Visa & Residency in the Netherlands

You do not need to be a Dutch resident or citizen to start a business here. In most cases you would like to live in the Netherlands. EU/EEA-citizens can live, work and do business in the Netherlands without any hassle. If you are from another part of the world, other rules could apply. To avoid issues, please visit the Dutch Immigration website or check out the Visa page on this website.

FAQ on visa and residency

How do I become a resident in the Netherlands?

EU/EEA citizens can freely move to and work in the Netherlands, so will easily become residents when they move here. If you are from outside of the EU, you might have to apply for a visa. Use the Dutch Immigration Services (IND) website to figure out what exactly is required in your situation.

If you are from the US or Japan you can obtain residency through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) or Dutch Japanese Trade Treaty.

In case you are working on an innovative startup, in some cases you can be granted residency under the so-called Start-up Permit. You will need to have an innovative product or service, supported by a solid business plan, sufficient financial resources and a facilitator.

The investor visa can be obtained by wealthy individuals that invest at least €1,250,000 into a Dutch entity. Certain rules apply.

Will I become a resident when I start a company in the Netherlands?

Is the Netherlands considered a good country to do business in?

Yes, the Netherlands is one of the most prosperous and business-friendly countries in Europe and the world. The standard of living is high, government services are efficient and there are lot of business opportunities in the Netherlands itself and in the surrounding countries.

Read many more reasons why the Netherlands is an excellent destination for your business. You can also compare the Netherlands to other countries by reading this article.

Why should I choose the Netherlands over other countries?

The Netherlands has a very interesting profile for international businesses. Obviously your business should be a good match with the Dutch business ecosystem. And we will advise you on that as well, if we think the Netherlands is not the best pick for you.

Let's compare a few countries to the Netherlands:

Netherlands vs. the UK

The Netherlands is part of the EU and the European Single Market. The UK is not anymore. Being a member removes trade barriers and red tape when selling or buying products from other European countries.
The Netherlands' corporate tax rate is lower than in the UK

Netherlands vs. Belgium

Belgium has a smaller population which makes its internal market less interesting. In addition, dependent on where you are in the country, people speak either Dutch, French or German (and usually not all three).
We appreciate our neighbours in the south for many things. However, the Netherlands is known as a much more efficiently run country than Belgium. Belgium is known for a large amount of bureaucracy and red tape and limited online government services.

Netherlands vs. France

Although they have gone done over the last few years, France still has a much higher corporate tax rate than the Netherlands
Dutch people have a very high English level (#1 EF English Proficiency Index), while France is one of the countries were least people speak English (#28).

Netherlands vs. Germany

Germany has a much higher (almost double) corporate tax rate than the Netherlands.
A GmbH (equivalent to a Dutch BV, limited liability company) has a minimum share capital requirement of €25.000, compared to zero share capital requirement in the Netherlands.

Read our full article on where you should set up a business in Europe.

Am I eligible for a Dutch Visa?

In order to secure a Dutch (entry and) residence permit as a self-employed person, start-up company or limited liability company the Dutch Immigration Authorities (IND) requires that the applicant meets certain conditions. Activities of the company are scored by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on their innovative nature, and their added value to the Dutch economy. The RVO bases their score on:

Added value for the Netherlands (creating of jobs and innovation)
The experience of the person applying for a permit (work experience and/or experience as an entrepreneur)
The Business plan (financing, marketing etc.)

Start-up permit

The IND requires start up applicants to work with an IND approved facilitator, sort of a business mentor. The facilitator must have experience in guiding innovative start-ups. These facilitators are companies that provide support, a business network, an incubator, help with operational management, marketing, research and investment acquisition for setting up an innovative business.

Depending on the facilitator, it may be that they provide sufficient support for the clients to feel that they can complete the application form themselves. The list of the facilitators can be found here.

Furthermore, the RVO requires that the Start-up:

Offers a product or service that is innovative;
Has a step-by-step plan to develop their idea into a business;
And the facilitator are registered in the Trade Register of the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel);
Has sufficient financial resources to reside and live in the Netherlands for one year.

Self-employed permit

This is the commonly used regular work and residence permit for applicants who will run their business (self-employed or limited liability company) in the Netherlands. The applicant will need to prove that the business activities will serve an essential Dutch interest by means of an elaborate and sound business plan and third party financial prospects. Financial evidence supporting the application must be checked by a certified external expert (a chartered accountant, an accounting consultant, an accountant or a financial advisor). Simplified procedures are applicable for US and Japanese nationals under this category

Investor Visa / Wealthy Foreign Investor

The wealthy foreign investor’s immigration category, introduced in 2013, allows foreign wealthy investors to receive Dutch residency rights by investing in the Dutch economy under certain conditions. The application itself will be assessed by the RVO, who will review the application on several grounds (e.g. business plan, innovative plan etc.). In general, all investments will be assessed on whether there is any added value for the Dutch economy in order for the wealthy investor to receive a Dutch residence status.

Individual invests at least 1,250,000 EUR in an entity/ company in the Netherlands
Money transferred to a Dutch or EU bank
The investment is of relevance to the Dutch economy
The origin of the money/ investment is not malafide (i.e. not from illegal activities)
Individual has sufficient and steady means/ income

BV incorporation

The BV is a limited liability company and preferred legal form for foreign entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. That is because the BV is flexible, easy and affordable to set up. On top of that, the overall tax pressure on a BV in the Netherlands is one of the lowest in Europe. Finally, your BV will shield you from personal liability of your company’s actions, debt and bankruptcy.

EU Blue Card: Everything you need to know

Legalee Premium

Legalee Premium gives you access to all legal paperwork for your Dutch company.