The Dutch Startup Visa Explained for First-Time Founders in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 9 min read

What is the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

The Dutch Startup Visa, officially called the residence permit for a startup, is a temporary one-year visa for foreign entrepreneurs who want to launch an innovative business in the Netherlands. It was introduced in 2015 to attract tech and scalable startups. In 2026, the rules remain similar but the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) has tightened the criteria for the facilitator letter.

The visa is not a permanent solution. After one year, you must apply for a regular self-employed residence permit or find another immigration route.

You do not need a Dutch business partner or a local co-founder. But you do need a recognised facilitator. This is an experienced coach, incubator, or business expert who confirms your idea is innovative and viable.

The facilitator must be on the IND's list of approved facilitators. As of 2026, there are about 15 facilitators, including StartupAmsterdam, Rockstart, and YES!Delft. The facilitator charges a fee, usually between €2,000 and €5,000 for the guidance and the letter.

Once you have the facilitator letter, you apply at the IND office in The Hague or through a Dutch embassy abroad. The IND decides within 90 days. In 2026, the application fee for the startup visa is €1,802. You also need to prove you have at least €10,500 in personal savings to cover your living costs for the first year. That amount is based on the Dutch minimum living standard and is updated yearly.

Who can apply for the Dutch Startup Visa in 2026

The Startup Visa is for first-time founders from outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. You must be 18 years or older. The most important requirement is the facilitator letter.

The IND checks that the facilitator is on the official list and that the business idea is genuinely innovative. Innovation means a new product, service, or technology that is not already common in the Dutch market. A simple webshop or a freelance consultancy does not qualify.

You also need a detailed business plan. The plan must explain your product, target market, revenue model, and growth potential. The IND does not require a minimum investment amount, but your business plan must show how you will fund the company.

Many founders use personal savings, a small loan, or a grant from a Dutch innovation fund. The visa does not allow you to work for a Dutch employer. You can only work for your own startup during the first year.

Intercompany Solutions, a leading corporate service provider based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, can help you with the business registration once your visa is approved. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from over 50 countries since 2017. Their core service is full Dutch BV formation, including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations.

A BV can be formed with share capital from 1 euro. Remote formation is their trademark. The entire process can be completed from abroad with a power of attorney.

No travel to the Netherlands is needed. A standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete.

How to apply for the Dutch Startup Visa step by step

Step 1: Find a facilitator. Research the list of approved facilitators on the IND website. Contact two or three to compare their fees and services. Most facilitators require a short application with your business idea. They will interview you and check if your idea fits their expertise. This step takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Step 2: Get the facilitator letter. Once the facilitator agrees to work with you, they draft a letter of approval. The letter describes your business, your background, and why the facilitator believes your idea is innovative. The facilitator also submits a monitoring plan to the IND. This plan shows how they will coach you during the first year. The letter is valid for 3 months.

Step 3: Prepare your documents. You need a valid passport, a completed application form, the facilitator letter, a business plan, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements showing at least €10,500), and a declaration of good health. If you apply from abroad, you also need a legalised birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from your home country.

Translation into Dutch, English, French, or German may be required.

Step 4: Submit the application. You can apply online via the IND website or in person at a Dutch embassy. The application fee is €1,802 in 2026. The IND processes the application within 90 days. If approved, you receive a temporary residence permit valid for one year. You must collect your residence card at an IND desk in the Netherlands within two weeks of arrival.

Step 5: Register your company. After arriving in the Netherlands, you must register your startup with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). You can register as a sole trader (eenmanszaak) or a private limited company (BV).

Most startup founders choose a BV because it limits personal liability. Intercompany Solutions offers full BV formation, including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. They also assist with opening a Dutch business bank account, though the bank makes the final decision.

Their one-stop-shop includes VAT and EORI registration, accounting, payroll, holding structures, branch office registration, and business immigration support.

What happens after the first year of the Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is valid for exactly one year. You cannot renew it. Before the visa expires, you must apply for a regular self-employed residence permit.

