The Netherlands Startup Visa, formally known as the Residence Permit for Foreign Startups, was launched in 2015 as part of the Dutch government’s initiative to attract innovative international entrepreneurs. The program is jointly administered by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, IND) and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, RVO).
The program operates under Dutch immigration law with oversight from the Ministry of Justice and Security. Originally structured as a pilot program running from June 2021 to June 2025, the residence scheme has been extended until June 1, 2026, reflecting the government’s continued commitment to attracting international entrepreneurial talent despite broader political debates about immigration policy.
The Startup Visa provides a temporary residence permit valid for a maximum of one year. This initial period serves as a structured incubation phase during which founders work with government-approved facilitators to develop their innovative products or services and establish sustainable business operations. Upon successful completion of this foundational year, entrepreneurs can transition to a self-employed residence permit, creating a pathway to long-term residence in the Netherlands.
The program targets entrepreneurs from countries outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. Citizens of these regions already have the right to live and work in the Netherlands and can establish businesses without requiring a startup visa.
Unlike some European startup visa programs that impose annual caps or require minimum investment amounts, the Netherlands Startup Visa has no fixed quota and no mandatory capital requirement. The emphasis is on the innovative nature of the business concept and the quality of the facilitator partnership rather than financial thresholds.
Facilitators are organizations recognized by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) as qualified to mentor startup founders. The RVO maintains an official list of approved facilitators, though the list is not exclusive—any organization meeting the requirements can potentially qualify. Facilitators typically include incubators and accelerators, university-affiliated startup programs, regional development agencies, industry-specific innovation hubs, and private venture builders. Each facilitator brings different expertise, networks, and focus areas.
To be recognized as a facilitator, organizations must demonstrate experience guiding innovative startups to success, financial stability with no bankruptcy history or negative equity, and independence from the startups they support. Facilitators cannot hold controlling stakes in the companies they mentor and cannot be related to the founders they support.
The RVO maintains an official facilitator list at english.rvo.nl/topics/residence-permit-foreign-startups/facilitator-startups. As of 2025, approximately 40+ facilitators are listed, spanning various industries and regions across the Netherlands. When evaluating facilitators, entrepreneurs should consider sector alignment to ensure the facilitator has relevant expertise in their industry, geographic location and whether the facilitator operates in the entrepreneur's preferred Dutch city, program structure including the type of support offered such as workspace, mentorship, investor connections, and funding, cost structure encompassing fees, equity requirements, and other financial arrangements, and track record regarding previous startups supported and their outcomes.
University-linked incubators such as those affiliated with TU Delft, University of Groningen, VU Amsterdam, and other research institutions offer access to academic expertise, research facilities, and technology transfer opportunities. These programs often focus on deep tech and science-based startups. Regional development agencies including NOM (Investment and Development Agency for the Northern Netherlands), StartupVisa.nl (Northern Netherlands), and similar organizations across provinces support economic development objectives and may offer additional regional incentives. Industry-focused accelerators concentrate on specific sectors such as water technology (WaterCampus), aerospace (Aerospace Innovation Hub), agrifood (StartLife), life sciences (various medical center affiliates), and sustainability (Dockwize, Planet B.io). General-purpose incubators and accelerators such as Rockstart, Startupbootcamp, and others offer broad support across industries with established networks of mentors and investors.
Once accepted by a facilitator, the relationship typically involves an initial assessment where the facilitator evaluates the entrepreneur's business plan and provides feedback, business plan refinement to strengthen the plan to meet innovation criteria, application support with the facilitator often submitting the visa application on behalf of the entrepreneur, ongoing mentorship throughout the visa year with regular check-ins and guidance, network access including connections to investors, potential customers, and partners, and progress evaluation where the facilitator assesses whether the startup is developing according to plan. At the end of the startup visa year, the facilitator's assessment plays a crucial role in the entrepreneur's ability to continue in the Netherlands. A positive facilitator declaration can exempt founders from the points-based system that normally applies to self-employed residence permits.
The Netherlands Startup Visa eligibility framework centers on five core requirements that applicants must satisfy before submitting their application.
The most distinctive requirement is securing a partnership with a recognized facilitator. A facilitator is a government-approved organization, typically an incubator, accelerator, or business development agency, that provides mentorship and support to startup founders. The facilitator must be registered on the official RVO list and meet specific criteria including demonstrated experience guiding startups, financial stability, and no bankruptcy history or negative equity.
The facilitator cannot hold a controlling stake in the startup and cannot be a family member of the entrepreneur up to the third degree (child, parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle). This independence requirement ensures that the mentorship relationship serves the entrepreneur’s interests rather than creating conflicts of interest.
The facilitator partnership must be formalized through a signed written agreement that outlines the specific guidance and support the facilitator will provide. This agreement becomes a required document for the visa application.
