Startup Visa Netherlands
The Netherlands startup visa allows foreign entrepreneurs to obtain a residence permit by launching an innovative business with government-approved facilitator support. Requirements include €35,868 annual income plus €50,000 for business development, with no language tests or minimum investment. Benefits include a one-year renewable permit, family inclusion, spouse work rights, and 3-8 month processing. After five years of legal residence, apply for permanent residence with A2-level civic integration exam and income proof.
Startup Visa Netherlands Benefits
- Obtain a one-year residence permit under Start-up Visa program to develop a start-up business in the Netherlands. After the one year, there is opportunity to apply for two-year, renewable residence permit under Self-Employed Person Program. Potential pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years of legal and continuous residence
- Right to live in Netherlands to work on the Start-up business
- Right to include spouse, registered partner, unmarried partner and children under 18 years old in the application and opportunity for them to live, work and study in the Netherlands
- Member of Schengen Area, providing easy access to other Schengen member states
Startup Visa Netherlands Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Willing to actively develop an innovative start-up business that is supported by a government-approved facilitator and to have main place of residence in the Netherlands. This means registration in the municipality at all times. The Netherlands assumed you moved your principal place of residence outside of the Netherlands if you leave for 6 months continuously or 4 months continuously for 3 years in a row.
- The applicant must invest reasonable funds to ensure successful operation of the start-up business: Typically, a minimum investment of EUR 50,000 per year is expected until the business generates sufficient revenue to sustain its operation
- Applicants must also have sufficient funds to enroll in the incubation program of a recognized facilitator and to support their stay in the Netherlands. Typically, incubation fee starts at about EUR 6000 / year and gross income of at least EUR 35,868 / year is required.
- Must have sufficient funds to support family’s maintenance cost in the Netherlands and to support the development of the proposed start-up business
- Must secure Dutch health insurance after issuance of the permit
Startup Visa Netherlands Process
Processing Time: 3 - 8 Months
Due Diligence And Application
- Prepare a business plan to secure support from a government-approved facilitator
- Sign contract with approved facilitator and submit the application package to the Netherlands immigration authority
- Processing time is typically about 3 – 8 months
Approval And Investment
- Upon approval, successful applicants must schedule an appointment with Dutch consulate in their country of residence within 3 months to submit biometric data
Residency
- After biometrics are submitted, a visa will be issued, allowing the applicant to travel to the Netherlands to collect their residence permit and set up the start-up company
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much investment is required to get permanent residence in the Netherlands through the Dutch startup visa?
To obtain permanent residence in the Netherlands through the startup visa program, you must maintain 5 years of legal residence and meet income requirements of €1,697.82 gross profit per month on average over the 18 months before applying (€2,425.46 per month with family members). If you’re planning to transition from a residence permit under the Dutch Startup Visa program to permanent residency, you must ensure that you have sufficient funds to operate your startup in the Netherlands for five years. The required investment amount varies depending on your business idea; however, applicants should generally anticipate spending at least €50,000 per year to develop the business until it generates sufficient revenue to sustain its operations.
What is the 5-year rule for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands?
The 5-year rule requires accumulating 5 years of legal residence in the Netherlands before applying for permanent residence or citizenship. Dutch startup visa holders receive a one-year residence permit, which can transition to a two-year self-employed residence permit Netherlands under the Self-Employed Persons Program. After the two-year permit expires, entrepreneurs in the Netherlands can apply for an extension and receive a permit for another 5 years. To qualify for permanent residence after 5 years, you must pass the civic integration exam at A2 level, be registered in the Personal Records Database for 5 years with no gaps, hold a valid residence permit with consistent renewals, and meet income requirements.
Can buying property in the Netherlands grant residency for business purposes under the Dutch Startup Visa program?
No, buying property does not grant residency in the Netherlands under the Dutch Startup Visa program. To qualify, you must have an innovative business idea, provide proof of sufficient income and business capital, and secure support from a government-approved facilitator.
