The Dutch startup visa is a residence permit for people from outside the European Union, who are looking to start an innovative business. The startup visa allows you to stay and work for a maximum of one year. You'll be expected to produce or introduce an innovative new product or service under the guidance of an experienced facilitator.
The Dutch startup visa is a residence permit for people from outside the European Union, who are looking to start an innovative business. The startup visa allows you to stay and work for a maximum of one year. You'll be expected to produce or introduce an innovative new product or service under the guidance of an experienced facilitator.
The Dutch startup visa is a residence permit for people from outside the European Union, who are looking to start an innovative business. The startup visa allows you to stay and work for a maximum of one year. You'll be expected to produce or introduce an innovative new product or service under the guidance of an experienced facilitator.
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I can help with relocation to NETHERLANDs
Difficulty of relocation:
- Does not require an employment contract or assignment;
- At the end of year 1 you can apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis or a regular residence permit including the endorsement “Work is freely permitted”.
- Does not require an employment contract or assignment;
- At the end of year 1 you can apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis or a regular residence permit including the endorsement “Work is freely permitted”.
Benefits
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
For the assessment of the application, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (the IND) consults with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. There are five conditions that you'll have to satisfy:
The cooperation with a facilitator must be set down in a signed agreement between the startup entrepreneur and the facilitator. You should find the facilitator yourself. There is a list of recognised companies who you can approach for this.
The facilitator must meet the following conditions:
2. The product or service is innovative
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency will assess your product or service.
The product or service is innovative if at least one of the 3 conditions is met:
3. The startup entrepreneur has a plan to advance the idea to a business
You have to provide a step-by-step plan, which contains information relating to the organisation. You must have an active role in it. You cannot simply be a shareholder or financier.
The business plan must contain information about:
4. You are entered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.
This is important in order to be able to make decisions regarding the future enterprise.
There are 3 possible moments to register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce:
5. There is sufficient money (resources) to reside and live in the Netherlands
You cannot rely on public funds, such as welfare benefits. You can use a bank statement to show that there is enough money in your account. The amount available must be at least 70% of the standard amount for single persons under the Minimum Wage Act (workers aged 22 or over entitled to a minimum of €1.615 per month). Another person, such as the facilitator, may also fund the residence by providing money to you. The amount must be available for your entire period of residence (maximum 1 year).
- Working together with a reliable expert facilitator
The cooperation with a facilitator must be set down in a signed agreement between the startup entrepreneur and the facilitator. You should find the facilitator yourself. There is a list of recognised companies who you can approach for this.
The facilitator must meet the following conditions:
- Have experience in guiding innovative startups;
- Be financially stable;
- May not, in any case, be in receivership or bankrupt and must have no negative equity;
- May not have a majority interest in the startup company;
- May not be a family member up to the third degree. This means they cannot be child, parent, grandparent or aunt/uncle of the startup entrepreneur;
2. The product or service is innovative
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency will assess your product or service.
The product or service is innovative if at least one of the 3 conditions is met:
- The product or service is new to the Netherlands;
- A new technology for production, distribution or marketing is involved;
- There is a new innovative organisational and process approach.
3. The startup entrepreneur has a plan to advance the idea to a business
You have to provide a step-by-step plan, which contains information relating to the organisation. You must have an active role in it. You cannot simply be a shareholder or financier.
The business plan must contain information about:
- The structure of the organisation;
- The roles and tasks;
- The legal form;
- The personnel;
- The purpose of the enterprise;
- The idea for the product or service with a full description and why it is innovative (see condition 2);
- The activities in the first year. A description of the planning and activities for the business. The steps to be gone through in setting up the company.
4. You are entered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.
This is important in order to be able to make decisions regarding the future enterprise.
There are 3 possible moments to register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce:
- No later than 1 week after starting your business;
- 1 week prior to starting your business;
- Earlier. In that case, the registration (with the KVK number) will become official 1 week prior to the start of your business.
5. There is sufficient money (resources) to reside and live in the Netherlands
You cannot rely on public funds, such as welfare benefits. You can use a bank statement to show that there is enough money in your account. The amount available must be at least 70% of the standard amount for single persons under the Minimum Wage Act (workers aged 22 or over entitled to a minimum of €1.615 per month). Another person, such as the facilitator, may also fund the residence by providing money to you. The amount must be available for your entire period of residence (maximum 1 year).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
General conditions for the startup visa include:
- Age: 18+;
- Police clearance certificate obtained in the country of residence;
- Bank statement confirming the availability of financial means for living in the Netherlands — at least €15.000;
- A valid passport;
- Not posing a threat to public order or national security;
- Undergoing a tuberculosis test when you arrive in the Netherlands. Some nationalities are exempt from this requirement (they are not listed on the website);
- Taking out Dutch health insurance when you arrive in the Netherlands.
