What is the Startup Visa Netherlands?

The Startup Visa Netherlands (Dutch Startup Visa) is a one-year residence permit for innovative founders from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who partner with an RVO-recognised facilitator. The IND decides the application; RVO advises on innovation, the facilitator, and the step-by-step plan.

Facilitator

Your application must be supported by a facilitator recognised by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). We act as your proposed facilitator, subject to IND and RVO assessment.

Innovation & plan

Your business must be innovative for the Dutch market, with a clear step-by-step plan. We help you structure this for RVO and IND review.

Financial means

You must show sufficient resources to support yourself. The current minimum for a single applicant is €13,393 (subject to annual updates).

After year one

After the startup year, founders typically transition toward the self-employed residence permit if the business is viable.

US citizens may also consider the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) self-employed route. Japanese nationals have a parallel treaty route. We help you choose the path that fits.

Your path in the Netherlands

From first application to self-employed founder, in four stages

Stage 1

Pre-arrival

Eligibility, strategy, business plan, and the IND application and entry visa (MVV), prepared before you move.

Stage 2

Arrival

You land: MVV pickup, BSN, KVK registration, banking, and your Dutch setup.

Stage 3

Program year

Your startup year with ongoing support to build traction in the business.

Stage 4

Self-employment

Transition toward the self-employed permit so you can stay and keep growing.

Clear, transparent pricing

Two simple steps to start. No equity taken, ever.

Step 1

€199

Strategy Session

A 60-minute expert assessment for complete clarity:

  • Eligibility and innovation review
  • Facilitator requirement, in plain language
  • Personalised roadmap and timeline
  • Refunded in full if you are not eligible

Fully credited toward Full Facilitation within 14 days

Book Strategy Session (€199)

Typical legal fees for general immigration support run €15,000–€20,000. We specialise only in the startup visa, at a transparent flat fee.

Why the Netherlands?

A practical base for innovative founders scaling into Europe

Innovation ecosystem

World-class hubs, incubators, and accelerators. The Dutch startup scene ranks among Europe’s strongest.

EU market access

A gateway to the EU single market of 450+ million consumers, with excellent infrastructure.

Startup-friendly tax tools

Including the 30% ruling for highly skilled migrants and the innovation box for R&D (eligibility-dependent).

How we work with you

Specialist facilitation — not a general immigration law firm

1

Assess

We review your idea and situation honestly. If the startup route is weak, we say so early.

2

Prepare

Business plan, facilitator file, and IND package structured for RVO and IND expectations.

3

Apply & land

Application support, then practical landing help: BSN, KVK, banking, and setup.

4

Grow

Ongoing support through your startup year and the path toward self-employment.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers about the Startup Visa Netherlands

What if I’m not eligible?

We identify this in your Strategy Session and outline alternatives. If we determine you are not eligible, we refund the €199 session fee in full.

How is this different from a lawyer?

General immigration lawyers often charge €15,000–€20,000. We specialise in the Dutch Startup Visa with transparent flat fees and founder-led support.

What if the IND rejects the application?

Only the IND decides. We prepare thoroughly, respond to information requests with you, and are honest from the first session about how strong your case is.

Do you take equity?

Never. Flat fee only — no dilution and no ongoing equity complications.

How long does it take?

You can typically start within 48 hours of booking. The IND aims to decide within 90 days of a complete application; end-to-end is often around 3–6 months including preparation.

Ready to assess your Startup Visa path?

Book a Strategy Session with founders who understand the move. Leave knowing exactly where you stand.

Book Strategy Session
100% credited toward your programFree reschedule if needed

Book your Strategy Session

A 60-minute assessment, fully credited toward your program if you continue. You’ll leave knowing exactly where you stand — even if the honest answer is “not yet.”

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