the Dutch market needs, helps the economy grow and can survive in a free market without distorting it. That calls for a genuine market analysis, a financing section that matches bank evidence, and financial projections a reviewer can trace line by line. A template plan with generic numbers scores poorly in every category.
Do you need an MVV before travelling?
Most nationalities need a provisional residence permit (MVV) and apply through the combined entry and residence procedure (TEV) at the Dutch embassy, or through a representative in the Netherlands. Nationals of MVV-exempt countries can enter first and apply after arrival. Confirm the requirement for your nationality before committing to dates, because the route changes the whole timeline.
What income requirement applies?
The IND requires sufficient, independent and long-term means. For self-employed applicants the test looks at average monthly profit for tax purposes, and sustainability is normally shown with income already earned over 18 months. For the period from 1 July to 31 December 2026 the IND lists a required gross profit of 1,766.77 euros per month including holiday allowance; the amounts are revised every January and July, so always confirm the current figure on the official required-amounts page.
Where do KVK registration and professional permits fit?
Registration in the KVK Business Register is a condition of the permit, and regulated professions also need their sector permits or professional registrations. Registration alone proves nothing about essential interest; it is the entry ticket, not the assessment.
Which special routes skip the points system?
Turkish nationals are assessed under the EEC-Turkey association rules: RVO reviews the business plan, but the points system does not apply. US nationals can often use the Dutch American Friendship Treaty instead, which follows its own investment logic. Long-term EU residents from another member state are also assessed differently. Choosing the right lane before drafting documents saves months.
What are the fee, decision period and permit duration?
For 2026 the IND lists an application fee of 423 euros, while Turkish nationals applying under the association rules pay a reduced fee of 85 euros; fees are reset every 1 January. The statutory decision period is 90 days, extendable when external advice is needed, and the permit is issued for a maximum of two years. Renewal looks at whether the business actually performed against the plan, so keep accounting evidence from day one.
FAQ
Is a business plan mandatory?
Yes. RVO scoring of the business plan is the heart of the assessment; without a plan there is nothing to score.
How many points does the business need?
The IND states at least 30 points in each of the three areas, or 45 points for personal experience plus 45 for the business plan.
Can Corpenza guarantee approval?
No. Corpenza can structure the file and the application sequence; the decision rests with the IND after RVO advice.
For a residence plan covering the business plan file, KVK registration and the IND sequence, speak with Corpenza residence permit services and contact Corpenza.
This is general information, not immigration or legal advice. IND norms, fees and required amounts are indexed and change; always check the current official figures before applying.
