This is the #1 reason for DAFT rejections. Learn what IND actually looks for and how to prove your business works.
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IND evaluates whether your business can realistically:
- Generate enough income to support you without relying on Dutch social benefits
- Sustain operations over the permit period
- Contribute to the Dutch economy (even minimally)
It does NOT mean:
- You must be profitable from day one
- You need a huge revenue number
- You must have Dutch clients specifically
- Expected annual revenue: €20,000-50,000+ depending on field
- What IND looks for: Client contracts, invoices, portfolio of past work
- Red flags: No client pipeline, unrealistic hourly rates for your field
- Expected revenue: Varies widely; €15,000+ annual reasonable start
- What IND looks for: Website traffic, sales history, platform analytics
- Red flags: No web presence, no transaction history
- Expected revenue: €15,000-40,000+ depending on specialty
- What IND looks for: Portfolio, client testimonials, past project list
- Red flags: No portfolio, claiming high rates with no evidence
- Expected revenue: €25,000+ annual
- What IND looks for: Supplier contracts, inventory, sales channels
- Red flags: No supplier relationships, no inventory plan
Essential Documents:
- Business plan (1-3 pages covering services, target market, revenue projections)
- Client contracts or letters of intent (even from US-based clients)
- Portfolio or work samples
- LinkedIn profile with recommendations
- Bank statements showing ability to operate
Strengthening Documents:
- Past tax returns showing self-employment income
- Invoices from previous clients
- Professional certifications or credentials
- Industry-specific licenses or qualifications
Required Proof:
- Annual financial statements (from your accountant)
- Tax returns (IB/BTW filings)
- Bank statements showing business activity and €4,500 maintenance
- KvK extract (current)
Helpful Additions:
- Major invoices or contracts
- Client list (anonymized if needed)
- Proof of business growth or development
- Accountant letter summarizing financial health
Your business plan doesn't need to be elaborate, but must cover:
- Business Description: What services/products you provide
- Your Background: Why you're qualified to do this
- Target Market: Who are your clients (doesn't have to be Dutch)
- Revenue Model: How you make money (hourly rates, project fees, product sales)
- Financial Projections: Expected income Year 1 and Year 2
- Client Pipeline: Existing clients or realistic prospect list
BUSINESS PLAN - [Your Name] - [Business Name]
1. Executive Summary (1 paragraph)
What I do and why it's viable
2. Business Description
- Services offered
- How services are delivered
- Unique value proposition
3. Professional Background
- Relevant experience (X years)
- Key skills and qualifications
- Notable past clients/projects
4. Market and Clients
- Target client profile
- Geographic focus (can be international)
- Competitive advantage
5. Revenue Model
- Pricing structure
- Typical project/contract size
- Expected monthly/annual revenue
6. Current Pipeline
- Existing client contracts
- Pending proposals
- Realistic new business expectations
7. Financial Projections
- Year 1: €[X] revenue
- Year 2: €[X] revenue
- Break-even analysis
8. Conclusion
Why this business is sustainable in NL
- No evidence of past work: No portfolio, no client history, no references
- Unrealistic projections: Claiming €200k revenue with no track record
- No client pipeline: "I'll find clients when I arrive" is not compelling
- Single client dependency: If you only have one client, looks like disguised employment
- Vague business description: "I do consulting" without specifics
- Mismatch with KvK registration: Business plan says one thing, KvK says another
- No online presence: No website, LinkedIn, or digital footprint
Having only one client raises "disguised employment" concerns:
- IND may view this as actually being an employee, not self-employed
- DAFT is for genuine self-employment, not circumventing work permits
How to address:
- Show multiple clients, even if one is primary (80%+ revenue)
- Document that you control your work hours and methods
- Have contracts clearly stating contractor relationship
- Be prepared to explain why single client is legitimate (specialized work, project-based)
- Document all current clients and contracts
- Get letters from clients confirming ongoing relationship
- Build or update your portfolio website
- Collect testimonials and recommendations
- Prepare professional LinkedIn profile
- Keep meticulous records of all income
- Save all invoices and contracts
- Document any new client acquisition
- Track hours worked and projects completed
- Work with an accountant from the start
- Review your documentation 6 months before renewal
- Get accountant to prepare financial summary
- Address any gaps in evidence
- Prepare narrative of business development
If your income is lower than expected:
- Explain circumstances: New business startup, market conditions, investment phase
- Show trajectory: Increasing revenue month over month
- Demonstrate sustainability: Personal savings, other income sources
- Highlight pipeline: Signed contracts for future work
- Consider accountant letter: Professional opinion on business health
When to involve professionals:
- Accountant (boekhouder): Essential for financial documentation and tax filings
- Tax advisor (belastingadviseur): For complex tax situations
- Immigration lawyer: If you've been rejected or have unusual circumstances
Cost considerations:
- Accountant: €80-150/month for basic bookkeeping
- Financial statements: €200-500 for annual preparation
- Immigration lawyer: €200-500/hour if needed
Business viability is about demonstrating credibility and sustainability. Document everything, maintain professional records, and work with qualified professionals.