Kingdom of the Netherlands · Processing time
Startup Visa (Netherlands): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
IND — Startup residence permit does not publish one fixed, route-wide end-to-end processing time that can be stated responsibly for this application route.
How long does the Startup Visa (Netherlands) take to process in Netherlands?
IND — Startup residence permit does not publish a central processing time for this route. Use the current IND — Startup residence permit service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
Source checked against IND — Startup residence permit on 10 September 2026.
Typical wait
Not centrally published
from complete application
Government fees
Around €350 (plus facilitator arrangement costs).
Last checked
10 September 2026
Reality vs official timing
- Official clock
- No central processing clock
- Delay trigger
- No fixed delay point - use route guidance
- Source checked
- 10 September 2026
IND — Startup residence permit does not publish a central processing time. Use the current IND — Startup residence permit service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
What is the Startup Visa (Netherlands)?
1-year residence permit for founders working with a recognised Dutch startup facilitator.
The Dutch Startup Visa is a 1-year residence permit for non-EEA founders with an innovative business. Applicants partner with a recognised facilitator (RVO-approved) who provides mentorship and vets the business. After the first year, founders typically switch to the general self-employment route.
- Sponsorship: No job offer or employer sponsor is required.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: 1 year, non-renewable as Startup Visa; transitions to self-employment route.
- Indicative government fees: Around €350 (plus facilitator arrangement costs).
Priority and fast-track options
The earlier range was removed after an official-source review because it was an editorial estimate, depended on a live/local queue, or combined separate appointment and decision stages.
Official source
IND — Startup residence permit
https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/start-up
Cite or reuse this dataset
This figure is free to reuse under CC BY 4.0. Cite the Visa Atlas page for the compiled, dated dataset, and cite the official source for the underlying government rule.
Suggested citation
Visa Atlas, "Startup Visa (Netherlands) processing time dataset", https://visaatlas.org/processing-times/netherlands/startup-visa-nl. Last checked 10 September 2026.
- JSON endpoint
- https://visaatlas.org/api/public/processing-times
Primary source (1)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Startup Visa (Netherlands) take to process?+
IND — Startup residence permit does not publish a central processing time for this route. Use the current IND — Startup residence permit service for the responsible mission, service centre, authority or live processing-time tool before applying.
When does the Not centrally published clock start?+
Because no central processing time is published, there is no fixed start point. Contact the relevant authority once your application is submitted.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
The earlier range was removed after an official-source review because it was an editorial estimate, depended on a live/local queue, or combined separate appointment and decision stages.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Startup Visa (Netherlands) application as delayed?+
Because no central processing time is published for this route, there is no fixed point at which it counts as late. If your wait runs well beyond comparable cases, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Duplicate chasing tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.