Netherlands Startup Visa: Dutch Startup Visa

August 24, 20246 Mins read6.9k Views

Last update: April 10, 2024

The Netherlands stands out for its open economy, a leading role in tech and innovation, and excellent infrastructure (including Europe’s largest port). A highly educated workforce and a stable business environment further solidify its appeal. Recent pro-business regulations add to its attractiveness for companies looking to expand.

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.

Must Read: What is a Startup Visa?

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.

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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.

Role of Launchroad in The Seccess of Your Startup Visa

LaunchRoad is your go-to guide for starting a business abroad. We help you choose the right country, understand visa requirements, and get your startup off the ground. Our team of experts provides support, mentorship, and resources to help you succeed.

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FAQ

Who is the third party on a Netherlands startup visa?

The third-party on a Netherlands Startup Visa is referred to as the facilitator. The facilitator is a reliable, experienced mentor based in the Netherlands who supports the startup. You can check LaunchRoad's Netherlands facilitators to find your match.

How do I find a facilitator (Program) in the Netherlands?

If you're looking for the perfect match to apply, check out LaunchRoad’s Netherlands facilitator (Program) page. There, you'll find everything you need to make your application process a success!

What is the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel)?

The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) helps Dutch businesses thrive. It manages the national Business Register and offers info and support on starting a business, financing, and innovation. They also connect businesses and promote regional economic growth. It's a one-stop shop for Dutch entrepreneurs!

What should I do if my Visa gets rejected?

Object to the Decision: Disagree with the IND's decision? File an objection within 4 weeks of the date on the rejection letter.
Resubmit Application: If an objection isn't your plan, consider a new application (remember the fee!). Analyze the rejection letter for missing documents or specific shortcomings to address in your resubmission.
Seek Clarification: Contact the embassy or consulate that handled your application to understand the reasons for rejection and explore options for improvement.
LaunchRoad Assistance: If your objection is denied, consider LaunchRoad experts' guidance to strengthen your next Netherlands program application

How do I Extend my Visa?

According to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) of the Netherlands, extending the residence permit as a startup is impossible.
However, after 1 year, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person. You must meet the requirements for this residence permit.

What happens if my startup fails?

If your startup in the Netherlands fails, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will lose your Dutch startup visa or residency.
Here's what you need to know:

Change of Purpose: In principle, if the purpose of your stay changes, you can apply for a different, that is, a new residence permit.
After the First Year: The Dutch residence permit for startups is valid for a maximum of 1 year. After the first year, the residence permit may be extended by applying to the Dutch government's self-employment scheme. You must meet the standard requirements applicable to the self-employment scheme.
Essential Startup Personnel: If you are an essential employee of the startup, you may be able to stay in the Netherlands under the residence permit for essential startup personnel.

Should I apply to any particular facilitator?

The ideal facilitator for your application will rely on your specific needs, including the industry in which your business will operate when you want to submit it, where you want to locate it, and what kind of support your business will need. Find your facilitator on the Launchroad Netherlands programs.

Is there a limitation to the number of team members applying for a Dutch startup visa?

A maximum of 15 employees work at the start-up.

what role does the facilitator serve after my Dutch startup visa acceptance?

Your facilitator becomes your official mentor, providing guidance tailored to your industry (marketing, finance, etc.) for at least 3 months. They'll issue a declaration key to your self-employed visa application.

How long is a Dutch startup visa validated?

The Dutch startup visa, officially called the "residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs,” is valid for a maximum of 1 year.

Can I take on other work besides my startup?

Yes, you can work for another employer while you are in the Netherlands with a startup visa program, but there are certain conditions. The other employer will need a work permit (in Dutch: tewerkstellingsvergunning or TWV). This means that while you do not need a work permit for your startup, you would need one to work for another employer

Can I move with my family on a Dutch startup visa?

You can move with your family to the Netherlands on a Dutch startup visa. However, there are certain conditions:

Family Members: The startup visa holder's immediate family members (partner and/or children) of the startup visa holder can usually come along to the Netherlands.
Residence Permit: In order to live in the Netherlands with your partner, child, or other relative, they will need a residence permit.
Exceptions: The startup visa holder cannot take his family members along only if the startup visa holder comes for seasonal work for a work placement or to gain work experience.