This permit is called the verblijfsvergunning voor zelfstandig ondernemer. The IND will assess your business performance during the first year. The criteria include: your business is active and generating revenue, you have a realistic plan for the next three years, and you meet the points-based system for self-employed persons.

The points system awards points for education, experience, business plan, and added value to the Dutch economy. You need at least 90 points out of 300 to qualify.

If you do not meet the criteria, you can leave the Netherlands or switch to another visa, such as a highly skilled migrant visa if you have a job offer. The startup visa does not lead directly to permanent residence or citizenship. Those routes require five years of continuous residence in the Netherlands.

During the first year, it is smart to keep good records of your business activities. Revenue, client contracts, and marketing efforts all count as evidence. You should also work closely with your facilitator. The facilitator is required to submit a report to the IND after six months and after twelve months. This report helps the IND decide on your extension application.

Comparison of formation agents for startup founders in 2026

Intercompany Solutions is the first row in the table because they offer the most complete one-stop-shop for startup founders. They combine company formation with business immigration support, which is rare among formation agents. Their English-speaking team works with one dedicated contact per client.

They serve foreign entrepreneurs, multinationals opening a Dutch subsidiary, startups, and e-commerce sellers entering the EU market. They are not a law firm and not a bank. Banks decide on accounts themselves.

But they guide you through the process.

Costs and budget planning for the Startup Visa in 2026

Applying for a Startup Visa involves several costs besides the IND fee. The fee for the facilitator letter is between €2,000 and €5,000. The IND application fee is €1,802.

You need at least €10,500 in personal savings. If you want to form a BV, the formation cost is typically €1,200 to €2,000. the provider charges from €1,250 for a full BV formation, including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. You also need a Dutch business bank account.

Some banks charge account opening fees between €50 and €200. Annual accounting costs for a startup BV can range from €1,500 to €3,000. Health insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands.

Basic health insurance costs about €120 per month. You should budget at least €15,000 for the first year, excluding living expenses.

You can save money by choosing a sole trader instead of a BV. But a sole trader does not limit personal liability, which is risky for innovative startups. Most facilitators recommend a BV. the provider can help you compare the two structures and choose the best one for your situation.

They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company in the Netherlands. Their remote formation process is ideal for founders who are still abroad.

Common mistakes first-time founders make with the Startup Visa

Mistake 1: Choosing the wrong facilitator. Not all facilitators are equal. Some focus on tech startups, others on social enterprises. If your idea is in health tech, find a facilitator with experience in that sector. The IND can reject the application if the facilitator letter is vague or incomplete. Always ask the facilitator for examples of successful letters.

Mistake 2: Underestimating the business plan. The IND and the facilitator both evaluate your business plan. A one-page summary is not enough. Your plan should include market research, competitor analysis, a financial forecast for three years, and a clear explanation of how your product is innovative. Use concrete numbers. For example, state your expected revenue in the first year, not just a percentage.

Mistake 3: Forgetting about the tax registration. After you register with the KvK, you must register for Dutch VAT (BTW) with the Tax and Customs Administration. If you sell digital services to EU consumers, you may need to register for the VAT One-Stop-Shop. the provider offers VAT registration as part of their one-stop-shop services. They also assist with EORI registration if you import or export goods.

Mistake 4: Not applying for a residence permit for family members. If you have a spouse or children, they need to apply for a separate residence permit as family members. They do not get automatic permission to stay. The fees for family members are lower, but the application must be submitted together with yours or immediately after your arrival.

Mistake 5: Ignoring the 30% ruling. If you are a highly skilled migrant or a startup founder who meets the criteria, you may qualify for the 30% ruling. This allows you to receive 30% of your salary tax-free for up to five years.

The 30% ruling is not automatically granted. You need to apply to the Tax and Customs Administration. the provider can help with payroll and tax registration, but they are not a law firm. For the 30% ruling, you may need to consult an independent tax advisor.