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Business in the Netherlands

Introduction: Starting a business in the Netherlands

Entrepreneurs who come to the Netherlands to start a business can apply for a residence permit for entrepreneurs. Start-up entrepreneurs who work together with a recognized facilitator can apply under the more lenient start-up program. Foreign investors can apply for a Dutch residence permit if they invest in the Dutch economy. Please note that as of 17 April 2024, the residency procedure for foreign investors has been abolished. 

Entrepreneurs

Regular entrepreneurs are assessed through a point-based system. Applicants can score points for their business plan, personal experience, and contribution to Dutch economy. The points are not easily obtained, which makes this one of the more rigid procedures. Read more on our page: Entrepreneurs.

Start-up

Under the start-up program, a permit is granted for 1 year to develop the business with the support of a facilitator. After this year, the starting entrepreneur must apply for the regular permit for entrepreneurs, via the point-based system. Read more on our page: Start-up

Investors

Please note that as of 17 April 2024, the residency procedure for foreign investors has been abolished. Those who hold a foreign investor’s permit can still extend it. For applications that have been filed before 17 April 2024, there will be no consequences either. An extension application will be evaluated based on the requirements and conditions that were applicable before the scheme for foreign investors was abolished.

For investors, the investment amount is the main criterion. The investment must meet certain requirements as well, such as proof of benefit to the Dutch economy. Read more on our page: Investor visa.

Matrix comparing Point-based system, Startup program and Investor’s permit:

   Point-based system Startup program  Investors    
Access to job market  Limited to work for own company. Work permit required for any other type of workLimited to work for own company. Work permit required for any other type of workFree access to job market. Work permit not required
Duration2 years, extension possible depending on business performance1 year, extension subject to point-based system3 years, extension is possible
Civic integration requirementnonenonenone
FamilyCan apply simultaneously; work permit is required for any type of workCan apply simultaneously; work permit is required for any type of workCan apply simultaneously, work permit not required, free access to labor market
Dutch citizenshipApplication possible after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stayApplication possible after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stayApplication possible after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay

Special categories

American, Japanese, or Turkish nationals

American and Japanese nationals enjoy rules that are more favorable if they want to start a business in the Netherlands, because of the Friendship Treaties between their countries and the Netherlands. The point-based system is not applicable to them.

The Association Treaty between the European Union and Turkey provides for a distinct set of rules for Turkish entrepreneurs to start a business in the Netherlands.

Read more about the specific conditions for American, Turkish and Japanese entrepreneurs.

EU long-term residents

In other EU Member States, you can obtain the status of EU long-term resident. This is the European version of the permanent residence permit. EU long-term residents enjoy less strict conditions to start a business in the Netherlands. Read more.

Artists, designers, performers, musicians

Foreign artists, designers, performers, musicians, and others who work on a freelance basis in the creative industries are subject to different rules than regular entrepreneurs. Read more here.

Every spring, Everaert Advocaten Immigration Lawyers organizes a free information event for students of art, design and performing arts. Keep an eye on our news page for details.

For more information, please contact us.

Team Entrepreneurship

Hermie de Voer

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