Conditions for the Netherlands Startup Visa

Obtaining residency in the Netherlands through startups or entrepreneurship does not require much investment. Having a new business idea is sufficient.

Starting a business or innovative startup in the Netherlands requires a creative, economically beneficial idea and related work experience. If approved by a Dutch facilitator, you’ll receive a one to two-year permit to launch your business.

This path allows you to move with your family, earn income, enjoy free education for your children, and your spouse can work. After five years, if your business is successful and you meet residency requirements, you can apply for permanent residency in the Netherlands.

For immigration to the Netherlands through startups, applicants must meet several conditions. The general conditions required for obtaining a Netherlands Startup Visa include:

1. Business consultants, for a modest fee, help you grow your ideas and teach you how to present your idea.
2. Having a new innovative idea that can be economically profitable is the key factor for your acceptance.
3. You must be able to expand your business plan and gather the necessary documents to attract the approval of foreign companies for your plan.
4. There is no age restriction for this plan; individuals over 18 years old can participate.
5. The Netherlands entrepreneurship program does not require any specific language certificate, but familiarity with the language is necessary.
6. The Netherlands entrepreneurship program does not require any specific educational qualifications.
7. The applicant must have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family, as well as sufficient capital to launch their startup project.

Benefits of the Netherlands Startup Visa

The Netherlands Startup Visa has a variety of advantages. Some benefits of obtaining the Netherlands Startup Visa include:

Who is a facilitator?

A facilitator acts as a business consultant who collaborates with foreign entrepreneurs to assist them in establishing their startups in the Netherlands. This consultant provides support based on the specific needs of startup companies.

This support can encompass various areas including operational management of the business, marketing, research, and searching for investors to launch the newly established company. The specifications that a consultant must possess are as follows:

• Have a good track record in guiding startup applicants.
• Have a good financial level and means.
• It is better that there is no family relationship between the facilitator and the applicant.
• The facilitator’s name must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
• Meet the necessary conditions to facilitate the receipt of a startup visa from the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Steps to Obtain the Netherlands Startup Visa

The Netherlands Startup Visa has a series of specific steps that have been somewhat referenced above. The steps for the startup visa in the Netherlands are mentioned below.

1. Present a creative and innovative business idea
2. Complete required forms in English and Dutch
3. Enter the Netherlands and attend business startup courses
4. Register a company address for tax purposes
5. Invest €50,000 to officially register the company

After completing these steps, it can be said that the individual has almost fulfilled the main requirements and can subsequently take one step at a time, utilizing the advice and strategies of prominent professors to launch their business and achieve profitability.

Required Documents for Obtaining the Netherlands Startup Visa

One of the most important steps in the Netherlands Startup Visa process is preparing and compiling the necessary documents for obtaining the startup visa, which applicants must be careful about when presenting them, as any deficiency in the required documents can prevent the applicant from achieving residency in this country.

As mentioned above, having a creative and innovative business plan is one of the most important documents in the Netherlands startup visa process. Along with the business plan, several other documents are also required for obtaining the Netherlands startup visa, as mentioned below.

• Valid identification documents and passport
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Certificate of physical and mental health
• Have health insurance
• Provide an IELTS language certificate
• Provide relevant educational and work certificates

Language Requirement for the Netherlands Startup Visa

The Netherlands is located in the heart of Europe, and English is one of the most common languages in this country. However, possessing English language skills allows you to work and study in this country, but if you also have specific proficiency in Dutch, you can easily communicate with others in this country and facilitate your progress.

Therefore, keep in mind that having a Dutch language certificate is a plus, but it is not a necessary condition for immigration to the Netherlands. If you plan to start a startup in the Netherlands, having an IELTS language certificate will suffice.

Cost of the Netherlands Startup Visa

The Netherlands Startup Visa offers a low-cost pathway to residency through innovation and entrepreneurship. To apply, entrepreneurs must invest around €50,000 in their startup. The total cost for the main applicant is typically €7,000–€10,000, excluding legal fees, rent, and living expenses.

Applicants are advised to have around €100,000 in financial backup. This visa combines investment and employment opportunities, making it ideal for launching innovative businesses in a strong and stable economy like the Netherlands.

We will continue to review these costs in the form of a table:

Processing Time for the Netherlands Startup Visa

The average processing time for the Netherlands Startup Visa is 6 to 7 months. The timeline depends on several key steps:

• Business Plan Preparation: If done by the applicant, timing varies; if done by a consulting company, it takes 3–4 months.
• Sponsor Approval: Takes around 1–3 months.
• MVV Visa Processing: After submission, it takes 1–10 working days plus 1–2 months for final approval and issuance.

You’ll also receive a tracking code to monitor your MVV status. Proper planning helps speed up the process.

Renewal of the Netherlands Startup Visa

The renewal of the Netherlands Startup Visa is not directly possible because this visa is issued only for a 12-month term and cannot be extended. However, if at the end of this one-year period, your startup has grown sufficiently and you can demonstrate that your business is now stable and adds value to the Dutch economy, you can apply to change your residence type to one of the other residency pathways.