The business must demonstrate innovation in at least one of the following ways:
The product or service is new to the Netherlands. This criterion recognizes that introducing proven innovations from other markets can represent genuine value creation, even if the concept exists elsewhere in the world.
The startup utilizes new technology in production, distribution, or marketing. This encompasses technological innovation in how products are created, delivered, or brought to market, not just what the product does.
The startup employs a novel approach to work and organization. This recognizes that innovation can occur in business models, organizational structures, or operational methods rather than purely in technology or products.
The RVO evaluates these innovation criteria as part of the joint assessment with the IND. The evaluation considers whether the proposed business represents genuine innovation rather than replication of existing Dutch businesses.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during the one-year visa period without relying on Dutch social assistance. The required amount is calculated as 70% of the Dutch minimum wage for each month of the planned stay.
As of 2025, the Dutch minimum wage is approximately €2,425 per month, making the monthly requirement approximately €1,697 for individuals. The entire twelve-month amount (approximately €20,364) must be available in a bank account at the time of application. For applicants bringing a partner or children, the requirement increases to 100% of the minimum wage.
These funds must be verifiable, accessible without restrictions, and demonstrated through bank statements or equivalent financial documentation. The requirement ensures that founders can focus on building their businesses rather than struggling to meet basic living expenses.
Applicants must demonstrate that they will have an active role in the startup. Simply being a shareholder or financial investor is insufficient. The founder must be directly involved in building and operating the business, contributing their skills, expertise, and effort to its development.
Both the entrepreneur and the facilitator must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, KVK) in the Business Register. Alternatively, the facilitator can provide a declaration that this registration will occur following visa approval. Registration with the KVK is a fundamental requirement for conducting business in the Netherlands and provides the legal framework for the startup’s operations.
Citizenship applications are submitted through the applicant’s local municipality (gemeente) rather than directly to the IND. The municipality acts as the first point of contact and is responsible for receiving and checking the application.
The municipality reviews all submitted documentation to ensure completeness and eligibility. Once verified, the full application file is forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) for formal assessment.
As of 2025, the naturalization application fee is €1,091 per person. Children under the age of 18 may be included in a parent’s application at reduced rates, depending on the municipality and application type.
After receiving the application from the municipality, the IND conducts a detailed legal and eligibility assessment. This includes reviewing residency history, integration requirements, and compliance with Dutch nationality laws.
Processing times vary based on application complexity. While some cases may take several months, standard applications typically receive a decision within one year. More complex cases may take up to two years.
Once a decision is made, applicants are formally notified through their municipality. Approved applications proceed to the final ceremonial stage of the naturalization process.
Applicants who receive a positive decision are officially approved for Dutch citizenship. The municipality coordinates the next steps following IND approval.
Approved applicants receive an invitation to attend a citizenship ceremony organized by their municipality. Attendance at this ceremony is mandatory to complete the naturalization process.
During the ceremony, new citizens are formally granted Dutch nationality and receive their Dutch nationality certificate (bewijs van Nederlanderschap), marking the completion of the process.
The Netherlands ranks among Europe’s more expensive countries, with significant variation between cities.
Amsterdam has the highest costs, with one-bedroom apartment rents averaging €1,500-2,200 monthly, monthly living expenses for a single person of €2,500-3,500 total, and dining ranging from €15-25 for basic meals to €50-100 for restaurant dinners.
Other major cities are 10-25 percent less expensive than Amsterdam. Smaller cities and towns can be 20-40 percent cheaper for housing while maintaining good quality of life.
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The Dutch housing market presents challenges, particularly in major cities. Rental housing in Amsterdam and other cities experiences high demand and limited supply. International founders often compete for a small pool of available properties. Rental processes typically require income verification at three times the monthly rent.
Buying property requires significant down payment and stable income history, with high property prices in popular areas. Some entrepreneurs find purchasing offers better value than renting, if they can qualify for financing.
Practical approaches include considering cities beyond Amsterdam, using rental agencies familiar with international clients, networking for housing leads, and being prepared to move quickly when properties become available.
The Dutch healthcare system requires all residents to obtain basic health insurance (basisverzekering) from private insurers. Monthly premiums range from €120-160. The mandatory annual deductible (eigen risico) of €385 in 2025 means patients pay the first €385 of most medical costs. Most people add supplementary insurance for dental, physiotherapy, and other coverage.
General practitioners (huisarts) serve as gatekeepers to the healthcare system. Registering with a GP is essential upon arrival. Specialist care requires GP referral in most cases.
Healthcare quality is high by international standards, and English is widely spoken in medical settings.
The Netherlands offers excellent transportation infrastructure. Public transit including trains, trams, metros, and buses connects all major areas. The OV-chipkaart provides unified payment across all public transport. Bikes are the primary transport mode for many Dutch residents, with dedicated cycling infrastructure throughout.
