Netherlands Freelance Visa
Express Air Travels
As an Indian national granted a Netherlands Freelance Visa (technically called a residence permit for self-employment), you are allowed to live and work in the Netherlands as a self-employed professional in your chosen field.
Here’s a detailed overview of what you can do once you have the Netherlands freelance visa:
What You Can Do with a Netherlands Freelance Visa
1. Live and Work Legally in the Netherlands
- You are allowed to reside in the Netherlands.
- You can work independently in the field specified in your application (e.g., IT services, marketing, creative industries, consulting, etc.).
2. Work with Dutch and International Clients
- You may offer services to clients both inside and outside the Netherlands.
- You can invoice clients directly, set your own rates and operate like a business.
- You are allowed to have multiple clients, provided you meet Dutch income and economic interest requirements.
3. Register a Business with the KvK (Chamber of Commerce)
- You must register with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) as a sole proprietor (eenmanszaak) or other business structure.
- Once registered, you will receive a KvK number and a BTW number (VAT ID), allowing you to conduct business and invoice properly.
4. Open a Dutch Bank Account and Sign Contracts
With your residence and business registration, you can:
- Open a Dutch bank account
- Rent housing or office space.
- Sign mobile, utility, insurance or service contracts.
5. Access Dutch Public Services
You will receive a BSN (Burger Service Number), required for:
- Tax registration
- Health insurance
- Housing
- Utilities
- Any official government communication
6. Compulsory Health Insurance
- You must take Dutch public health insurance (basisverzekering) within 4 months of registration, even if you already have travel insurance.
7. Tax Residency and Filing Obligations
- You are considered a tax resident.
- You must file annual income tax returns, and if applicable, pay VAT (BTW) on your services.
- You may be eligible for self-employment tax deductions and business expense claims.
8. Bring Family Members
You can apply for family reunification visas for your:
- Spouse/partner
- Children under 18
- Your spouse may be allowed to work without a separate work permit once granted residence.
9. Renew and Upgrade Your Residency
- The freelance residence permit is usually granted for up to 2 years initially.
- You can renew it if your business is viable and meets the IND’s criteria.
- After 5 years of continuous legal stay, you can apply for:
- Permanent residence
- And possibly Dutch citizenship (if other conditions are m
10. Travel within the Schengen Zone
- The Dutch residence permit allows visa-free travel to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourism or business.
- Limitations of the Freelance Visa
- You must work only in the freelance profession for which your permit was issued.
- You cannot take up salaried employment unless you change your permit type.
- You must demonstrate sufficient income from your freelance activity (at least €1,300–€1,500/month after taxes, depending on your personal situation).
- Your business must provide an economic interest to the Netherlands, assessed through a points-based system by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
- Typical Professions Eligible
- IT consultants, software developers
- Digital marketers, SEO/SEM specialists
- Designers, artists, musicians
- Photographers, writers, journalists
- Business consultants
- Translators, content creators, coaches