To upgrade your Dutch startup visa to a self-employed residence permit, you must:

• Submit a strong, realistic business plan showing growth and sustainability.
• Prove your startup is innovative and generates revenue or has Dutch customers.
• Meet the required points under IND’s assessment system.
• Ensure your company is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and you’re paying taxes.

If you succeed in obtaining this type of residency, you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship after a few years of working and living in the Netherlands.

Characteristics of a Business Plan for Startups in the Netherlands

As mentioned, to obtain a Netherlands Startup Visa, a very strong business plan and a wholly new and innovative idea must be presented. Applicants must thoroughly state their precise services when submitting the business plan.

Subsequently, a summary of the plan, which includes the number of personnel needed to execute it, stating the final goal of the plan, the ancillary tasks required, etc., must be provided, and they should clarify what will be accomplished in the first year and then gradually implement everything.

Financial Capacity Required for the Netherlands Startup Visa

If you plan to obtain the Netherlands Startup Visa, there are no restrictions regarding the financial capacity needed. However, you must prove to the immigration office that you have sufficient financial means for living and starting a business in this country.

In other words, one cannot rely on the public budget of the Netherlands for obtaining the startup visa, and it must be proven that you have the financial capacity required for this endeavor. Typically, proving a financial capacity of 16,000 euros allows you to take a step toward this path.

Successful Startup Examples in the Netherlands

A group that obtained the Netherlands Startup Visa for this idea has designed an application that can prepare a photo album based on saved social media posts.

The startup Impraise is an application that employers can use to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate their workforce. This application aims to increase productivity and speed among employees.

A team that obtained the Netherlands Startup Visa for the startup idea Fashiolista has pursued creativity and innovation in the fashion domain. This group has created an environment for individuals active in these fields to easily share their ideas and activities.

The Bloomon startup idea is both creative and beautiful. The group that received the Netherlands Startup Visa through this idea has enabled the online ordering of flowers for applicants in various European countries, allowing them to send flowers from the Netherlands to countries like Germany, the UK, and Belgium for loved ones in the shortest time possible.

In this startup, not only does the Netherlands assist the applicant in starting their business, but it also introduces the applicant to the main distribution centers for food and honey, which ultimately helps to establish the business and generate profit.

Services of Malekpour Institute in the Netherlands Startup

Malekpour Institute connects you with experts who create a strong business plan tailored to your ideas and capital, increasing your chances of approval. They assist with residency through the Netherlands Startup Visa.

Consultation fees are 1,499 or 3,900 euros, but the consultation itself is essentially free. After consultation, you receive 40–50 instructional videos and a private tutor for 15–20 days to guide you. Then, you choose your path and get further advice from Dr. Malekpour.

The institute also introduces you to official consultants and handles procedures. All service costs are deducted from your initial payment—no extra fees apply.

Obtaining Residency through the Netherlands Startup Visa

To apply for permanent residency in the Netherlands, you must prove your proficiency in Dutch at level A2, which includes the ability to read, write, speak, and understand basic concepts.

Your dependents, such as your spouse and children, can also apply for citizenship and permanent residency after 5 years of continuous residence in the Netherlands.

Challenges and Issues with the Netherlands Startup Visa

The Netherlands Startup Visa is one of Europe’s most attractive options for entrepreneurs, but it comes with key challenges. Finding a government-approved facilitator is often the biggest hurdle. Applicants must also present a detailed, innovative business plan tailored to the Dutch market. On top of that, proving financial resources, adapting to Dutch work culture, and navigating complex tax laws are essential for success.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Netherlands Startup Visa

• Do I need initial investment to obtain the Netherlands Startup Visa?

Yes. You don’t need a large initial investment for the Netherlands Startup Visa, but you must prove you can cover living expenses for one year—about €20,400 (minimum annual salary). While there’s no fixed startup investment amount, having €10,000 to €50,000 is recommended to execute your business plan and attract a facilitator. This shows your commitment and readiness to enter the Dutch market.

• Do I necessarily need a Dutch business partner (facilitator)?

Yes, having a “facilitator” or an approved partner by the Dutch government is one of the essential conditions for obtaining this visa. This person or organization should provide you with technical and business guidance and have a proven track record in supporting startups. A list of approved partners is published on the IND Netherlands website.

• Can I get a visa for dependents (family) too?

Yes, your spouse and children under 18 can accompany you to the Netherlands. Your spouse will have the right to work full-time, and children can study in Dutch schools. The dependent visa application should be submitted simultaneously or after the submission of the startup visa application.

• What happens after 12 months if the startup is unsuccessful?

If you cannot prove the success of your business after one year or do not convert your visa to another type, you will have to leave the Netherlands. Therefore, planning, attracting investors, proper marketing, and rapidly executing the idea are of utmost importance in the first year.