Car ownership is possible but expensive due to high fuel costs, parking fees, and taxes. Many urban residents manage well without cars.
Major cities have good international connectivity through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s major hubs, plus Rotterdam The Hague Airport and Eindhoven Airport for additional options.
Dutch is the official language, but English proficiency is exceptionally high. Approximately 90-94 percent of Dutch people speak English, making daily life very manageable for non-Dutch speakers.
However, integration benefits significantly from learning Dutch. Government communications, legal documents, and many community interactions default to Dutch. Language learning is also required for permanent residence and citizenship.
Many employers and business situations operate in English, particularly in international companies and the startup ecosystem.
The Netherlands offers various education options for families. Dutch public schools provide free education in Dutch, with some international streams available. Private international schools teach in English following international curricula such as IB or British systems, with substantial tuition fees of €10,000-25,000+ annually. Childcare is subsidized based on income, though waiting lists can be long.
The quality of Dutch education is high, with universities consistently ranking among Europe’s best.
Dutch culture emphasizes directness, punctuality, and egalitarianism. Business culture tends toward consensus-building and flat hierarchies. Work-life balance is valued, with typical working hours of 36-40 hours weekly.
The international character of major cities, particularly Amsterdam, creates welcoming environments for foreign entrepreneurs. However, building deep Dutch friendships and community connections often requires effort and time.
Various expat organizations, international groups, and entrepreneur communities provide social and professional networking opportunities.
Understanding the complete financial picture for the Netherlands Startup Visa requires examining both the formal requirements and the practical costs of establishing a business and life in the Netherlands.
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The standard application fee is €350 as of January 2023, though some sources indicate fees up to €405 depending on application method and specific circumstances. This fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.
Citizens of Turkey pay a reduced fee of €70, while citizens of San Marino and Israel are exempt from application fees entirely. These exceptions result from bilateral agreements between the Netherlands and these countries.
The fee must be paid in full before the IND begins assessing the application. Applicants should verify that bank transfer fees do not reduce the amount received by the IND, as incomplete payment will delay processing.
The minimum financial requirement of approximately €1,697 per month (70% of minimum wage) translates to approximately €20,364 for the full twelve-month period. This amount must be demonstrably available in a bank account at the time of application.
For applicants with dependents, the requirement increases to 100% of minimum wage, approximately €2,425 per month or €29,100 annually. If family members arrive later during the visa period, funds must cover the remaining months at the higher rate.
Facilitator fees vary significantly and are not standardized by the government. Some facilitators operate as nonprofit organizations or receive government funding and may charge minimal fees, while others operate commercially and may charge substantial amounts for their programs.
Typical facilitator arrangements may include monthly fees for workspace and services, equity arrangements where the facilitator takes a stake in the company, or program fees for structured incubator or accelerator programs. Prospective applicants should discuss fee structures explicitly with facilitators before entering into agreements.
The minimum financial requirement of approximately €1,697 per month (70% of minimum wage) translates to approximately €20,364 for the full twelve-month period. This amount must be demonstrably available in a bank account at the time of application.
For applicants with dependents, the requirement increases to 100% of minimum wage, approximately €2,425 per month or €29,100 annually. If family members arrive later during the visa period, funds must cover the remaining months at the higher rate.
Facilitator fees vary significantly and are not standardized by the government. Some facilitators operate as nonprofit organizations or receive government funding and may charge minimal fees, while others operate commercially and may charge substantial amounts for their programs.
Typical facilitator arrangements may include monthly fees for workspace and services, equity arrangements where the facilitator takes a stake in the company, or program fees for structured incubator or accelerator programs. Prospective applicants should discuss fee structures explicitly with facilitators before entering into agreements.
The Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, has a high cost of living by European standards. Monthly living expenses vary significantly by location:
Amsterdam represents the most expensive option, with monthly costs for a single person ranging from €2,500-3,500 including housing, food, transportation, and basic expenses. Housing alone in Amsterdam averages €1,500-2,000 for a modest apartment.
Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Eindhoven offer somewhat lower costs, with monthly expenses ranging from €2,000-3,000. These cities provide vibrant startup ecosystems with more accessible housing markets.
Smaller cities and towns offer still lower costs but may provide fewer networking and support opportunities for international entrepreneurs.
Typical facilitator arrangements may include monthly fees for workspace and services, equity arrangements where the facilitator takes a stake in the company, or program fees for structured incubator or accelerator programs. Prospective applicants should discuss fee structures explicitly with facilitators before entering into agreements.
Dutch law requires all residents to have basic health insurance (zorgverzekering). Monthly premiums range from €120-160 for basic coverage. Most people pay additional amounts for supplementary coverage and the mandatory deductible (eigen risico) of €385 annually in 2025.
