How your plan is assessed
- Is the business financially healthy and viable?
- Does it meet a need in the Netherlands?
- Does it support economic growth?
- Does it not disrupt the market or the labour market?
Your routes
What the Agreement gives you
The Ankara Agreement makes several Dutch routes easier for Turkish citizens.
Self-employed
Start your own business without the RVO points system. Your business plan is assessed on viability.
Highly skilled migrant
Work for any Dutch employer that meets the salary criterion – a recognised sponsor is not needed.
Family
Spouse, children and dependent parents of Turkish workers have extra rights in the Netherlands.
Lower fees
Turkish citizens and their family often pay lower IND fees for applications and extensions.
Key facts
WhoTurkish citizens and family
Self-employedNo points system
Highly skilled migrantNo recognised sponsor
IND feesLower for Turkish citizens
First permit (self-employed)2 years
Entry visa (MVV)Usually required
Self-employed
Your own business, no points test
Your application
- A business plan with financial forecasts
- KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration and any sector licences
- Supporting documents: contracts, letters of intent, funds
- The MVV entry visa, where required
Regular applicants must pass a points test. For Turkish citizens, a solid and viable plan is enough. Compare with selfemployed-visa.nl
Highly skilled migrant
Work for any Dutch employer
No sponsor needed
- Your employer does not have to be recognised by the IND
- You or your employer can file the application
- The usual salary criterion still applies
A faster decision
- With a recognised sponsor the IND usually decides faster
- Without one, plan extra time for documents
- We prepare the file so nothing is missing
Salary amounts for 2026: see hsmvisa.nl
Other routes
Other routes to the Netherlands
Business
Self-employed
Run your own business in the Netherlands – the regular route with the points test.
selfemployed-visa.nl Open website WorkHighly Skilled Migrant
The fastest work route, for professionals hired by an IND recognised sponsor.
hsmvisa.nl Open website FamilyPartner visa
A residence permit for your spouse or long-term partner.
partner-visa.nl Open website FamilyFamily reunification
Bring your children or other family members to live with you.
family-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.