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 31 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.
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 2,523.96/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.
Applications can be submitted online by the facilitator (form 9541), by post by the applicant (form 7558), or from abroad at a Dutch embassy or consulate through the combined MVV and residence permit procedure. The IND assesses the application in consultation with RVO, which evaluates innovativeness, business plan quality, and facilitator suitability. The application fee is EUR 423. A decision must be issued within 90 days, though this may be extended if additional information is required. Upon approval, applicants abroad receive an MVV entry visa valid for 90 days to enter the Netherlands.
After arrival, register with the municipality, collect the residence permit at an IND desk, arrange Dutch basic health insurance within 4 months, and complete a tuberculosis test at the GGD within 3 months (exemptions apply for certain nationalities including US, Canadian, Japanese, Australian, New Zealand, and South Korean nationals).
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. US and Japanese nationals may alternatively explore the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) or Japanese Trade Treaty for self-employment with different requirements.