The Netherlands Startup Visa is a 1-year residence permit designed for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to launch an innovative business in the Netherlands. It’s a stepping stone — the visa gives you 12 months to develop your startup under the guidance of a Dutch facilitator (an approved incubator or accelerator), after which you can transition to a self-employment residence permit to continue growing your business. The Netherlands’ strong startup ecosystem, central European location, and English-friendly business culture make it a top destination for international founders.
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Overview
The Startup Visa was introduced in 2015 to attract entrepreneurial talent from outside the EU. Unlike the DAFT visa (available only to Americans, Japanese, and a few other treaty nationalities), the Startup Visa is open to nationals of any non-EU country. The trade-off is that you must be accepted by an approved Dutch facilitator who will mentor and supervise your startup during the 1-year visa period.
Eligibility Requirements
- Facilitator endorsement: You must be accepted by an IND-approved Dutch facilitator (incubator, accelerator, or mentor organization). The facilitator must confirm your business idea is innovative and viable.
- Innovative product or service: Your startup must offer something new to the Dutch market — a new product, service, or technology. Simply replicating an existing business model typically doesn’t qualify.
- Business plan: You must present a detailed business plan to your facilitator.
- Sufficient funds: You must have enough money to live in the Netherlands for 12 months (approximately €1,450/month for a single person).
- Registration with the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) as a co-founder of the startup.
- Age 18+, valid passport, no criminal record.
Approved Facilitators
The IND maintains a list of approved facilitators. These include well-known incubators like Rockstart, HighTechXL, StartupBootcamp, YES!Delft, and many others. Each facilitator has its own selection criteria, program structure, and (sometimes) equity arrangements. Research facilitators carefully — some take equity, others charge fees, and their support quality varies significantly.
Application Process
- Research and contact facilitators. Apply to facilitators whose focus matches your startup’s domain.
- Get accepted by a facilitator. This involves presenting your business idea, background, and plan. Some facilitators conduct multiple interview rounds.
- Facilitator applies to the IND on your behalf.
- IND processes the application: 2-4 weeks for recognized sponsors.
- MVV (entry visa) if needed, then travel to the Netherlands.
- Register at the municipality and KVK.
- Build your startup under facilitator guidance for 12 months.
- After 12 months: Transition to a regular self-employment residence permit (or the DAFT visa if eligible) to continue.
Costs and Fees
- Application fee: €365
- Facilitator fees: €0-€5,000+ (varies widely; some take equity instead)
- Living costs: €1,450+/month (must demonstrate sufficient funds)
- KVK registration: €75
- Health insurance: €120-€170/month
Timeline
- Facilitator selection: 2-8 weeks
- IND processing: 2-4 weeks
- Visa duration: 12 months
- Transition to self-employment permit: Apply before startup visa expires
Tips
- Choose your facilitator wisely. The quality of mentorship, network access, and support varies enormously. Talk to alumni of each program before committing.
- Plan your transition early. The 12-month visa goes fast. Start preparing your self-employment residence permit application by month 8-9.
- Focus on traction. When transitioning to the self-employment permit, you’ll need to show your business is viable. Revenue, users, partnerships, or funding all count.
- The Dutch startup ecosystem is strong. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Delft all have vibrant tech communities. Attend meetups and networking events from day one.