Complete Guide to the Dutch Startup Visa for UK entrepreneurs

Launching your next big idea in one of Europe's safest and happiest countries sounds like a dream. If you want an opportunity to establish a business in a thriving, well-connected startup ecosystem like the one the Netherlands offers, you will need a Dutch Startup Visa. However, you need to know how to qualify, apply, and set up your company. It’s worth considering Wise Business to help you manage finances globally without the hassle.

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What is the Dutch Startup Visa?

If you're from outside the EU¹, EEA, or Switzerland and dreaming of starting your own business in the Netherlands, the Netherlands Startup Visa might be your way in. It's a one-year residence permit designed to help international entrepreneurs launch innovative ideas on Dutch soil.

One important requirement to keep in mind? You'll need to team up with a recognised facilitator – a business mentor who'll help guide you through those all-important early stages of your startup journey. This guidance is a core part of the visa process and can really boost your chances of success.

Types of Visas available

If the Dutch Startup Visa isn't quite the right fit, don't worry because there are a few other options out there for entrepreneurs looking to settle in the Netherlands. Here are some alternatives you can explore:

• Self-Employed Visa², great for freelancers or solo entrepreneurs. You don't need a facilitator, but you'll need a solid business plan and show how your business benefits the Dutch economy. Points are awarded based on your experience, innovation, and market potential.
• The Highly Skilled Migrant Visa is not strictly for entrepreneurs. However, if you're joining a startup as a technical co-founder or specialist, and you have a job offer from a recognised sponsor, this route could work.
• The EU Blue Card is aimed at highly skilled professionals. If you're employed by your own startup (and meet the salary and education requirements), this could be another way in.

Each of these listed options has unique requirements, so it's worth investigating which one suits your situation and your goals best.

Eligibility requirements for the Dutch Startup Visa

If you're a non-EU/EEA/Swiss entrepreneur with a fresh, innovative business idea, you might just be eligible for the Netherlands Startup Visa³. But there are a few essential requirements you'll need to meet:

• You must work with a recognised facilitator (think of them as your startup mentor or guide)
• Your business must be innovative, either in product, service, or how it's delivered
• You need a solid step-by-step plan for how you'll develop your idea into a manageable business in the Netherlands
• You must be financially able to support yourself during your stay (no side jobs allowed)
• You must register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)⁴

Benefits of securing a startup Visa in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Startup Visa offers a chance to launch your business, and it gives you a supportive environment to help it thrive. For starters, the Netherlands is one of Europe's most startup-friendly countries, with excellent digital infrastructure. There are about 4,500 startups in the Netherlands right now⁵. Each year, about 1,000 are founded there, and by 2030, there will be about 900 startups for every million people living in the Netherlands.

A big plus is the mentorship you'll receive through a recognised facilitator. Instead of navigating the early stages of your business alone, you'll have expert guidance to help turn your idea into something sustainable. And if things go well in your first year, there's a potential pathway to extend your stay with a self-employed residence permit.

Outside of business, the Netherlands consistently ranks among the world's happiest countries. Great healthcare, a solid work-life balance, and a strong sense of community make it an incredible place to live while building your venture.

How to apply for the Dutch Startup Visa, step-by-step

The process of obtaining a Dutch Startup Visa is pretty simple, but there are a few steps to get familiar with before you dive in. This one-year residence permit is available across the Netherlands, no matter which city you're headed for. Just note that the visa depends on teaming up with a recognised facilitator, someone who's there to mentor you through your startup journey. Once everything's submitted, the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) typically takes about 90 days to make a decision³.

Step 1 – Find a recognised facilitator

As we've mentioned before, you'll need to partner with a recognised facilitator, a business mentor who's approved by the Dutch government to guide startups like yours. They will be your local mentor who guides you through the ecosystem and refines your idea into something that's ready for launch.

Step 2 – Craft your business plan

Now, it's time to build a strong business plan. Besides being an important formality, it's also your chance to show what makes your startup innovative, how it will operate, and how it plans to grow. Make sure to include the following⁶:

• A clear description of your product or service
• Why it is innovative
• Your organisational structure and roles
• Key milestones and goals
• Your legal form and structure
• Financial projections

Step 3 – Gather your documents

You'll need to collect a few essential documents to support your application⁴. Most will need to be in Dutch, English, French, or German, and may require legalisation. Typical documents include the following:

• A valid passport
• A signed agreement with your facilitator
• Your business plan
• Proof that you have enough money to live in the Netherlands for a year (usually at least €1,300/month)
• A Chamber of Commerce (KVK) registration or a statement from your facilitator that you'll register after arrival

Step 4 – Submit your application

Once everything's ready, you or your facilitator can submit the application directly to the IND. If you're currently living abroad, there's a good chance you'll need a temporary residence permit (MVV) to enter the Netherlands. You can usually apply for this at the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country. Some nationalities can skip the MVV step and apply straight to the IND⁷. It's also important to pay the application fee when you're applying, so keep that in mind when you're preparing a budget.

Step 5 – Wait for a decision

After submitting your application, the IND and the RVO will review everything. They'll look at your startup's potential, the quality of your facilitator partnership, your financial situation, and whether you meet all the conditions. This review usually takes about 90 days. If your application gets approved, you'll be invited to pick up your residence permit. You can do this at one of the IND desks or through an Expat Centre, depending on where you live.

Tips for starting a business in the Netherlands

Before you dive into building your startup in the Netherlands, there are some things you should sort out first. When you take care of the essentials before moving on to the next phase, you'll save time and avoid stress. Most of all, you'll make the transition into Dutch business life a whole lot smoother.

First of all, you should open a Dutch business bank account early on. Having a Dutch business account is usually a must – it's how you'll prove you can support yourself, handle transactions, and keep your finances clean and compliant. Next, you should get familiar with the Dutch startup ecosystem. Keep in mind that cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and Utrecht all have active startup communities.

When it comes to taxes in the Netherlands, they are transparent but detailed. If you're selling products or services, you'll probably need to charge BTW (VAT) and file returns quarterly. Consider hiring a local accountant or using a Dutch accounting tool to help you stay on top of things.

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Launch your startup in the Netherlands with Wise Business

The Dutch Startup Visa opens the door to one of Europe's most innovative and entrepreneur-friendly environments, and having the right tools from day one makes all the difference. With Wise Business, you can manage money across borders effortlessly, track your spending with the Wise multi-currency card, and plan smarter using Wise's free currency converter to check live exchange rates.

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Sources used for this article:

Sources checked on 12-May-2025