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A realistic first-year budget for a single founder in Amsterdam should plan for €40,000-50,000 minimum, covering living expenses, business setup costs, and a buffer for unexpected expenses. Founders locating in other cities might reduce this to €35,000-45,000. These figures exceed the minimum proof of funds requirement, reflecting the practical realities of establishing both a life and a business in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands achieves excellent positions across major quality of life indices. In the Human Development Index, the Netherlands ranks among the top 10 globally. The World Happiness Report places the Netherlands consistently in the top 10, with particularly strong performance for residents under 30 where it often ranks #1 in Europe. The Global Peace Index positions the Netherlands as one of the world’s safest countries. Economic freedom indices rank the Netherlands among the freest economies globally.
Crime rates are low by international standards, with violent crime particularly rare. The country maintains political stability and strong institutions. Personal safety in cities, including at night, is generally excellent.
The Netherlands pioneered part-time work culture, and work-life balance remains a core cultural value. The average working week is 36-40 hours. Vacation time is generous at a minimum of 20 days plus holidays. Flexible working arrangements are common and legally supported.
Air quality is good by European standards. The country’s flat landscape and cycling culture reduce car dependence. Water management expertise maintains the environment despite the country being substantially below sea level. Sustainability is increasingly central to policy and business.
Universal health coverage ensures access to quality care. Hospital and specialist care meets high international standards. Mental health services are available through the healthcare system. Life expectancy exceeds 81 years.
Internet connectivity ranks among the world’s fastest and most reliable, with average broadband speeds exceeding 130 Mbps. Mobile coverage is comprehensive. Digital government services allow online handling of most administrative tasks. Tech infrastructure supports remote work and digital business models.
Understanding how the Netherlands Startup Visa compares with other European options helps entrepreneurs choose the best pathway for their specific situations.
Key Differentiators
The mandatory facilitator requirement distinguishes the Netherlands from most other programs. While this adds complexity, it provides built-in mentorship and support that many other programs lack. The facilitator’s role in post-visa transition also creates a smoother pathway to longer-term residence.
The one-year initial duration is shorter than some alternatives but designed as a structured foundation year rather than a standalone permit. The self-employed permit pathway provides clear continuation options.
No investment requirement positions the Netherlands as accessible to founders without significant capital. The focus on innovation and facilitator partnership rather than financial thresholds creates a merit-based selection process.
Comparison with Major Alternatives
France’s French Tech Visa offers up to four years initially versus Netherlands’ one year, requires no investment for founders, provides €324 total fees versus Netherlands’ €350-405, offers 2-8 weeks processing versus Netherlands’ 90 days, and reaches citizenship in 10 years versus Netherlands’ 5 years. France allows dual citizenship while Netherlands generally does not. France requires either incubator selection or ecosystem support letters, while Netherlands mandates facilitator partnership.
Germany’s Self-Employment Residence Permit offers up to three years initially, has no fixed investment minimum but €50-100K is practical, charges €75-175 in fees, processes in 3-6 months (Berlin faster at 4-8 weeks), and reaches citizenship in 5 years. Germany now permits dual citizenship (since June 2024) while Netherlands generally does not. Germany uses IHK Chamber assessment for entrepreneurs while Netherlands requires facilitator partnership.
Estonia’s Startup Visa offers 12-18 months initially plus up to 5 years on TRP, has no investment requirement (€65K waived), charges minimal application fees, processes in 15-30 days, and reaches citizenship in 8 years. Estonia permits dual citizenship while Netherlands generally does not. Estonia features 0% tax on reinvested profits versus Netherlands’ 19-25.8% corporate tax. Estonia’s e-Residency enables remote company management, a feature Netherlands lacks.
Canada’s Startup Visa provides immediate permanent residence, requires designated organization support (venture capital, angel investor, or incubator) similar to Netherlands’ facilitator requirement, costs CAD $2,140 (approximately €1,500), processes in 37-52 months versus Netherlands’ 90 days, and reaches citizenship in 3 years after PR. Canada permits dual citizenship while Netherlands generally does not. Canada has a 10-commitment cap per designated organization per year while Netherlands has no cap.
Strengths of the Netherlands Program
The Netherlands excels in ecosystem quality as a mature, well-funded startup ecosystem with strong fintech and deep tech clusters. Built-in mentorship through the facilitator requirement provides structure and support other programs lack. Geographic position offers access to the entire EU market from a central location. Tax incentives including the Innovation Box and WBSO provide significant benefits for R&D-intensive companies. Quality of life combines with business advantages.
Considerations
The one-year initial duration is shorter than many alternatives. The dual citizenship prohibition affects many founders. Housing market challenges, particularly in Amsterdam, create practical difficulties. Higher living costs than some Eastern European alternatives impact runway calculations. Complex tax system benefits from professional advice.
