DAFT: IND Application Form

Dutch Immigration Part V

Now that you have run around half the Netherlands gathering what you need, you can finally start working on the IND form! You can download the paperwork (in English) from their website. The form you need is this one: Application for a residence permite with the purpose of residence 'to work on a self-employed basis' (7524)

There have been many changes happening to the immigration process these last couple years so be sure to double check what the current requirements are and keep in mind the form may have changed from what I describe here.

The first section is What is your situation. Being an American, you choose the second option. Next you are asked about Tuberculosis--again, you can indicate you are American and are exempt from the test.

Under section 3, you need to indicate your purpose of residence. Do not choose the first option for "Self-employed person," but rather check the box by:

Self-employed, based upon the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (453) or the Dutch-Japanese Trade Agreement (510). You have USA or Japanese nationality.

 

Under this you can check the list of required evidence, which includes your Original Extract from the KVK, and (if you are a sole proprietorship like me) a copy of your bank statement showing your €4500. If you are forming something other than a sole proprietorship, be sure to check what other requirements you may need.

Section 4 has been recently revised. For my application in December 2012, I needed a photo of myself which conformed to guidelines for Dutch passports. I went to a photographer who knew what the passport photo requirements were and she snapped a picture, printed out 4 copies, and charged about €10. However, according to the new form, you should check whether you need to include a photo, or if you will be photographed and fingerprinted at the IND office. ***UPDATE 2014: I switched visas and my photo and fingerprints were taken at the IND desk.

In the next section you get to fill out your personal details. Note that they ask for you to write in BLOCK LETTERS! You do not have a V-number yet (the IND will give you one after you apply). The citizen service number is your BSN from the municipality registration. Hopefully you can figure out your name, etc. on your own.

Section 6 asks for a photocopy of your passport. Also be sure to bring the passport itself when you go to apply!

The last section is where you sign.

Whew! Okay, now you can take a look at the Appendices!

You will want to check each Appendix yourself since they have changed since I filled out my application. In my case, I used the Antecedents Certificat and the Passport Photo Form. I did not need to fill out the TB forms or the Declaration on income of self-employed person.



On the first page you can find a number to call for further help, but my advice is to have a Dutch speaking friend call. My experience, in general, was the IND clerks were much happier and helpful speaking Dutch and did not boot us back to a Dutch-only phone tree that hangs up on you if you don't understand what the options are within 3 tries...And since it can be a long wait before someone is available, try to make your phone call as productive as possible. E-mailing is also an option, but the 2 e-mails I sent took a month to get a response, so allow plenty of time!

In addition to the application form, I also needed proof that I was covered by health insurance in the Netherlands. According to the IND's e-mail response, I could keep my American health insurance for the time being as long as they vouched that they would cover me here. I e-mailed my insurance company asking what kind of coverage I got in Europe, and then I printed off their reply and stuck that in with my form.

I also felt compelled to write up a business plan and include a copy, but I haven't seen anything saying that is an official requirement. It is a good way to outline your plan of action and assess your resources though.

Next: IND Appointment

SUMMARY OF PAPERWORK FOR THIS STEP

Application Form
Passport
BSN and Address from the Municipality Registration
KVK extract
Bank statement
Proof of health insurance

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

Complete IND application

HELPFUL LINKS

IND: Complete list of forms and information about permits
A Citizen's Guide to DAFT