There is no official Digital Nomad visa in the country, but for remotely working specialists, the authorities offer an alternative long-term MVV. It is equivalent to a nomad visa and is suitable for individual entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed. Issued to immigrants for 3 years with the possibility of extension if they prove that their activities are of interest to the Dutch ecosystem.
They can interact with legal entities from abroad, freelance to work in local companies and pay taxes on income. Visas are issued at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The site publishes a complete list of diplomatic missions in Russia and beyond. Upon arrival, the paperwork is handled by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
The specifics of the Netherlands freelance visa
Holland is a multicultural country in Europe with a high standard of living. A nomad visa for Russians opens access to an organized working environment. Digital nomads in Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague offer high-speed Internet (80 Mbps), a network of coworking spaces (Space Venu, StartDock, CIC Rotterdam, Workspace6).
Foreigners working remotely and freelancers can apply for MVV. Candidates for temporary resident status: programmers, technical specialists, marketers, startup founders, and more. The visa implies moving to the country with the family, subject to the provable solvency of the main applicant. Wife/ husband and children submit separate applications.
Issuance of residence permits for third-country nationals is based on a points system. Requirements for self-employed and entrepreneurs differ significantly. To pass the interview, you need:
- education and previous experience;
- work license;
- business presentation with financing of products/services;
- creation of new places of work;
- or proof of freelance work and income.
All indicators are evaluated using a three-point system. In total, the applicant must score 300 points, but 90 points is enough to obtain an immigrant long-term MVV visa. It is issued after registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
What taxes do freelancers pay?
Residents are charged income tax on a progressive scale. Deduction percentages depend on earnings. Rates are 37.1 – 49.5%. In addition, expats are required to pay duties on world revenues.
How much does the visa cost?
The cost of Digital Nomad in 2024 for remote workers ranges from €210-444. For each family member, the surcharge is €192-220. The price for startup founders is €386. This amount does not include the costs of translations, the cost of the medical policy.
Registration with the Chamber of Commerce and obtaining a residence permit – €76, passing the civil integration exam – €150. EU resident status holders pay €228. The costs are periodically adjusted upwards.
It is sometimes difficult to independently understand all the bureaucratic intricacies, but our experts are always ready to consider your case and help you on the path to a comfortable life.
Necessary documents
Application requirements vary by country. Loyal conditions have been created for citizens of the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Japan. Mitigation is due to friendship and trade treaties, but applicants are required to document professional skills. Nomad Visa file must contain:
- passport with a margin on time;
- application and 3 photos;
- deposit statement;
- a contract with a legal entity or a certificate of freelance cooperation;
- medical insurance for comprehensive provision of services;
- tuberculosis test on arrival in the Netherlands;
- police clearance certificate.
Entrepreneurs, together with the package of documents, submit a detailed business plan, market analysis and financial forecast. The average processing time is 7-10 days.
Recent changes in the visa issuance in the Netherlands
In 2023, the IND Service reported an increase in the number of immigrants and the issuance of residence permits. The country’s main airports welcomed 71.3 million passengers, which is 16% more than in 2022. Due to the influx of freelancers and refugees in May 2024, the new government is going to increase the term of naturalization from 5 to 10 years, and tighten language requirements to B1 level.
The Coalition is still considering the issue of integration. In the near future, those wishing to obtain citizenship will be forced to renounce their first citizenship. In June, the Dutch introduced the rules for issuing the EU Blue Card. Now labor contracts instead of 12 months will be concluded for six months. Highly skilled migrants with earnings from €5,330 will be able to receive it. The validity of the card has been increased from 4 to 5 years.
