Startup visa · 2026
Netherlands startup visa: a guide for founders abroad
For non-EU founders with an innovative business: check whether the startup visa fits, find a recognised facilitator, then prepare your 12-month plan and IND application.
Research status: · Re-verify at least quarterly.
General information only. StartDutchBusiness is independent and is not an RVO-recognised facilitator, immigration authority or law firm. Approval is never guaranteed.
Step 1: Am I eligible?
This is a quick orientation, not an official eligibility decision. Check whether all these points fit your situation:
- You are from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland and need the relevant residence permission.
- Your startup is innovative: the product or service is new to the Netherlands, uses new technology, or applies an innovative method.
- You actively develop the business as a founder, not only as an investor.
- You have a signed cooperation agreement with a suitable RVO-recognised facilitator.
- You have a clear 12-month development plan.
- You can show sufficient resources through a method accepted by the IND.
- Your documents, KVK evidence, declarations, translations and legalisation meet the current requirements.
Innovative startup vs ordinary business: a new café, shop, agency or freelance consultancy is usually an ordinary business, not an innovative startup. Those founders typically look at the self-employed route instead.
Without innovation or a suitable facilitator, the self-employed route may be more appropriate. It has its own requirements and offers no guarantee of approval.
Step-by-step details and reference
Step 2: Find the right recognised facilitator
An experienced mentor or organisation is mandatory. A facilitator helps you develop your innovative business during the startup year. RVO recognition does not guarantee acceptance, investment or a free programme.
The facilitator finder includes all 31 organisations in this research edition, with matching reasons and unknowns. Contact facilitators directly or ask for optional help.
Your 12-month development plan
What you do: explain how you will turn an idea into an operating business during the startup year.
- Your active founder role and business activities.
- The innovation and how you will validate the market.
- Practical milestones and the facilitator’s contribution.
What happens next: RVO assesses the plan, innovation and facilitator, then advises the IND.
Avoid: submitting only an investor pitch deck instead of a practical development plan.
Step 3: Prepare your application — documents
- Passport copies and required declarations.
- Signed facilitator agreement and 12-month development plan.
- Evidence of sufficient resources and KVK registration evidence.
- Facilitator information and representative authorisation, if applicable.
- Required translations and legalisation.
Documents are generally accepted in Dutch, English, French or German; current IND instructions control what applies to each document. Avoid outdated forms and incomplete translations.
Submit the application from abroad
If you need an MVV (entry visa), the application is usually combined with the residence-permit application through the Dutch embassy or consulate. A different no-MVV route applies where an exemption fits your nationality and circumstances.
Use the current IND form and instructions for your situation, provide the evidence, pay the applicable fee and arrange any appointment. The IND asks RVO for advice. The decision period is 90 days, but it can be extended.
Avoid copying another founder’s nationality-specific route. Check the IND instructions before submitting.
After approval: move and launch
Follow your decision letter. Collect the MVV if required, travel only when authorised, collect your residence card, complete registrations and execute your development plan.
The startup permit is valid for a maximum of one year and cannot be extended. Do not leave the next residence route until the final weeks; another route is available only if you meet its requirements.
Costs and timing
The 2026 research records an IND application fee of €423. Verify the current official fee and exceptions before paying.
Allow for the 90-day decision period and possible extensions. The permit lasts at most one year. Budget separately for facilitator services, translations, legalisation, relocation, insurance and any professional advice. Facilitator terms differ.
Common refusal and delay risks
These are general categories, not a prediction about any application:
- Insufficiently demonstrated innovation.
- An unsuitable or incomplete facilitator agreement.
- A generic plan without an active founder role or practical milestones.
- Insufficient or unacceptable financial evidence.
- Incomplete documents, translations or legalisation.
- The wrong application route or form.
FAQ
Is a facilitator required?
Yes. You need a suitable facilitator and a signed cooperation agreement that meets the current requirements.
Does a recognised facilitator guarantee acceptance?
No. Facilitators select founders themselves. Recognition does not guarantee a place, investment or visa approval.
How much is the IND application fee?
The 2026 research records €423. Check the official fee page for the current amount and any exceptions.
Do I need an MVV?
It depends on your nationality and circumstances. Follow the current IND instructions for the application route that applies to you.
What counts as innovative?
A product or service new to the Netherlands, new technology, or an innovative method may qualify. RVO evaluates the innovation and advises the IND.
Can I extend the startup permit?
No. It lasts a maximum of one year and cannot be extended. Moving to another route requires meeting that route’s requirements.
Official sources
Always confirm current rules and steps directly with the official Dutch authorities.
IND makes the immigration decision after RVO advice.