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS
General conditions for the startup visa include:
- Age: 18+;
- Police clearance certificate obtained in the country of residence;
- Bank statement confirming the availability of financial means for living in the Netherlands — at least €15.000;
- A valid passport;
- Not posing a threat to public order or national security;
- Undergoing a tuberculosis test when you arrive in the Netherlands. Some nationalities are exempt from this requirement (they are not listed on the website);
- Taking out Dutch health insurance when you arrive in the Netherlands.
For the assessment of the application, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (the IND) consults with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. There are five conditions that you'll have to satisfy:
The cooperation with a facilitator must be set down in a signed agreement between the startup entrepreneur and the facilitator. You should find the facilitator yourself. There is a list of recognised companies who you can approach for this.
The facilitator must meet the following conditions:
2. The product or service is innovative
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency will assess your product or service.
The product or service is innovative if at least one of the 3 conditions is met:
3. The startup entrepreneur has a plan to advance the idea to a business
You have to provide a step-by-step plan, which contains information relating to the organisation. You must have an active role in it. You cannot simply be a shareholder or financier.
The business plan must contain information about:
4. You are entered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.
This is important in order to be able to make decisions regarding the future enterprise.
There are 3 possible moments to register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce:
5. There is sufficient money (resources) to reside and live in the Netherlands
You cannot rely on public funds, such as welfare benefits. You can use a bank statement to show that there is enough money in your account. The amount available must be at least 70% of the standard amount for single persons under the Minimum Wage Act (workers aged 22 or over entitled to a minimum of €1.615 per month). Another person, such as the facilitator, may also fund the residence by providing money to you. The amount must be available for your entire period of residence (maximum 1 year).
- Working together with a reliable expert facilitator
The cooperation with a facilitator must be set down in a signed agreement between the startup entrepreneur and the facilitator. You should find the facilitator yourself. There is a list of recognised companies who you can approach for this.
The facilitator must meet the following conditions:
- Have experience in guiding innovative startups;
- Be financially stable;
- May not, in any case, be in receivership or bankrupt and must have no negative equity;
- May not have a majority interest in the startup company;
- May not be a family member up to the third degree. This means they cannot be child, parent, grandparent or aunt/uncle of the startup entrepreneur;
2. The product or service is innovative
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency will assess your product or service.
The product or service is innovative if at least one of the 3 conditions is met:
- The product or service is new to the Netherlands;
- A new technology for production, distribution or marketing is involved;
- There is a new innovative organisational and process approach.
3. The startup entrepreneur has a plan to advance the idea to a business
You have to provide a step-by-step plan, which contains information relating to the organisation. You must have an active role in it. You cannot simply be a shareholder or financier.
The business plan must contain information about:
- The structure of the organisation;
- The roles and tasks;
- The legal form;
- The personnel;
- The purpose of the enterprise;
- The idea for the product or service with a full description and why it is innovative (see condition 2);
- The activities in the first year. A description of the planning and activities for the business. The steps to be gone through in setting up the company.
4. You are entered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.
This is important in order to be able to make decisions regarding the future enterprise.
There are 3 possible moments to register with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce:
- No later than 1 week after starting your business;
- 1 week prior to starting your business;
- Earlier. In that case, the registration (with the KVK number) will become official 1 week prior to the start of your business.
5. There is sufficient money (resources) to reside and live in the Netherlands
You cannot rely on public funds, such as welfare benefits. You can use a bank statement to show that there is enough money in your account. The amount available must be at least 70% of the standard amount for single persons under the Minimum Wage Act (workers aged 22 or over entitled to a minimum of €1.615 per month). Another person, such as the facilitator, may also fund the residence by providing money to you. The amount must be available for your entire period of residence (maximum 1 year).
You can live outside of the Netherlands for no longer than 6 consecutive months or a maximum period of 4 consecutive months each year for 3 years in a row (if you have extended your visa).
1 year.
VISA DURATION
VISA PROCEDURE
AND NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
AND NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
VISA PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY DOCUMENTS
To travel to the Netherlands, you will need a provisional residence permit (MVV). The MVV is a sticker that the Dutch representation places in the passport. Complete the MVV and Start-Up form, gather your supporting documents and make an appointment at your local Dutch embassy or consulate online.
Step 2. Attend your appointment and submit the supporting documents
The processing time for the MVV is between 1-10 working days. When you submit your application you will receive a “track and trace code” so that you can check when to collect your MVV. Once received, your MVV will be valid for 90 days.
