Starting your own business in the Netherlands
Do you fall under temporary protection? Then you may work in the Netherlands under certain strict conditions to start your own business. Read here how that works.
A Ukrainian woman is at work behind the sewing machine
Source: Olena Kasian
Article
Conditions for starting your own business in the Netherlands
Last updated: 9/25/2024, 11:31 AM

Do you fall under temporary protection? Then you may start your own business and work as a business owner under certain strict conditions. Read here what the conditions are.

There are several ways you can do business in the Netherlands

There are several ways to run your own business:

You can work as an independent contractor.

Someone who does this is also called a self-employed person without staff (zelfstandige zonder personeel, ZZP'er). As a ZZP'er, you work for various clients without a permanent contract.

You can start your own business

When you start your own business, you are the boss and have the responsibility to take care of everything. That means making arrangements and money matters. Do you want to hire staff? Then you also have responsibility for your staff.

You must meet these requirements to be allowed to do business

Have you fled Ukraine and want to work as a business owner or start a business? Then you must meet these conditions:

  • You will need a

    work permit (TWV)
    from the
    UWV

  • You will need a

    proof of residence

  • You will need a

    citizen service number (BSN)

  • You will need a

    DigiD

There are many rules for working as a business owner and starting your business. If you do not follow the rules, you could face heavy fines.

Information for business owners from the Dutch government
On this government website you can read more about the conditions and rules of doing business in the Netherlands. The information is in English.

It is almost impossible to get a work permit as a Ukrainian business owner in the Netherlands

The UWV rejects 99 percent of applications for TWV for business owners from Ukraine. This is due to strict European regulations. A work permit is only approved if your client has not found a suitable candidate for the job in the European Economic Area (EEA) in at least 3 months. Your client or customer may be fined if they do not have a TWV.

Your client must apply for a work permit for each separate assignment. For example, are you a hairdresser or florist? Then you work with private clients. These are your clients. Each client must first apply for a work permit before you are allowed to cut hair or sell flowers. If your client does not do this, they can be fined thousands of euros. The Dutch Labor Inspectorate actively monitors the work permit and can impose fines if the rules are not followed.


What do you think of this article?