Netherlands Startup Visa: The Ultimate Guide

 

 Netherlands Startup Visa Program (Dutch Startup Visa)

The Netherlands Startup Visa Program offers non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to establish innovative businesses in the Netherlands.

The visa is valid for 1 year, during which the entrepreneur must introduce an innovative product or service under the guidance of an experienced facilitator. The application process is thorough, ensuring that only the most promising entrepreneurs are granted visas.

This program fosters entrepreneurial activities, boosts the Dutch economy, and creates jobs, making the Netherlands an attractive startup destination.

 Why Choose Netherlands

Netherlands Strong Economy

The Netherlands has a strong economy with many exports, a healthy job market, and a busy domestic market. Being close to other European countries makes it a great place to start a business that sells to all of Europe. The Dutch government also helps businesses, making it a very attractive and reliable investment country.

Netherlands Startup Ecosystem

The Netherlands thrives with a dynamic and diverse startup scene! Cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven are hubs for innovation, with breakthroughs happening in cleantech, healthcare, and more. Even in a tough funding year, Dutch startups secured over €1.5 billion in 2023, showcasing a resilient and innovative entrepreneurial spirit.

Netherlands Startup Support and Facility

The Netherlands welcomes foreign startups! Techleap and Netherlands Point of Entry streamline the process for international founders. Temporary residence permits and the NLevator growth platform showcase their commitment to fostering innovation. It’s a great place for startups to launch and scale.

Netherlands Quality of Life

The quality of life in the Netherlands is exceptional, ranking in the top 5 globally. The country excels in various factors such as cost of living, crime rates, healthcare, commute times, and environmental pollution. The Netherlands’ commitment to providing a high standard of living for its residents and visitors is reflected in its top ranking.

 Netherlands Startup Visa eligibility

Who can apply for a Netherlands Startup Visa

• For Non-EU Entrepreneurs: Open to individuals outside the European Union.
• Focus on Innovation: Aims to attract businesses with new and creative products or services.
• Temporary Permit: Valid for a maximum of 1 year.
• Facilitator Guidance: Requires working with an experienced mentor to develop your business.

Netherlands Startup Visa Process

The Netherlands startup visa Startup Applications are submitted through the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) by you or your appointed facilitator in the Netherlands.

Your business plan and personal details are key components of the application, which the IND then assesses in collaboration with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. If successful, you’ll receive a residence permit and have one year to bring your innovative product or service to market.

Netherlands Startup Visa Requirments & Documents

• General requirements for all applicants must be met.
• Facilitation: Collaborate with a registered facilitator through a signed agreement.
• Company Innovation: Demonstrate innovation in one of these ways:
  • Product or service entirely new to the Netherlands.
  • Utilizing new technology in production, distribution, or marketing.
  • Implementing a novel work and organization approach. (See RVO website for details on “innovative entrepreneurship”).
• Active Role: Be actively involved beyond being just a shareholder or financier.
• Step-by-Step Plan: Develop a detailed plan outlining:
  • Organizational structure
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Legal form
  • Staffing plan
  • Company goals
  • Innovative product/service description
  • Business setup plan and activities
• Registration: Both you and your facilitator must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce Trade Register.
• Income Requirement: Demonstrate financial stability through:
  • Personal bank statements proving sufficient funds.
  • Funding from another legal entity (e.g., facilitator) covering your entire stay (max 1 year).

 

 Netherlands Step-by-step guide

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

• Do you have a valid provisional residence permit (MVV)? (Skip to Step 3 if you are already in the Netherlands with a short-stay visa or visa exemption.)
• Meet the general requirements for the permit.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

• Download the application form to see the complete document list.
• Ensure all documents from abroad are:
  • Legalized (official confirmation of authenticity).
  • Translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.

Step 3: Apply for the MVV and Residence Permit

• If abroad, apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country.
• If you are already in the Netherlands with a short-stay visa or visa exemption, choose “No MVV needed” when applying online. Your facilitator can submit the application online, or you can submit it by mail.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• The application fee is €380. Check the linked webpage for details on application fees.

Step 5: Track Your Application (90 Days)

• Follow the application status through “My IND” on the government website.
• The IND may extend the decision period if additional information is needed. You’ll be notified if this happens.

Step 6: Receive the Decision

• The IND will consult the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) regarding your facilitator, business innovation, step-by-step plan, and Chamber of Commerce registration. Positive RVO advice is crucial for approval.
• You’ll receive a letter with the IND’s decision (positive or negative).
• Positive Decision: You’ll receive both an MVV and a residence permit.
• Negative Decision: You have the right to object to the decision (details provided).

Step 7: Collect Your MVV and Travel to the Netherlands (Within 3 Months)

• Schedule an appointment to collect your MVV at the Dutch embassy or consulate mentioned in your application form.
• The MVV is valid for 90 days.
• Ensure your passport has at least 6 months remaining validity when collecting the MVV.
• Provide a new passport photo, signature, and fingerprints for biometrics.

Step 8: Collect Your Residence Permit (After Notification)

• You’ll receive a notification letter at an IND desk once your residence permit is ready for collection. Schedule an appointment to collect it.

 Cost & Fees

Government Visa Application Cost

Start-up

First application and change in the purpose of stay	€380
Change in purpose of stay: self-employed after start-up	€380
Holder status long-term resident EU in another EU member state	€228

Essential start-up personnel

Extension	€ 380
First application or change in the purpose of stay	€ 380

Average Program Fee

The average facilitator program fee for the Netherlands Dutch Startup Visa can vary depending on the facilitator. Visit LaunchRoad Netherlands programs for more details.

Corporate TAX rate

The corporate income tax (CIT) rate in the Netherlands is structured as follows:

Year	2024
First bracket	19% (taxable amount up to € 200.000)
Second bracket	25,8% (taxable amount > € 200.000

Cost of Living in the Netherlands

• For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are €2,559.
• For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are €4,709.

 Processing Time & Outcome

Third-Party Assessment Time

The facilitator assessment for Dutch startup programs can take varying times. It depends on your business plan’s complexity, the facilitator’s schedule, and other factors.

Visa Processing Time

The procedure can take a maximum of 3 months.

What happens After Apply

Application processing takes up to 3 months. If approved, collect your MVV (provisional residence permit) at a Dutch embassy/consulate. Upon arrival in the Netherlands, you’ll be notified where to collect your temporary residence permit (IND office or Expat Center).

Netherlands Residency through StartupVisa

A Netherlands startup visa allows you to stay in the Netherlands for 1 year to launch your innovative business with a facilitator’s guidance. After this year, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for a self-employment visa to continue running your startup in the Netherlands.

Netherlands Citizenship

The Netherlands Startup Residence Permit grants a 1-year stay to launch your innovative business. After residing legally in the Netherlands for at least 5 continuous years, you may be eligible for permanent residence (ILR). This allows you to apply for Dutch citizenship upon meeting additional residency and character requirements.