The Netherlands has a multitude of work visas and residence permits, most of which we have taken a closer look at. Permits for paid employment, knowledge and talent and traineeships or apprentices. Yet, there are people who wish to work in the Netherlands but are not a student or highly skilled migrant. For these people there are other permits, such as the independent contractor and the international trade regulation. In this article we at Dutch Employer of Record will dive a little deeper into these work visas for professionals who are self-employed or in international trade.

Residence permit independent contractor

The Residence permit independent contractor in the Netherlands is a type of working visa that allows foreign nationals to live and work in the Netherlands as self-employed persons. As the Netherlands has a lot of work visas and residence permits, this one stands out because it is solely focussed on people who are self-employed and non other. This visa allows you to start your own business in the Netherlands, or to work as a freelancer for Dutch companies.

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
• You must have a business plan that shows that you have the skills and experience necessary to be successful as a self-employed person in the Netherlands.
• You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in the Netherlands. How much funds one needs for this work visa depends on the number of family members accompanying you, the cost of living and your estimated income during your stay in the Netherlands.
• You must have a valid health insurance policy.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for this permit. The application process is as follows:

1. You will need to apply for a long-stay visa (MVV). This visa is valid for 90 days or more.

2. You will need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for one year, but it can be renewed. The length of time that a residence permit can be renewed in the Netherlands depends on the type of permit you have. For example, a residence permit for self-employed persons can be renewed for up to 5 years.

To apply for the MVV and residence permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A completed application form
• A medical certificate
• A financial statement
• A business plan
• A letter of invitation from a Dutch company or organization

The application process for the Residence permit independent contractor can take several months. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to live and work in the Netherlands as a self-employed person.

Residence permit International trade regulation

If you are looking to live and work in the Netherlands temporarily for a specific international trade-related activity, this permit for International trade regulation is the type of visa that allows you, a foreign nationals, to live and work here. This visa is meant for foreign nationals who are coming to the Netherlands to work on a specific international trade-related project, such as:

• Setting up a new business in the Netherlands
• Providing training or consultancy services to a Dutch company
• Participating in a trade fair or conference

To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a national of a country outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
• You must have a valid passport.
• You must have a contract with a Dutch company or organization that specifies the nature of your work in the Netherlands.
• You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family during your stay in the Netherlands. Again, sufficient financial funds are based on family size, cost of living and the estimated income during your stay.
• You must have a valid health insurance policy.

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the Residence permit International trade regulation in the Netherlands. The application process is as follows:

1. You will need to apply for a long-stay visa (MVV). This visa is valid for 90 days or more.

2. You will need to apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is valid for one year, but it can be renewed.

To apply for the MVV and residence permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• A completed application form
• A medical certificate
• A financial statement
• A contract with a Dutch company or organization
• A letter from your employer stating the nature of your work in the Netherlands

The application process for the Residence permit International trade regulation in the Netherlands can take up to several months. So be sure to apply on time. Once your application has been approved, you will be able to live and work in the Netherlands temporarily for the specific international trade-related activity that you have been approved for.

Dutch Employer of Record in the Netherlands

To be able to work in the Netherlands one is in need of a work visa, in some cases with a sponsorship, or a residence permit. We, of Dutch Employer of Record, know that working in the Netherlands brings great experiences and adventures along with it. Yet, we also know that the Dutch regulations and procedures can be tricky. This goes for an employee, but even more so for an employer. Which is why one can get the help of an Employer of Record. Dutch Employer of Record is the specialized Employer of Record in the Netherlands. We help organizations with relocation of teams or entire departments to the Netherlands. Or with hiring a highly skilled migrant. Besides those we do a lot more. Get in touch to see how we can help you with growing your business.