The Dutch Start-up Visa is a residence permit issued by the Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to launch an innovative business in the Netherlands. The scheme sits within the Vreemdelingenwet 2000 and was created to attract founders working on scalable, product-led ventures.
To qualify, the applicant must have an agreement with a facilitator recognised by the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO). The facilitator is typically an experienced Dutch mentor, incubator, or accelerator and provides coaching, office support, and business guidance during the first year. The applicant must also demonstrate an innovative product or service, a step-by-step plan, and sufficient personal means to live in the Netherlands without recourse to public funds.
The permit is granted for one year and is not renewable as a start-up permit. Before it expires, the founder must transition to the self-employed residence permit, the highly skilled migrant scheme if they hire themselves, or another qualifying route.