FRANCE France now has something called the Competence and Talents visa. I believe you are allowed to be self-employed with this visa. NETHERLANDS 1. If you

FRANCE France now has something called the Competence and Talents visa. I believe you are allowed to be self-employed with this visa. NETHERLANDS 1. If you're an american citizen, there's some "Dutch American Friendship Treaty" that this link claims requires capital of as low as EUR4500 for a self-employment visa. http://www.expatlaw.nl/dutch_american_friendship_treaty.htm 2. If you are not American (or American who doesn't want to go via route #1), you can try working for a Dutch company via a "Kennismigrant" visa; make sure to ask about the 30% rule. Visa processing time for this approach is quite fast (as fast as 2 weeks). 3. Even if you are going to start your own business via the treaty in #1, ask your Dutch lawyer if you can set it up so you qualify for 30% rule.