NETHERLANDS: START-UP VISA

ADVANTAGES

The Netherlands holds a special place in the aspirations of many individuals yearning to reside there. It’s evident that the Netherlands offers a multitude of attractions for those aspiring to make it their home, such as:

1. 1. 1. A warm and inclusive populace, facilitating seamless integration.
      2. Effortless communication in English: a language spoken daily by nearly everyone in the Netherlands.
      3. Roads designed with cyclists in mind, a pivotal aspect of the Dutch way of life.
      4. Well-developed infrastructure that enhances both daily life and overall enjoyment.
      5. A meticulously organised public transportation system that provides swift and dependable connectivity across the city.
      6. Boasting one of the finest work-life balances globally, the Dutch prioritise early productivity, leaving ample time to relish the day with vitality.
      7. A secure and accepting society, reflected in the Netherlands’ remarkably low crime rate.
      8. Vivid seasons, each presenting unique pleasures. Glide across frozen lakes on ice skates, revel in the vivid tulip blossoms of spring, navigate scenic canals during summer, and savour the kaleidoscope of autumn leaves painting the landscape.
      9. Convenient access to various European countries and the freedom to journey within the Schengen Area.

REQUIREMENTS

The requirements listed below are the ones required for you, and the one underneath them are reserved for your facilitator:

1. 1. 1. You have to work hand in hand with a reliable mentor: a facilitator. This cooperation must be written down in a signed contract between you and the facilitator.
      2. Your company is innovative in the following situations:
         1. The product or service is new to the Netherlands.
         2. The start-up uses new technology in production, distribution and/or marketing.
         3. The start-up has a new way of working and organising.
      3. You play an active part in the organisation. This means that you must be more than just a shareholder or financier.
      4. You have a step-by-step plan to go from idea to company. The RVO assesses the start-up and sees whether you meet the requirements for the step-by-step plan. The step-by-step plan sets out the following information:
         1. The structure of the organisation
         2. The roles and responsibilities
         3. The legal form
         4. The personnel
         5. The company’s goals
         6. A description of your innovative product or service
         7. A description of the planning and activities involved in setting up the company
      5. You and the facilitator are registered in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce (in Dutch: Kamer van Koophandel or KvK).
      6. You meet the income requirements of this year. You can prove this in 2 different ways:
         1. You can show a bank statement demonstrating that you have enough money in your account.
         2. Having another legal entity or natural person, for example the facilitator, finance your stay. The amount of money must be available for your entire stay (1 year at most).
      7. Declare that you are okay in undergoing the tuberculosis test

Requirements for facilitators:

1. 1. 1. The facilitator has experience with mentoring innovative start-ups.
      2. The facilitator is financially healthy.
      3. The facilitator has not been granted suspension of payment or been put into liquidation and has no negative equity capital.
      4. The facilitator does not have a majority interest in the start-up company. 
      5. The facilitator is not your child, parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt (family up to and including the third degree).
      6. The facilitator has a deputy within the organisation.

DOCUMENTS

All documents coming from out of the country must be translated into Dutch, English, French or German, and legalised by a local official translator:

1. 1. 1. Application filled out
      2. Passport or ID
      3. Birth certificate
      4. Criminal record
      5. Proof of income
      6. Provisional visa
      7. Civil status
      8. “Statement due to European sanctions against Russia and Belarus” appendix fully completed
      9. The step-by-step company plan
      10. Agreement between you and your facilitator

PROCESS

To begin the journey, you’re going to meet some of our team experts for the first time during an initial consultation you’ll have previously booked. During that meeting, we’re going to go over your particular situation and your goal, going into detail about every aspect of them to be able to advise you the best way possible. After we’ve established a plan of action on how everything is going to go, we’ll have some time to answer any questions you could have on what you’re going to go through.

We’ll have all your documents translated and completed to have your file prepared in time to present it to the immigration authorities. Meanwhile, our team will be showing you properties with you there or on the other side of the screen, for you to choose a living place. We’ll also help you in opening a bank account, checking out schools for your kids if you have some, and your subscription to healthcare insurance in The Netherlands. 

Once your application is submitted, it’ll usually take around 90 days to get an answer. In some cases, it can take longer for the IND to decide, but we’ll be notified. Once we have the answer, if it’s a positive one you will receive the visa and the residence permit.

You can travel to the Netherlands with the temporary visa. You will collect the visa at the Dutch representation that is filled in on the application form. Once you get it, you will have your biometrics and fingerprints taken, and will also provide your signature. You will finally have everything to start your new life there, but don’t forget to undergo the medical test you agreed to previously during the first 3 months after you’ve received your permit.

Last but not least, you’ll have all the resources you need to set up your start-up and prevail.

INFORMATION

1. 1. 1. The maximum term of validity of the residence permit is 1 year. After 1 year you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person. You must, however, meet the requirements for this residence permit. In addition, you must provide a declaration from the facilitator showing that you have successfully completed a mentoring process of at least 3 months. 
      2. You can also request a residence permit for your foreign employee if you have one and wish for him to accompany you in this new life.