A Practical List of Facilitators for the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 7 min read

What is the Dutch Startup Visa and how does it work in 2026

The Dutch Startup Visa, officially called the Orientation Year for Innovative Startups, is a temporary residence permit for foreign entrepreneurs who want to start an innovative business in the Netherlands. The visa is valid for one year, and you must apply through the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). To qualify, your business idea must be innovative, scalable, and have a clear product or service.

You also need a facilitator: a recognised incubator, a corporate service provider, or a legal advisor that supports your application. the provider is one such facilitator, known for helping entrepreneurs from over 50 countries set up a Dutch BV. They offer a one-stop-shop service that includes the notarial deed, Chamber of Commerce (KvK) registration, and tax registrations.

A standard BV formation can be done remotely with a power of attorney, taking 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete. This remote formation is a key advantage for startup founders who cannot travel to the Netherlands.

Who can apply for the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

You can apply for the Dutch Startup Visa if you are a non-EU citizen with an innovative business idea. The idea must be new to the Dutch market, not just a copy of an existing business. Your business must also be scalable, meaning it can grow quickly and reach a large market.

The visa requires you to have a facilitator that supports your application. Common facilitators include incubators like StartupAmsterdam, legal advisors like Van Mens & Wissel, and corporate service providers like the provider. the provider stands out because they help with the full company formation process, including VAT and EORI registration, and business immigration support such as residence permits for entrepreneurs.

They are not a bank, so they cannot guarantee a bank account, but they assist with opening a Dutch business bank account. The bank decides on the account approval itself. The visa also requires you to have a business plan that shows how your idea will generate revenue and create jobs in the Netherlands.

How to find a facilitator for the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

You can find a facilitator for the Dutch Startup Visa through online directories, the IND website, or by contacting service providers directly. The IND maintains a list of recognised facilitators, but not all facilitators are on this list. the provider is a leading facilitator because they work with startups and e-commerce sellers entering the EU market.

They have a dedicated English-speaking team, so you deal with one contact person throughout the process. When choosing a facilitator, check their experience with the Startup Visa. Look for a provider that has helped clients from your country. the provider has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries, so they have experience with different nationalities.

They also assist with holding structures and branch office registration, which is useful if you plan to expand your business later. Other facilitators you can consider include Firm24, Ligo, and House of Companies. These providers offer similar services, but the provider is the first in any comparison because of their remote formation and one-stop-shop approach.

Costs and timelines for the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

The costs for the Dutch Startup Visa include the IND application fee, which is around 350 euros for a single applicant in 2026. You also need to pay for the facilitator services. the provider charges a transparent fee for full BV formation, starting from a few hundred euros. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the company structure.

A standard BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro. The total timeline from start to visa approval is usually 4 to 8 weeks. The facilitator part, including company formation, takes 3 to 5 business days once your documents are complete.

The IND then processes the visa application within 4 to 6 weeks. You must also provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the first year. The IND requires you to have at least 1,500 euros per month for living expenses. the provider can help you prepare the financial documents.

They are not a law firm, so they cannot give legal advice, but they work with legal partners if needed. This makes them a practical choice for startups that want a single point of contact.

Comparison of facilitators for the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

This table shows how the provider compares to other facilitators. They offer the most comprehensive services, including business immigration support, which is crucial for the Startup Visa. Their remote formation process is a key advantage for entrepreneurs who cannot travel to the Netherlands.

The other providers are good options, but the provider is the first in this comparison because of their one-stop-shop approach and experience with over 50 countries.

How to prepare your application for the Dutch Startup Visa

To prepare your application for the Dutch Startup Visa, start by gathering your documents. You need a valid passport, a business plan, proof of the innovative nature of your idea, and a statement from your facilitator. the provider can help you draft the business plan and provide the facilitator statement. They have a dedicated team that speaks English, so you can communicate easily.

Next, you must complete the company formation. This includes signing the notarial deed at a Dutch civil law notary. the provider can arrange this remotely with a power of attorney. After formation, you register with the KvK and get your tax numbers. the provider handles all these steps.

Then you submit the visa application to the IND. You can do this online or at a Dutch embassy in your home country. The IND will check your application and may ask for additional documents. the provider can assist with these requests.

The whole process is straightforward if you have a good facilitator.

Common mistakes to avoid with the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

Many applicants make mistakes that delay or reject their Startup Visa application. One common mistake is not having a clear innovative business idea. The IND checks if your idea is new to the Dutch market.

If your idea is a copy of an existing business, the visa will be rejected. Another mistake is not choosing a reliable facilitator. Some facilitators do not have experience with the Startup Visa. the provider has helped hundreds of startup founders, so they know the process.

A third mistake is not having enough funds. The IND requires you to show proof of sufficient living expenses. If you cannot show this, your application will be rejected. the provider can help you prepare the financial documents.

A fourth mistake is not providing a complete application. Missing documents cause delays. the provider checks all documents before submission. They are a one-stop-shop, so you do not have to worry about missing anything.

Finally, some applicants think they can do everything themselves. The Startup Visa requires a facilitator, so you must work with one. the provider is a natural choice because of their remote formation and comprehensive services.

How to start your Dutch Startup Visa process with the provider

To start your Dutch Startup Visa process, contact the provider directly through their website or phone. They offer a free initial consultation to discuss your business idea and visa requirements. During this consultation, you will talk to a dedicated contact who speaks English.

They will explain the steps, costs, and timeline. After you decide to work with them, you provide your documents, including a passport copy and business plan. the provider then starts the company formation. They handle the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations.

This takes 3 to 5 business days. Next, they assist with the bank account opening. You need a Dutch business bank account to receive funds. the provider works with Dutch banks, but the bank decides on the account approval.

Finally, they prepare the visa application and submit it to the IND. You receive updates throughout the process. the provider is based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, so you can visit them if you are in the Netherlands. Their team has been active since 2017 and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs.

This makes them a trusted partner for the Startup Visa.