Dutch Start-up Residence Permit
Verblijfsvergunning Startup (start-up visa)
Not funding: 1-year permit, application fee EUR 423 (2026). Provided by IND / RVO.
Key facts
- Amount
- Not funding: 1-year permit, application fee EUR 423 (2026)
- Duration
- Up to 1 year, not extendable; then self-employed permit
- Type
- Benefit-linked support
- Who receives it
- Individual founder
- Equity
- Equity-free
- Repayable
- No
- Stages
- Idea, Prototype, Pre-revenue
- Solo founders
- Yes
- Full-time required
- Unclear
- Company required
- No
- University link required
- No
- Application languages
- NL, EN
- Location
- Non-EU founders only
Who can apply
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss founder with an active role in the company
- Signed contract with an RVO-listed facilitator (mentor); founder and facilitator registered at KvK
- Innovative product or service (new to the Netherlands)
- Facilitator may not hold a majority interest in the start-up
- Step-by-step plan (your role, first-year steps, why it is innovative), assessed by RVO
- Enough funds for one year (Dutch bank statement) or facilitator finances the stay
What usually blocks applicants
- No qualified facilitator
- Not innovative enough
- Insufficient funds
What the official documents say
- Enclose a signed facilitator agreement; the facilitator may not hold a majority interest (p. 3)
- Step-by-step plan must cover your active role, first-year steps and why the product is innovative (p. 3)
- Proof of funds: Dutch bank statement, or contract showing the facilitator or a financier pays (p. 3)
- Copy of all passport pages with stamps; KvK numbers of you and the facilitator; TB test form unless exempt
Deadline and timing
Apply any time
Frequently asked
How much does Dutch Start-up Residence Permit pay?
Not funding: 1-year permit, application fee EUR 423 (2026)
Who can apply for Dutch Start-up Residence Permit?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss founder with an active role in the company Signed contract with an RVO-listed facilitator (mentor); founder and facilitator registered at KvK Innovative product or service (new to the Netherlands) Facilitator may not hold a majority interest in the start-up Step-by-step plan (your role, first-year steps, why it is innovative), assessed by RVO Enough funds for one year (Dutch bank statement) or facilitator finances the stay
When is the Dutch Start-up Residence Permit deadline?
Apply any time
Where do I apply for Dutch Start-up Residence Permit?
On the official page: https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/start-up. Applications are accepted in NL, EN.
Do I have to pay back Dutch Start-up Residence Permit or give up equity?
No, it does not have to be paid back. It takes no equity.
Can solo founders apply for Dutch Start-up Residence Permit?
Yes, solo founders can apply.
Sources and verification
Checked on 8 October 2026. Facts read directly from the official source. This page is orientation, not an eligibility decision.
More funding in Netherlands
- WBSO R&D tax credit (self-employed / starter)Self-employed 2026: S&O deduction EUR 15,979 from taxable profit, plus starter extra EUR 7,996 (2027 amounts to be published end of 2026). Employers: payroll-tax reduction 36% of first EUR 391,020 (50% for starters), 16% above; same rates announced for 2027, hourly forfait rises from EUR 29 to EUR 33
- Early Phase Financing (VFF) - RVOInterest-bearing loan EUR 50,000-450,000: innovative starters up to EUR 450,000 (100% of costs), small SMEs up to EUR 202,500 (45%), medium SMEs up to EUR 157,500 (35%); interest 7.71% from 1 Sep 2026; repayment starts after 3-5 years
- Innovation CreditUp to 45% of project costs for small firms (35% medium, 25% large; SMEs 50% with collaboration); max EUR 10M technical / EUR 5M clinical; at least 55% from other financing. 3% fixed compound interest plus a one-off 15% (technical) / 25% (clinical) surcharge; repaid after the project from commercial results
- MIT R&D Collaboration Projects35% of eligible costs; small projects EUR 50,000-200,000, large projects EUR 200,000-350,000 per project (EUR 25,000-175,000 per participant)
- Rabobank Start and Development Contribution (Noord-Holland Noord)EUR 2,500-10,000 non-repayable contribution; most awards EUR 2,500-5,000, above EUR 5,000 only with clear scale-up potential
- Rabo Innovation LoanEUR 25,000-200,000 as two equal subordinated loans; 10% fixed interest, 7-year term, no collateral or arrangement fee