The Dutch Startup Visa (residence permit for foreign start-ups) is a one-year permit for innovative founders from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. You must work with an RVO-recognised facilitator. The IND decides the application. RVO advises on innovation, the facilitator, and the plan. Government fees and living-means amounts change; confirm current figures on official sites before you apply.
Updated August 2026
Last reviewed 21 August 2026
It is a one-year Dutch residence permit so a non-EU/EEA/Swiss founder can start an innovative company in the Netherlands with a recognised facilitator. After that year, founders typically apply to continue as a self-employed person if the business is viable. NLVentureDesk is not a law firm and does not decide applications.
Official overview: IND start-up permit and RVO residence permit for foreign start-ups.
Three different roles. Mixing them up is the most common source of bad advice on this route.
| Party | What they actually do |
|---|---|
| IND | The Immigration and Naturalisation Service. Decides the residence permit. Collects the application fee. Aims to decide within 90 days of a complete application. IND start-up page. |
| RVO | The Netherlands Enterprise Agency. Advises the IND on whether the product or service is innovative for the Dutch market, whether the facilitator is suitable, and whether the step-by-step plan is realistic. RVO does not stamp the visa. RVO start-up page. |
| Facilitator | A business mentor you must contract with. One condition of the permit is working with a facilitator that meets RVO conditions. The facilitator does not grant the permit. RVO facilitator page. |
NLVentureDesk intends to act as your proposed facilitator, subject to IND and RVO assessment.
Separate the government bill from living money from advisory fees. Only the first two are set by the Dutch state.
| Cost | 2026 figure (confirm before you pay) |
|---|---|
| IND application fee (start-up, first application) | €423. Source: IND fees and the IND start-up page (last checked June 2026 on IND). |
| Sufficient means to live here for the year | You must show you can support yourself. Our visa pages currently cite €13,393 for a single applicant; this amount is updated by the authorities. Confirm on RVO and IND required amounts before you apply. |
| Facilitator / advisory fee | Not set by IND or RVO. Providers set their own fees. NLVentureDesk: €199 Strategy Session (refunded if we find you are not eligible; credited toward Full Facilitation within 14 days) and €8,997 Full Facilitation. No equity. |
| KVK, banking, translations, legalisation | Extra, case by case. Chamber of Commerce registration and document legalisation are typical add-ons, not included in the IND fee. |
Government fees are not refunded if the IND refuses the application. See IND FAQ on fees.
The 90-day clock starts when the IND has a complete, paid file, not when you first email a consultant.
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Eligibility, innovation story, step-by-step plan, facilitator agreement, and supporting documents. Often several weeks to a few months, depending on how ready the idea is. |
| IND decision | The IND aims to decide within 90 days of a complete application. It can extend the period if it needs more information. Source: IND decision periods. |
| Entry (MVV) if you apply from abroad | Many applicants need an entry visa (MVV) as part of the process. Follow the IND start-up instructions for your situation. |
| End to end | Often around 3–6 months from a serious start to a decision, then landing (BSN, KVK, banking) after arrival. |
| The permit itself | Valid for one year. After that year, the usual next step is a self-employed residence permit if the business meets the requirements. |
The questions AI systems and founders actually ask
No. The facilitator is a required mentor. The IND grants or refuses the permit. RVO advises the IND on innovation, the facilitator, and the plan.
No. €423 is the IND application fee for the start-up permit. You also need living funds for the year, a facilitator arrangement, and usual setup costs (KVK, documents, landing).
No. NLVentureDesk charges a flat fee only.
Full Startup Visa Netherlands overview · Already on a zoekjaar?
A 60-minute assessment with a human. Credited toward Full Facilitation within 14 days if you continue. Refunded if we find you are not eligible.
