Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Self-employed visa in Netherlands for Canadian citizens
Self-employed visa — what you need to know
Issued to a self-employed person planning to reside in the Netherlands for a long time and whose company, services and products are of essential interest to the Dutch economy.
The activity must be of substantial interest to the Dutch economy or, for artists, to Dutch culture
Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and a detailed business plan are required
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) assesses the project based on the applicant’s experience, the quality of the business plan and its benefit to the Dutch economy
A freelancer must have one or more clients in the Netherlands
All licences and permits required for the profession must be obtained
Required profit: at least €1,766.77 per month, including holiday allowance
The initial residence permit is issued for up to 2 years
Application process: business plan and proof of client assignments → registration with the KvK → application for an MVV and residence permit → entry into the Netherlands → obtaining the residence card
A Dutch employer is not required
The holder can work in their own business or as a freelancer
The residence permit can be renewed if the business remains profitable
Family members can relocate with the main applicant and may work without a separate TWV work permit
After 5 years of residence, the holder may apply for permanent residence if the general requirements are met
Separate treaty-based routes with a simplified business assessment are available to citizens of the United States and Japan
Eligible individuals:
- Foreign self-employed national.
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed from 3 months to 6 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Official visa information
English international
Category code
D
Type of visa
Residence visa
Category
Work visas