Are you eligible for a Netherlands startup visa? How to apply for a Dutch startup visa? What are the documents required and how to prepare a business plan? Read on to find answers to all your questions.
The Netherlands is known as a country that offers excellent infrastructure for start-ups, scenic beauty and a great quality of life. It is no surprise to see entrepreneurs from around the world flock to this country.
The Netherlands government supports entrepreneurs and has a self-employment visa that permits entrepreneurs to live and work independently in the country. Let’s learn more about it.
Read: Pass The Dutch Civic Integration Exam To Migrate To the Netherlands
What Is A Netherlands Self-Employment Visa?
This is a visa or a Dutch residence permit designed especially for non-EU entrepreneurs interested in establishing an innovative business in the country. It is valid for one year during which the entrepreneur can live and work in the Netherlands towards building their business.
By the end of the year, they will be expected to have started operations under the guidance of a facilitator. It’s a win-win situation for entrepreneurs and the Dutch economy.
Read: Everything You Need to Know About the EU Blue Card
Who Is Eligible For A Dutch Startup Visa?
To be eligible for the Netherland startup visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have an innovative idea for a product or service. It must be new to the Netherlands, use new technology for production, marketing, etc and involve an innovative organizational method.
- You must prove that you have sufficient funds to live in the Netherlands for a year
- You must be willing to work with a facilitator.
Netherland Startup Visas And Facilitators
One of the conditions for a start-up visa is that the entrepreneur must be willing to work with a facilitator. This facilitator must have experience in guiding entrepreneurs and be financially sound.
It is also important to note that the facilitator cannot be related to the entrepreneur in any way. The facilitator must not have a majority interest in the company.
The facilitator must also be registered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce. Ideally, the entrepreneur must also be listed in this register.
In the event he/she is unable to do so, the facilitator can issue a statement guaranteeing the registration of the startup upon receiving a visa.
If the entrepreneur cannot find a facilitator independently, he/she will be matched to a facilitator.
Business Plan For A Dutch Startup Visa
Entrepreneurs must have a detailed step-by-step plan of how they intend to transform their innovative idea into a product/ service. This must include the following:
- A thorough description of the product or service
- A description of the activities planned to set up the business
- Information about the organization including the organizational structure, company’s purpose, roles and tasks, personnel and the company’s legal form.
Documents Required For A Dutch Startup Visa
- Copy of a valid passport
- Business plan
- Signed agreement between the entrepreneur and the facilitator
- Evidence of financial support
- Evidence of the facilitator’s expertise
Applying For A Dutch Startup Visa
You can apply for a start-up visa at the Immigration and Naturalisation Service in the Netherlands. You can enter the country on a regular tourist visa to do so. Alternatively, your facilitator can submit an application on your behalf.
Applicants living in countries other than Australia, Canada, Japan, USA, New Zealand, and South Korea may require a MVV (Provisional Residence Permit). These applicants can apply for a start-up visa and an MVV simultaneously. In such cases, the facilitator cannot submit an application on behalf of the entrepreneur. You can find this application here.
An application fee of €326 is payable at this point.
The visa approval process can take up to 3 months.
What Happens After 1 Year?
The start-up visa is valid for 1 year after which the visa holder can apply for a residence permit for self-employed individuals.
Scoring For A Self-Employment Permit
Once you get a Dutch startup visa, you will need to apply for a start-up permit. For this, your business will be assessed on a 3-part scoring system of 300 points. A minimum of 30 points in each of the 3 parts is required for eligibility.
- Personal experience (education, work experience, entrepreneurship)
- 2. Business plan (organization, product/service, market analysis, price, financing)
- 3. Added value for the Netherlands (employment creation, innovation, investments)
Also Read
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- Everything You Should Know About The European Travel Information And Authorization System Or ETIAS