Your facilitator can submit your application for a Netherlands visa to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), providing information about you, your business plan and your proposed method of operation.
Step 3. Submit your application
Once you have established an agreement with a facilitator and have your documentation in order, you can submit an "Application for the purpose of residence "Start-up" working on a self-employed basis (foreign national)".
The application procedure can take a maximum of three months.
The application procedure can take a maximum of three months.
FEES
€349
The application fee must be paid upon submitting the application.
The residence permit can be collected from the IND office or one of the Expat Centres in the Netherlands.
First application and change in purpose of stay
The residence permit can be collected from the IND office or one of the Expat Centres in the Netherlands.
First application and change in purpose of stay
The application fee must be paid upon submitting the application. The residence permit can be collected from the IND office or one of the Expat Centres in the Netherlands.
First application
and change
in purpose of stay
First application
and change
in purpose of stay
WHEN IN NETHERLANDS
WHEN IN NETHERLANDS
I. How to get a Dutch Social Insurance Number (SIN)
The citizen service number – in Dutch written as Burgerservicenummer or BSN – is a unique personal ID number of every citizen who is registered in the population register (Municipal Personal Records Database) at the municipal authorities.
You must register in the Personal Records Database (Basisregistratie Personen – BRP) within 5 days of arriving in the Netherlands by visiting the civic offices of your municipality. If your partner and/or children are coming with you to the Netherlands, they must come with you to the civic municipality offices.
To register, call the City of Amsterdam's information line 14 020 Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 18.00. If you're calling from abroad, call +31 20 624 1111. The appointment will take place at a City Office. You must come to the appointment in person.
What you need to bring to your appointment:
- Your passport. If you are a citizen from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, an ID card is also allowed;
- Your original birth certificate;
- If you are married: your original marriage certificate;
- For children under 16 years of age: a valid proof of identity for the accompanying parent, guardian or care provider.
II. How to open a bank account
To open a bank account in the Netherlands you will need the following:
- Your BSN number;
- A valid form of ID (passport or identity card - often a drivers licence is not acceptable);
- Proof of address (i.e. a rental contract);
- Residency permit.
Once all the details have been processed you will have to simply wait until your account is approved and your new pinpas is sent out to you.
III. How to get medical insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for all people who live or work in the Netherlands. You have four months to take out health insurance in the Netherlands after arriving.
Main health insurance companies in the Netherlands:
2. International health insurance companies:
The average basic Dutch health insurance premium is about
€ 120 per month, which makes it € 1.440 per one year.
Main health insurance companies in the Netherlands:
- Dutch health insurance companies:
- LoonZorg (No mandatory excess);
- OHRA;
- UnitedConsumers;
- ONVZ;
- FBTO;
- De Goudse Verzekeringen (customer service by European insurance in English);
- LoonZorg (For international students).
2. International health insurance companies:
- Cigna;
- Aetna;
- Foyer Global Health.
The average basic Dutch health insurance premium is about
€ 120 per month, which makes it € 1.440 per one year.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP
At the end of Year 1 of the Startup Visa, you can apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis or a regular residence permit including the endorsement “Work is freely permitted”.
After a 5-year stay in the Netherlands you can apply for Permanent residence.
To apply, you have to meet the following general conditions:
The residence document is always issued for 5 years and can be renewed every 5 years. The price for the first-time application is €174 ($205) while applications for children under 18 cost €58 ($70). Permanent residency renewals for adults cost €58 ($70) and €31 ($35) for children.
To become a Dutch citizen, you can become naturalised if you have lived legally in the Netherlands for 5 years. Applications for naturalisation are made to your municipality. They will send the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
To apply for naturalisation, you will always need the following documents:
Highly-skilled workers in the Netherlands are in great demand, so immigrating there will be an opportunity for improvement.
After a 5-year stay in the Netherlands you can apply for Permanent residence.
To apply, you have to meet the following general conditions:
- You have a valid passport or another travel document. A child may be included in the passport of one of the parents;
- You sign an antecedents certificate. The antecedents certificate can be found in the application form. In this certificate you provide information on your criminal record. You state, for example, that you have not committed any crimes. You also state that you have not submitted any incorrect information, nor have you stayed in the Netherlands illegally.
