Residence permit for foreign startups

What is the startup residence permit?

This residence permit allows foreign entrepreneurs to start an innovative business in the Netherlands. During the 1-year startup period, you can live and work in the Netherlands while developing your idea into a viable business. You develop your product or service, set up your company, and take the first steps towards entering the market.

You do this with the support of an experienced facilitator. This facilitator helps you refine your idea, build your business, and prepare for the next step: applying for a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur.

Key conditions of the permit

As part of the assessment, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) consults with RVO about the conditions you have to meet. For example:

• You work together with an approved facilitator in the Netherlands
• Your startup's product or service is innovative
• You have a plan to advance the idea into a viable business
• You have sufficient money (resources) to live in the Netherlands

View the full list of conditions on ind.nl. Fill in your nationality to see the information relevant to your situation.

Apply for the permit

You or your authorised representative can apply for the residence permit for startups via the IND.

As part of the application, you must provide information about yourself and your business. For example, a step-by-step plan explaining how you will develop your idea into a company. This plan is assessed by RVO, who advise IND on your application.

If you live outside the Netherlands, you usually apply at the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country of residence. Depending on your nationality, you may also need a provisional residence permit (MVV). Check the information for foreign startups on ind.nl. When you enter your nationality, you will see if you need an MVV.

If no MVV is needed, you can apply directly using the application form. This is also the case if you already have a Dutch residence permit and want to switch to a startup residence permit.

Costs

There is a one-time fee to apply for the residence permit for startups. You must pay the application fee when applying. Check the application costs on ind.nl.

Other costs to consider

• There are standard business setup costs. For example, registration at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK.
• There may be extra costs to legalise or translate foreign documents. And to send them.
• Your facilitator may charge fees for their support. These are private organisations, so costs and conditions vary.

The decision

IND aims to decide on your application within 90 days.

If your application is approved, the next steps depend on your situation. If you need a provisional residence permit (MVV), you will collect it from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

After arriving in the Netherlands, you can collect your residence permit card at an IND desk or an expat centre.

What happens at the end of the first year?

The startup residence permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year. During this time, you are expected to develop your idea into a viable company.

After this period, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur. To qualify, you must meet the requirements for this permit. In some cases, the transition to this residence permit can be simplified if your facilitator fills in a declaration. Read about the transition scheme and download the declaration form in Dutch on rvo.nl.

You can also apply for a different type of residence permit, if you meet the conditions. For example, if you start working as an employee or continue your activities under another scheme. Find out more about Dutch permits and visas for entrepreneurs.