NetherlandsActiveStartup Visas

Residence Permit for Foreign Startups

No fixed investment minimum — 1-year, non-extendable permit requiring a recognized Dutch facilitator. Scheme runs through June 2028.

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Official program name: Residence Permit for Foreign Startups
Program category: Starting an innovative company
Current status: Active and accepting applications (scheme runs until June 1, 2028)
Best suited for: Non-EU founders of an innovative business, willing to work with a government-recognized facilitator
Overview: 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.
Minimum investment: No fixed investment minimum; must show sufficient means of support (~€1,606–1,636/month, 2026 IND single-person norm)
Active involvement required: Yes
Residence status granted: 1-year startup permit, non-extendable
Family inclusion: Yes — partner and minor children
Spouse work rights: Yes
Permanent residence pathway: Not directly — leads to the self-employed permit, which can build toward PR
Facilitator requirement: Mandatory — must work with an RVO-recognized facilitator
Government fees: €423 (2026)
Official source: ind.nl; english.rvo.nl

Want more background?

Our guide explains how this route works in practice and what to prepare first.

Directional guidance only, not immigration advice. Confirm the current list of recognized facilitators with RVO. Last verified September 15, 2026.