Permits for Dutch residence

Sponsorship by your own BV is the main permit. Your company becomes a recognised sponsor and employs you as a knowledge migrant at the required salary. The 30% ruling then applies through the payroll. See startup visas compared. Self-employment is assessed with a points system based on a business plan. It suits independent professionals. EU rights mean that EU citizens and their family members register their residence. They skip the permit application. Family and partner permits are for spouses and children. They can be combined with any of the permits above.

For a family holding that serves the next generation, see what a family office in the Netherlands does.

Choosing the right permit

A founder who manages the business usually applies through sponsorship by their own BV. Set up the structure first, as described in the emigration tax checklist. The immigration service (IND) very rarely grants a retiring owner a permit to live with an adult child in the Netherlands. A retiring owner can apply as self-employed, based on a real advisory practice. A family with only passive income still needs real activity as the basis for the application. For an international couple, the application is based on the partner with an EU passport.

A holding structure has two Dutch companies, one above the other. Each company has its own deed of incorporation. See the Dutch holding structure for non-residents. For the shareholder register, the board decisions and the yearly filings of both companies, see corporate secretarial services in the Netherlands.

The notary, the Tax Administration and the bank all ask for the company address first. You choose that address and sign the contract yourself. See what the law asks of a business address in the Netherlands.

How long it takes

With a complete file, recognition as a sponsor and the permit usually take weeks to months. You can arrange the household relocation at the same time. See the map of relocation services. After five qualifying years, you can apply for permanent residence. For citizenship, see the realistic timeline to citizenship.