The Ankara Agreement: Understanding its Impact on Turkish Entrepreneurs in the Netherlands

The Ankara Agreement, also known as the Association Agreement between Turkey and the European Union, was signed in 1963 to establish a framework for trade and cooperation between Turkey and the EU. In 1987, the agreement was expanded to include the free movement of workers, enabling Turkish citizens to work and establish businesses in EU member states.

One country that has seen a significant influx of Turkish entrepreneurs as a result of the Ankara Agreement is the Netherlands. In fact, the Netherlands is home to the largest Turkish community in Europe, with approximately 400,000 people of Turkish descent living in the country.

Under the Ankara Agreement, Turkish entrepreneurs in the Netherlands are eligible for a special type of residency permit called the ‘Turkish Businessperson Visa.’ This visa allows them to establish and run their own businesses in the Netherlands, as long as they meet certain criteria, such as having a business plan and sufficient financial resources.

However, in recent years, the Dutch government has taken a stricter approach towards granting business visas to Turkish entrepreneurs. This has resulted in a significant decline in the number of Turkish entrepreneurs starting businesses in the Netherlands.

The Dutch government’s stricter stance is in response to concerns about fraud and abuse of the visa system. Some Turkish nationals have been accused of using business visas as a means to stay in the Netherlands permanently, rather than as a means to start legitimate businesses.

In addition to the visa restrictions, Turkish entrepreneurs in the Netherlands also face other challenges, such as a lack of access to funding and a lack of support from Dutch authorities. This can make it difficult for Turkish entrepreneurs to establish and grow their businesses.

Despite these challenges, Turkish entrepreneurs continue to make valuable contributions to the Dutch economy. Many Turkish-owned businesses in the Netherlands are successful and provide employment opportunities for both Turkish and Dutch nationals.

In conclusion, the Ankara Agreement has had a significant impact on Turkish entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. While the Dutch government’s stricter approach to business visas has presented challenges, Turkish entrepreneurs continue to play an important role in the Dutch economy. It is important that the Dutch government works to find a balance between preventing fraud and abuse of the visa system, while also supporting legitimate Turkish businesses in the Netherlands.