Kingdom of the Netherlands · entrepreneur
Startup Visa (Netherlands)
1-year residence permit for founders working with a recognised Dutch startup facilitator.
Last reviewed:
Overview
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.
Processing time
Around 3 months including facilitator vetting.
See source window: 4 weeks – 3 months →Government fees
Around €350 (plus facilitator arrangement costs).
Typical duration
1 year, non-renewable as Startup Visa; transitions to self-employment route.
Primary source
IND — Residence permit for startups · Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Innovative business concept.
Written agreement with an RVO-recognised facilitator.
Means of subsistence for 1 year.
Common blockers
Business not judged innovative by the facilitator.
Facilitator list is relatively short.
Typical evidence
Facilitator agreement.
Business plan.
Funds evidence.
Application pathway
Step 1
Choose RVO-recognised facilitator
Consult the RVO public list and secure an engagement.
Step 2
Submit IND application
Facilitator endorses the application.
Step 3
Travel and build
Operate the business during the 1-year permit.
Step 4
Transition to self-employment route
After year 1, switch to the standard self-employment permit based on business viability.
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Kingdom of the Netherlands with
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
Can the Startup Visa be extended?
Not as Startup Visa. Founders transition to the standard self-employment route or to Kennismigrant if they take a qualifying employed role.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →