Startup Residence Permit

The Netherlands Startup Residence Permit enables non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneurs to reside in the country for up to one year while developing an innovative business. Applicants must partner with an approved facilitator (mentor/incubator) from the RVO's official registry of recognised facilitators, which includes organisations such as Rockstart, HighTechXL, and StartLife. The program is jointly administered by the IND and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). After the one-year startup period, successful entrepreneurs may transition to a Self-Employed Person Residence Permit.

• Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national planning to start an innovative company in the Netherlands
• Signed agreement with an RVO-approved facilitator
• Step-by-step business plan covering organisational structure, roles, legal form, personnel plan, goals, and implementation timeline
• Product or service must be innovative as assessed by RVO
• Active participation in day-to-day operations of the company (holding shares or providing financing alone is not sufficient)
• Sufficient means of subsistence: EUR 1,734.57/month for single persons, EUR 2,477.95/month for couples (2026 amounts, updated semi-annually)
• Registration in the Chamber of Commerce Trade Register (KVK)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Completed application form (9541 for online/facilitator or 7558 for written/applicant)
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Passport-sized colour photograph (white background)
• Signed agreement with approved facilitator
• Step-by-step business plan
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (Dutch bank statement or facilitator financing confirmation)
• Proof of registration in the Chamber of Commerce Trade Register (KVK)
• Signed antecedent declaration confirming no criminal convictions
• All foreign documents must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German

The startup permit is valid for a maximum of 1 year and cannot be renewed or extended. After the one-year period, entrepreneurs must apply for a Self-Employed Person Residence Permit by submitting a facilitator declaration confirming at least 3 months of successful guidance, along with a new application to the IND. Entrepreneurs who are not ready to transition must leave the Netherlands or obtain a different residence permit.

Spouse, registered partner, unmarried partner in a lasting relationship, and minor children under 18 may apply for dependent residence permits simultaneously with the main application. Family members are authorised to work as employees or on a self-employed basis without requiring a separate work permit. The household income requirement increases to the couple norm (EUR 2,477.95/month) when including a partner or children. Written authorisation from the other parent is required when bringing children. Adult children (18+) must apply for their own independent residence permit.

Holders become Dutch tax residents and are liable for income tax on worldwide income, social security contributions, and applicable VAT. The Netherlands has an extensive tax treaty network. Entrepreneurs may be eligible for the 30% ruling if they meet the criteria for highly skilled migrants upon transitioning to a subsequent permit. Corporate tax on any Dutch company is assessed at standard rates.

1. Secure an agreement with an approved facilitator from the RVO's official registry of recognised facilitators
2. Submit application online (by the facilitator using form 9541), by post (by the applicant using form 7558), or from abroad at a Dutch embassy or consulate through the combined MVV and residence permit procedure
3. The IND assesses the application in consultation with RVO, which evaluates innovativeness, business plan quality, and facilitator suitability
4. Decision must be issued within 90 days, though this may be extended if additional information is required
5. Application fee: EUR 423
6. Upon approval, applicants abroad receive an MVV entry visa valid for 90 days to enter the Netherlands
7. After arrival, register with the municipality and collect the residence permit at an IND desk
8. Arrange Dutch basic health insurance within 4 months of registration
9. Complete a tuberculosis test at the GGD within 3 months of receiving the permit (exemptions apply for certain nationalities)

The facilitator cannot hold a majority interest in the startup and cannot be a family member up to the third degree of the entrepreneur. The facilitator must be financially healthy and not in receivership or bankruptcy. Both the entrepreneur and facilitator must be registered in the KVK. Only one startup permit can be granted per innovative product or service, though multiple entrepreneurs may work on the same startup.

After the one-year startup period, holders may transition to a Self-Employed Person Residence Permit (maximum 2-year validity, renewable) by providing a facilitator declaration confirming at least 3 months of successful guidance. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, holders may apply for permanent residency. Nationals of the US and Japan may alternatively explore the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) or Japanese Trade Treaty for self-employment with different requirements.