What is the Netherlands startup visa program for entrepreneurs?
The Netherlands startup visa program is a pathway for foreign entrepreneurs to secure a residence permit to establish and develop an innovative startup business in the Netherlands. This residence permit allows individuals to start a company in Netherlands and develop their business ideas with support from government-approved facilitators.
Who is eligible to apply for the Dutch startup visa?
To obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands through the Dutch Startup Visa program, individuals need to meet a few key criteria. First, applicants must be at least 18 years old and be citizens of a country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. They are also required to present a detailed business plan that outlines their innovative business idea and specifies their active role in the venture. Additionally, applicants must secure support from a government-approved startup visa facilitator and sign an agreement to enroll in the facilitator’s incubation program. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to develop their startup and support their stay in the Netherlands. A gross income of at least EUR 35,868 per year is needed for personal sustainability, and it’s advisable to allocate at least EUR 50,000 annually to further develop the business idea. Finally, after securing the residence permit, individuals must commit to obtaining private healthcare insurance in the Netherlands.
Who qualifies as dependents under the Netherlands startup visa program?
The following family members of the Dutch start up visa main applicant can be included as dependents: spouse, registered partner, unmarried partner who is in a sustainable relationship with the applicant, and minor children under 18.
What benefits does the Dutch startup visa program provide for entrepreneurs?
The Dutch startup visa program provides several benefits: one-year residence permit upon application approval, ability to include dependent family members in the application, spouse/partner of the main applicant can work for any employers in the Netherlands after securing the residence permit as a dependent, quick processing time, no language requirements, no upper age limit, no minimal investment requirements, opportunity to apply for a two-year self-employed visa Netherlands under the Self-Employed Person program after one year, and opportunity to transition to permanent residence status after 5 years of legal residence in the Netherlands.
What type of business ideas are accepted for the Netherlands startup visa requirements?
The Netherlands Startup Visa accepts innovative business ideas that are either new to the Dutch market, incorporate new technology in their operations, or introduce unique organizational methods. To qualify, foreign applicants must demonstrate that their idea is innovative, viable, and that they are actively involved in its development.
What is the typical application process for the Dutch startup visa?
The Dutch startup visa application process involves several key steps: First, applicants must prepare a business plan for review by a government-approved startup visa facilitator. The facilitator may conduct interviews and sign agreements with those who present promising business ideas. After signing the facilitator agreement, entrepreneurs can compile and submit their application package to the Netherlands immigration authority, which typically takes about 3 – 8 months to process a decision. Upon approval, successful applicants must schedule an appointment within three months to submit their biometric data. Once the biometrics are submitted, a visa will be issued, allowing the applicant to travel to the Netherlands to collect their residence permit and start their business.
What is the processing time for the Netherlands startup visa requirements?
Processing times for the business visa Netherlands may vary by case, but the authority typically takes about 3-8 months to process these applications for entrepreneurs looking to open a business in Netherlands.
Who are exempted from the civil integration examination when applying for permanent residence in the Netherlands as a self-employed entrepreneur?
Exemptions from the civil integration examination when applying for permanent residence in the Netherlands apply to: Individuals with a civic integration certificate from the Civic Integration Act 2021 (Wi 2021) Nationals from Belgium or Luxembourg Applicants under 18 People who have lived in the Netherlands for eight years or more during their school years Individuals holding a document that exempts them from the civic integration requirement Those unable to attend the examination due to medical reasons Individuals who can demonstrate sufficient integration into Dutch society
What are the immigration benefits granted to Turkish nationals for entrepreneurship in the Netherlands?
Turkish nationals enjoy several immigration benefits when applying for a business visa Netherlands: reduced application fees when applying for residence permits, ability to bring a spouse or registered partner to the Netherlands if the partner is at least 18 years old rather than the usual requirement of 21 years old, and ability to bring children up until the age of 21 when starting a business in Netherlands as a foreigner.