Apply for a Residence permit for foreign startups

Where to submit your application

• If you reside in the Netherlands, you or your authorised representative must submit the residence permit application to the Netherlands Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
• If you reside outside the Netherlands, you must submit your application to the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country where you reside.
• Are you a startup entrepreneur of Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, American (USA), or South Korean nationality? You can apply directly to the IND using the application form.
• Are you a foreign national with a valid residence permit for the Netherlands? Would you like to transfer this to a residence permit for startup entrepreneurs? Please use this application form.

Fees and collecting

The fees for submitting an application are on the IND site. You can pick up the residence permit at the IND desk or at an Expat Centre in the Netherlands.

Who assesses the application?

The IND consults with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) for the assessment. RVO advices about: 

• the facilitator;
• the innovative nature of your company;
• your step-by-step plan to go from idea to company.

To obtain a residence permit, a positive response is required on all counts. The IND will assess the applicant's financial means.

Requirements

To qualify for this scheme, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must work with a trusted and experienced mentor (or facilitator) in the Netherlands.
2. You have an innovative product or service.
3. You have a step-by-step plan to develop your idea into a business.
4. You and the facilitator are both registered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK.
5. You must have adequate financial resources to reside and live in the Netherlands.

For a detailed overview of the requirements, please visit the IND website.