Moving Your Business to the Netherlands: Visa Routes for Founders and Investors

This guide covers the 2 verified routes for founders and investors moving a business to the Netherlands. Every figure comes from our program review dated September 15, 2026. Rules change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm the details with an expert before you commit money or time.

Residence Permit for Foreign Startups

This permit is specifically for ambitious, non-EU founders launching an innovative business, and mandatorily requires working with an RVO-recognized facilitator throughout the process. It's a 1-year permit and is explicitly non-extendable — founders typically transition to the separate self-employed permit afterward if the business is viable.

Who it suits: Non-EU founders of an innovative business, willing to work with a government-recognized facilitator. Minimum investment: No fixed investment minimum; must show sufficient means of support (~€1,606–1,636/month, 2026 IND single-person norm). Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: 1-year startup permit, non-extendable. Family: Yes — partner and minor children. Path to permanent residence: Not directly — leads to the self-employed permit, which can build toward PR.

Residence Permit for Self-Employed Persons

This permit typically follows the non-extendable startup permit, giving founders up to 2 years to continue operating a now-more-established business. A separate route, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT), exists specifically for US nationals pursuing self-employment with a lower capital requirement (~€4,500).

Who it suits: Founders who have completed the 1-year startup permit and want to continue operating in the Netherlands. Minimum investment: No fixed investment minimum; means-of-support requirement applies (see startup permit figures). Active involvement: Yes. What you receive: Residence permit, up to 2 years. Family: Yes — partner and minor children; partner may work. Path to permanent residence: Conditional — PR after 5 years continuous residence, requires A2-level Dutch civic integration.

This guide is directional guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. A consulting session will tell you which route fits your business and what to prepare first.