US founders (and Japanese nationals) get a self-employment permit with only 4,500 eur and no points test
The normal self-employed permit uses a hard points system. Under the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), US nationals skip the points test entirely - just register a business and keep 4,500 eur of capital in it. Japanese nationals get equivalent treatment via treaty; Bolivians too. One of the easiest routes to living here as an entrepreneur/freelancer. Register at the KvK and make the 4,500 eur investment within 6 months; renewals need annual accounts showing the business is active. Verify the current IND treaty list for Japan/Bolivia.
EUR 4,500
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MAS reads your IND letter, checks whether an employer can legally sponsor you, and finds work that will actually take you. Free, no account.
More on visas and permits
- The startup permit: an easier on-ramp than the self-employed permit (no points system)
- A partner/family permit can come with FULL, unrestricted work rights
- Married to a Dutch national? Naturalise after 3 years and skip the permanent-permit prerequisite
- EU Blue Card buys EU-wide mobility; the national knowledge-migrant permit does not
- Permanent residence: ask for the EU long-term resident permit, it is a free upgrade
- The master sequence: study, then orientation year, then knowledge migrant at the reduced rate, then permanent