Scale your innovative venture inside the European Union.
The Netherlands Startup Visa gives non-EU founders a structured, institutionally supported entry into one of Europe's most competitive digital economies — no complex capital scoring, no minimum investment floor.
Scale your innovative venture inside the European Union.
The Netherlands Startup Visa gives non-EU founders a structured, institutionally supported entry into one of Europe's most competitive digital economies — no complex capital scoring, no minimum investment floor.
The Benefits of the Dutch Ecosystem
Direct Eurozone Access
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven — embed your company in Europe's primary logistics and digital pathways from day one.
Co-Founder Launch
Up to 3 co-founders can apply under a single startup project, each holding an active management role.
Accelerated Onboarding
Replaces complex capital scoring with a trusted facilitator partnership system — faster, cleaner, and more founder-friendly.
Full Family Relocation
Spouse and minor children relocate with you. Your partner gets unrestricted Dutch labor market access — no separate work permit needed.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Dutch Startup Residence Permit, your application must meet five specific statutory conditions enforced by the IND and evaluated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Collaboration with a Recognized Facilitator
You must enter into a formal, signed agreement with a government-approved startup facilitator listed on the official RVO register. The facilitator provides mentorship and operational support but cannot hold a majority stake in your firm or be a close relative.
Proof of Innovation
Your product, service, or methodology must satisfy at least one criterion: new to the Dutch market, applies novel technology, or uses a unique organizational setup. Evaluated directly by the RVO against your submitted business plan.
Active Entrepreneurial Role
The visa is built for operational founders only. You cannot be a passive shareholder or silent partner. Your business plan must prove an active executive role — CEO, CTO, or lead developer — responsible for daily execution and operational scaling.
Comprehensive Business Plan
A full 12-month step plan covering organizational structure, innovation analysis, operational milestones (MVP, market entry), financial projections, startup budget, liquidity forecast, and capital source mapping.
Sufficient Personal Financial Runway
Solo founder: minimum €21,000 in personal liquid funds. With family: minimum €30,000. Acceptable proofs: certified bank statements, Dutch notary escrow, VC funding letters, or facilitator financial sponsorship.
What the permit grants you
- 1-year residence permit to build your startup
- Side employment permitted alongside your venture
- Up to 3 co-founders under one project
- Spouse receives matching residency permit
- Spouse has full, unrestricted Dutch work rights
- Permit remains valid until expiry if startup closes
Facilitator is mandatory. You cannot apply independently. Your RVO-approved facilitator is the anchor of the entire application — their endorsement triggers the IND review process.
Financial Requirements
Minimum personal liquid funds for a solo founder. With family, the threshold rises to €30,000.
Solo Founder
Minimum €21,000 in unencumbered personal liquid savings. Updated semi-annually by the IND based on national minimum wage standards.
Founder with Family
Threshold rises to minimum €30,000 when relocating with a spouse or dependents to cover full family living capital.
Facilitator Can Sponsor
Your recognized facilitator may cover your living costs directly. This must be explicitly written into your signed facilitator agreement — eliminating the need to show personal savings.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline
“Nexa coordinates your application flow into a clear, linear progression to avoid processing rejections.”
From securing your facilitator to landing in the Netherlands and registering your business, the full process takes approximately 4 to 5 months when properly prepared.
Secure a Vetted Facilitator
Pitch your business model, prototype, or MVP to an RVO-approved incubator or accelerator. Negotiate terms and secure a signed collaboration agreement with your chosen facilitator.
Prepare the Legal File
Finalize your 12-month step plan, obtain certified bank statements (€21,000+ floor), and have all civil documents professionally translated and apostilled.
IND Filing & RVO Evaluation
Your facilitator submits the application digitally to the IND. The RVO evaluates your plan's innovation. The official government decision takes up to 90 days.
Arrival & Business Onboarding
Collect your MVV entry visa from your local embassy if required. Land in the Netherlands, register at city hall (BRP) for your BSN, register your business at the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), and collect your residence card.
Long-Term Pathways
Startup Visa (1 Year)
Build your venture under a 1-year residence permit. Side employment is permitted. Permit stays valid until expiry even if the startup closes.
Self-Employed Transition
At year-end, transition to a Self-Employed Residence Permit. Your facilitator issues a formal positive assessment verifying your startup's evolution into an active, operational business.
Permanent Residency
After 5 years of continuous legal residence, apply for an EU Long-Term Resident Permit or Dutch Permanent Residence Card. Your legal right to stay fully uncouples from your business.
Dutch Citizenship
At 5 years, apply for naturalization. Requires civic integration exam (Inburgering), Dutch language at A2 level, and renunciation of original nationality (with limited statutory exemptions).
Government Fee Structure
Standard IND processing fee for the initial Startup Residence Permit application. Submitted digitally by your facilitator on your behalf.
Fee to transition from your Startup Visa into a standard Self-Employed Residence Permit at the end of your first year, based on your facilitator's positive progress assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Dutch language requirement to get the initial Startup Visa?
Can multiple co-founders apply under the same business plan?
What happens if my startup fails during the visa year?
Can I take a side job while running my startup?
Can my facilitator finance my required personal living costs?
Can my spouse work freely in the Netherlands?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Dutch language requirement to get the initial Startup Visa?
Can multiple co-founders apply under the same business plan?
What happens if my startup fails during the visa year?
Can I take a side job while running my startup?
Can my facilitator finance my required personal living costs?
Can my spouse work freely in the Netherlands?
Can I transition directly from the Startup Visa to Permanent Residency?
How long does the entire process take?