- In addition, you must meet the following conditions for the permanent residence permit:
- You have had a valid Dutch residence permit for 5 years or more directly before the application. Only the years from the moment you turned 8 years of age count towards the application for a permanent residence permit. In other words, you cannot get a permanent residence permit until the moment you turn 13 and you have lived in the Netherlands since you were 8 years old with a valid residence permit. The 5-year term does not apply when you fall under an exempt category;
- You have always met the conditions of your residence permit. And you still meet the conditions of your permit;
- You now have a residence permit for a non-temporary purpose;
- You have had an uninterrupted 5-year stay in the Netherlands before submitting the application. This means that you have had a valid residence permit for the full 5 years;
- You have thus always applied for extension in time. And you have not moved your main residence to a place outside the Netherlands;
- You are registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database in your place of residence;
- You have an independent sufficient and sustainable income;
- You have a civic integration diploma. This shows that you read, write, speak and understand sufficient Dutch. In some cases you do not have to take the civic integration examination.
The residence document is always issued for 5 years and can be renewed every 5 years. The price for the first-time application is €174 ($205) while applications for children under 18 cost €58 ($70). Permanent residency renewals for adults cost €58 ($70) and €31 ($35) for children.
To become a Dutch citizen, you can become naturalised if you have lived legally in the Netherlands for 5 years. Applications for naturalisation are made to your municipality. They will send the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
To apply for naturalisation, you will always need the following documents:
- A valid passport or other travel document;
- A birth certificate from your country of origin;
- A valid residence permit or other proof of lawful residence;
- Civic integration diploma or other proof of civic integration or a certificate of exemption (or partial exemption) from the integration requirement.
Highly-skilled workers in the Netherlands are in great demand, so immigrating there will be an opportunity for improvement.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP
PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP
PERMANENT RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP
At the end of Year 1 of the Startup Visa, you can apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis or a regular residence permit including the endorsement “Work is freely permitted”.
After a 5-year stay in the Netherlands you can apply for Permanent residence.
To apply, you have to meet the following general conditions:
The residence document is always issued for 5 years and can be renewed every 5 years. The price for the first-time application is €174 ($205) while applications for children under 18 cost €58 ($70). Permanent residency renewals for adults cost €58 ($70) and €31 ($35) for children.
To become a Dutch citizen, you can become naturalised if you have lived legally in the Netherlands for 5 years. Applications for naturalisation are made to your municipality. They will send the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
To apply for naturalisation, you will always need the following documents:
Highly-skilled workers in the Netherlands are in great demand, so immigrating there will be an opportunity for improvement.
After a 5-year stay in the Netherlands you can apply for Permanent residence.
To apply, you have to meet the following general conditions:
- You have a valid passport or another travel document. A child may be included in the passport of one of the parents;
- You sign an antecedents certificate. The antecedents certificate can be found in the application form. In this certificate you provide information on your criminal record. You state, for example, that you have not committed any crimes. You also state that you have not submitted any incorrect information, nor have you stayed in the Netherlands illegally.
- In addition, you must meet the following conditions for the permanent residence permit:
- You have had a valid Dutch residence permit for 5 years or more directly before the application. Only the years from the moment you turned 8 years of age count towards the application for a permanent residence permit. In other words, you cannot get a permanent residence permit until the moment you turn 13 and you have lived in the Netherlands since you were 8 years old with a valid residence permit. The 5-year term does not apply when you fall under an exempt category;
- You have always met the conditions of your residence permit. And you still meet the conditions of your permit;
- You now have a residence permit for a non-temporary purpose;
- You have had an uninterrupted 5-year stay in the Netherlands before submitting the application. This means that you have had a valid residence permit for the full 5 years;
- You have thus always applied for extension in time. And you have not moved your main residence to a place outside the Netherlands;
- You are registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database in your place of residence;
- You have an independent sufficient and sustainable income;
- You have a civic integration diploma. This shows that you read, write, speak and understand sufficient Dutch. In some cases you do not have to take the civic integration examination.
The residence document is always issued for 5 years and can be renewed every 5 years. The price for the first-time application is €174 ($205) while applications for children under 18 cost €58 ($70). Permanent residency renewals for adults cost €58 ($70) and €31 ($35) for children.
To become a Dutch citizen, you can become naturalised if you have lived legally in the Netherlands for 5 years. Applications for naturalisation are made to your municipality. They will send the application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service.
To apply for naturalisation, you will always need the following documents:
- A valid passport or other travel document;
- A birth certificate from your country of origin;
- A valid residence permit or other proof of lawful residence;
- Civic integration diploma or other proof of civic integration or a certificate of exemption (or partial exemption) from the integration requirement.
Highly-skilled workers in the Netherlands are in great demand, so immigrating there will be an opportunity for improvement.
I can help with relocation to NETHERLANDS
If you’re in the relocation business and would like to partner with us to help talented specialists fulfil their potential, please let us know
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DISCOVER OTHER VISA OPTIONS BY COUNTRY
DISCOVER OTHER VISA OPTIONS
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