Netherlands Startup Visa
Test and grow your innovative idea in one of Europe’s most startup-friendly countries. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through facilitator selection, the IND application and your first year in the Netherlands, then on to long-term residence.
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For Founders of Innovative Products and Services
The Dutch startup residence permit is a one-year permit for non-EU founders who want to develop an innovative business idea in the Netherlands. You partner with a recognised facilitator, such as an incubator or accelerator, who mentors you and vouches for your project.
It is designed as a stepping stone. During the year, you build your business, and afterwards you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur.
Why Launch Your Startup in the Netherlands?
A supportive ecosystem and a clear path from idea to long-term residence.
A Facilitator System
A recognised facilitator gives you structured mentoring, business networks and credibility with the authorities.
No Fixed Capital Minimum
There is no legal minimum investment. You need enough funds to live in the Netherlands for the year and the facilitator’s agreement.
A Bridge to Self-Employment
After the first year, you can apply for the self-employed permit, and in some cases the facilitator’s declaration can simplify the step.
A Wide Investor Network
The Dutch ecosystem includes venture capital, angel investors and accelerators across Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Delft and beyond.
Dependants Allowed
Your partner and children can generally apply to join you during the startup year.
Schengen Mobility
Your residence permit lets you travel within the Schengen Area for short stays, subject to Schengen rules.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions for the Dutch startup residence permit.
An Approved Facilitator
A written agreement with a facilitator recognised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, who vouches for you and your project.
An Innovative Product or Service
A new, innovative product or service, or a new way of producing one, with a realistic plan to bring it to market.
A Business Plan
A professional plan that describes your idea, your market and your development steps for the year.
Means of Subsistence
Enough funds to support yourself for the year. A common benchmark is a gross income equivalent of around €1,600 a month in 2026.
Entry Visa Where Needed
Citizens of many countries need a provisional entry visa, known as an MVV, before travelling. Some nationalities are exempt.
Valid Passport and Documents
A valid passport and the supporting documents requested by the immigration service.
One Year, Then the Next Step
The startup permit is deliberately short, so planning your second year is part of the first.
- The permit is valid for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended as a startup permit
- You apply through the immigration service, with your facilitator’s involvement
- A one-time government fee applies, and facilitators charge their own fees, which vary widely
- Decisions typically take about three months once the file is complete
- After the year, you apply for a self-employed permit, which has stricter requirements
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Facilitator Matching and Strategy
We help you find an approved facilitator that fits your sector and prepare the agreement.
Incubation Approval and Planning
We help you shape your business plan and a realistic first-year roadmap that your facilitator can endorse.
IND Application
We prepare the application and supporting documents so your file is complete when it goes to the immigration service.
Entry Visa and Arrival
If you need an entry visa, we guide you through collecting it. After you arrive, you collect your residence card and register with your municipality.
Company Registration and Settlement
You register your business with the Chamber of Commerce and set up tax and banking. We also help you plan the move to a self-employed permit.
What We Handle for You
Startup immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your project before you spend money on fees.
Facilitator Matching
Help finding and approaching suitable facilitators.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that shows innovation and a clear roadmap.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents for you and your family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Year-Two Planning
Early preparation for the self-employed permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Netherlands startup visa.
What is an MVV and do I need one?
The MVV is a provisional residence permit, a long-stay entry visa that lets you enter the Netherlands to collect your residence permit. Citizens of certain countries are exempt, but many founders need one and apply through the Dutch embassy or consulate in their home country.
How much funding must founders show in their bank account?
There is no fixed capital minimum for the business, but you must show means of subsistence for the year. As a benchmark, that is a gross income equivalent of around €1,600 a month in 2026, which is roughly €19,000 to €24,000 for the year including costs. We confirm your exact figure.
Can I bring my family and how long until permanent residency?
Your partner and children can generally apply to join you. Permanent residence may be possible after five years of legal residence, usually after you move to the self-employed permit, and it is subject to integration requirements.
Can I extend the startup permit after one year?
No. The startup permit cannot be extended as such. After one year, you apply for a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur, and your facilitator may be able to support the application.
Does the 30% tax ruling apply to founders?
The expat tax ruling is designed for employees recruited from abroad and is being tightened, so it does not automatically apply to founders. We recommend speaking with a Dutch tax adviser about your situation.
How much does the process cost?
The government fee is a one-time charge, and facilitators set their own fees, which can range widely. We help you compare options and plan your budget.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Dutch authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Immigration rules, fees and tax rules change, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash.
Ready to Launch Your Startup in the Netherlands?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know whether you are ready to apply and what your next steps should be.