Sole proprietorship
Simple and fast to set up:
- €4,500 on your business account
- Registration with the KVK in your own name
- Lower set-up costs and simple bookkeeping
- You are personally liable for business debts
Requirements
Do you qualify for the treaty route?
Four conditions – no innovation test and no points system.
Japanese citizenship
The treaty route is only for holders of a Japanese passport.
Your own business
You start, develop or manage your own company in the Netherlands – a BV or a sole proprietorship.
€4,500 investment
At least €4,500 invested in your Dutch business. It stays yours, but must remain in the business.
KVK registration
Your business is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
Key facts
WhoJapanese citizens
Investment€4,500 – stays in your business
Points testNot required
Entry visa (MVV)Not needed
First permit2 years
Renewal5 years
IND fee 2026€423
Why this route
Simpler than the regular route
No points test
You do not need to show that your business is innovative or of essential Dutch interest.
Conditions after approval
First-time applicants have 6 months after the permit is granted to complete the KVK registration and investment.
Family may work
Your partner and children receive a permit for the same period and may work without a work permit.
Business form
Sole proprietorship or BV?
Both are possible. The choice affects tax, liability and how you pay yourself.
Private limited company
More structure, more options:
- €4,500 invested, with a deed of incorporation
- Limited liability for business debts
- A clear split between you and the company
- A director’s salary may open the expat tax scheme
We advise on the right form in the free intake.
Compare
Treaty route or regular permit?
For Japanese citizens, the treaty route is almost always the easier choice.
| Dutch-Japanese Treaty | Regular self-employed permit | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Japanese citizens only | All non-EU nationalities |
| Points test | Not required | Required (RVO) |
| Minimum investment | €4,500 in the business | No fixed amount – the plan must convince |
| Entry visa (MVV) | Not needed | Depends on nationality |
| First permit | 2 years | 2 years |
| Renewal | 5 years | Up to 5 years |
Not a Japanese citizen? See the regular route. See selfemployed-visa.nl
Other routes
Other routes to the Netherlands
Work
Intra-Corporate Transfer
For managers, specialists and trainees moving to a Dutch branch of their company.
ictvisa.nl Open website WorkHighly Skilled Migrant
The fastest work route, for professionals hired by an IND recognised sponsor.
hsmvisa.nl Open website BusinessDAFT – US citizens
The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty: €4,500 investment, no points test.
daft-nl.com Open website BusinessSelf-employed
Run your own business in the Netherlands – with a business plan that passes the points test.
selfemployed-visa.nl Open websiteFigures valid for 2026, based on ind.nl. Amounts change every 1 January – always check the latest amounts with us or on ind.nl.