How to start your own business as a statushouder

As an asylum permit holder, a statushouder, you often bring valuable experience and knowledge with you from your country of origin. Have you been granted asylum and do you see entrepreneurship as an opportunity? Do you want, for example, to run your own hairdressing salon, catering business, or translation agency? If so, this information is for you. This information is also for municipalities and people who support or mentor statushouders.

Are you allowed to start a business as a statushouder?

Yes, asylum permit holders are allowed to live and work in the Netherlands. As an employee or as an entrepreneur. If the IND approves your asylum application, you will be granted a residence permit. This document states that ‘you are free to work’, in Dutch, ‘arbeid is vrij toegestaan’. 

Do you need a permit or a qualification?

The rules that apply to you depend on the type of business you are starting. Some rules apply to all businesses. However, there are often extra requirements, such as a permit or a qualification. For example, do you want to open a restaurant? In that case, you will need one or more permits, and food safety regulations will apply. Find out which rules apply to you.

How do you register with KVK?

To register with us, you must follow these 5 steps:

1. Register with the municipality

Register in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen, BRP) at the address where you live, even if this is a temporary address or the address of a host family.

2. Apply for a DigiD

After registering with the municipality, you will automatically be issued with a citizen service number (BSN). The citizen service number is your personal identification number for dealing with the government. Use this to apply for a DigiD.

3. Ask for permission to use an address

You need an address in the Netherlands to be able to run a business.

• If you do not have a business address, you can use your home address. 
• Is your home address with a host family or a COA accommodation centre? If so, ask them if they agree to you setting up your business at their address. 
• Extra rules apply to some businesses so check the rules in your municipality. For example, you are not allowed to set up a shop or restaurant at a residential address. 

4. Register online with KVK

Do you have your DigiD and an address for your business? If so, you can register with us. Fill in the online registration form. Choose a name for your business and select a legal structure for your business. Most starters opt for an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship). Please note: as an eenmanszaak, you are personally liable. In the event of damages or debts, you must pay these yourself.

5. Make an appointment at a KVK office

Have you completed the registration form? If so, you can make an appointment at a KVK office to finalise your registration. Are you renting business premises, such as a shop, warehouse, or restaurant? If so, you will need to bring the tenancy agreement signed by you and the landlord. Are you becoming a franchisee? If so, please also bring the franchise agreement. This must bear both your signature and that of the franchisor.

You will be given your KVK number straight away at the appointment. We will pass your details on to the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). You will then receive your VAT number within about 2 weeks. As a business owner, you will pay tax.

Where can you find help when starting a business?

You do not have to start a business without support. There are various places where you can get advice and help:

• Follow the Entrepreneurial training programme for newcomers in the Netherlands. This is available at a number of locations across the Netherlands.
• If you understand Dutch, follow KVK’s free webinar about starting a business.
• Call KVK on 088 585 22 22 and speak to our advisers. Or visit a KVK Ondernemersplein for a consultation. This is free of charge and available without an appointment on working days between 08.30 and 17.00.