The Netherlands, one of the European Union’s largest economies, stands out as an enticing market for entrepreneurs thanks to its innate spirit of innovation. The proactive policies of the Dutch government and the innovative business ecosystem within the Netherlands, details of which we’ll outline in this blog, provide a fertile ground for entrepreneurs to bring their Startup aspirations to fruition using the Netherlands Startup Visa. As Unusual Companies, a subsidiary of Usual Investments B.V. known for our expertise in various services such as Company Establishment in the Netherlands, Dutch Startup Visa Consultancy and the Business Accelerator Program for Startups, we are dedicated to helping businesses establish themselves and accelerate their growth. In this blog, we will delve into one of the most sought-after topics for entrepreneurs, addressing key questions such as “What are the application requirements for the Netherlands Startup Visa?” “How can you obtain a Startup Visa for the Netherlands?” And “What is the process for applying for a Startup Visa in the Netherlands?”.
What is the Netherlands Startup Visa?
The Dutch Startup Visa is specifically designed to encourage innovative and technology-driven entrepreneurs outside the European Union to establish a business in the Netherlands through the opportunity of gaining one year of Dutch residency. This Visa offers a one-year work and residence permit, which can be extended (into a Self-Employment Visa), provided entrepreneurs fulfil specific criteria. To qualify for an extension, entrepreneurs must demonstrate the successful execution of their business idea within a specified timeframe, aligning with the goals outlined in the Business Plan submitted during the Startup Visa application process. The Dutch government actively supports promising business concepts by granting certain entrepreneurs the Startup Visa, recognising that the realisation and prosperity of these entrepreneurial ventures contribute significantly to both the Dutch economy and the entrepreneurs themselves, who breathe life into these innovative ideas.
What are the Netherlands Startup Visa requirements?
If legal processes and paperwork make you hesitant about applying for the Netherlands Startup Visa, let’s remind you that the Netherlands is more advanced in business opportunities than many economies, and the Dutch government welcomes innovative business ideas. Additionally, we will explain the main conditions for obtaining the Netherlands Startup Visa step by step. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that the application requirements for the Netherlands Startup Visa may vary depending on the country you are a citizen of.
You must meet the general application requirements for a Dutch residence permit
In order to apply for the Startup Visa, the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) expects you first to meet the general residence permit application requirements. You must meet requirements such as having a valid travel document or passport, not posing a danger to national security, and being tested for tuberculosis, depending on the country you are applying from.
You must have an innovative business idea and Business Plan
The Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) wants to know the steps entrepreneurs applying for a Startup Visa plan should take to turn their business ideas into operating companies within 1 year. Products or services that are new to the Netherlands, ideas that use new technologies in production, distribution or marketing, and business plans that bring innovation to existing processes can apply for the Netherlands Start-up Visa eligibility. The boundaries of the concept of “innovative entrepreneurship” are determined and measured by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO). The Startup Visa Business Plan that is required during the application process must include the following details:
- Organisational structure
- Roles and responsibilities
- Legal structure
- Employee Information
- Company goals
- Description of the innovative product or service
- Description of planning and activities related to the establishment of the company
Startups have to work with a Facilitator
If all this scares you a little, let us share more information that will put you at ease. As a Startup Visa holder, you will not be alone in the process of growing your company in the Netherlands. The Dutch government requires entrepreneurs who are holders of the Startup Visa to work with a Facilitator who is familiar with Dutch legislation and actively mentors startups that establish companies in the Netherlands. As Unusual Companies, we don’t just guide you through the application procedure, but we also help you find the best-suited facilitator that will help you achieve your business goals. Once a Facilitator is found, it is required to sign a contract stating that they will facilitate you during your company's first year in the Netherlands. It is the responsibility of the Facilitator not only to offer guidance to the startup but also to measure and report its success so that the Startup Visa owner can extend their residency by applying for a self-employment visa at the end of that initial year.
You must play an active role in the company
You are not allowed to apply for a Dutch Startup Visa you are only an investor or shareholder of a company. To apply for a Netherlands Startup Visa, you are expected to take active responsibility in the Startup in question in roles such as CEO, CFO, COO and similar C-level positions or Business Development Officer.
Collect all required documents and complete the Startup Visa application
You can access the full list of required documents for the Netherlands Startup Visa application in the "Means of Evidence" section number 5 of the application form. You can complete the Netherlands Startup Visa application process after collecting documents such as passport photocopies, signed and completed forms and attachments, and paying the application fee as determined by the Dutch government. All documents must be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French or German.
Let Unusual Companies handle your Netherlands Startup Visa application process!
Do you have an innovative business idea that you want to implement in the Netherlands? Do you want to apply for a residence permit in the Netherlands by establishing a Startup? Unusual Companies is here to help you through the entire process! Unusual Companies offers turn-key services, making sure you are taking the right steps every step of the way. Through its Startup Visa Consultancy service, Unusual Companies handles all the complicated paperwork and notary processes. Assuring that your application is completed correctly. Unusual Companies also finds a Facilitator who will guide you through your Startup Visa year and arrange the first meeting with the Facilitator. Additionally, we can support you by creating a Business Plan according to the strict guidelines of RVO.
Unusual Companies can also assist you in setting up your startup through our Business Establishment Service. This includes registering at the KvK (Chamber of Commerce), getting a Tax Number and all other necessary steps that need to be taken for your business to be legitimately established in the Netherlands. For more information on establishing your company, view our answers to frequently asked questions about establishing a company in the Netherlands.
Now that you have all the information you need don’t delay the process any longer. Contact Unusual Companies today to start your innovative business venture in the Netherlands!
