Access the world's most connected economy. A strategic 12-month residency designed for scalable startups to penetrate the Eurozone.
It is not just a visa; it is a strategic entry point to the European Single Market. With a stable economy, pro-business tax laws, and a highly educated workforce, it is the preferred HQ for companies like Uber, Netflix, and Tesla.
A major fiscal benefit: 30% of your gross salary is tax-free for 5 years.
#1 worldwide for English as a second language. Zero business language barriers.
Home to AMS-IX, the internet exchange hub of Europe. Unmatched connectivity.
WBSO credits cover ~40% of R&D wages. "Innovation Box" lowers profit tax to 9%.
Home to Adyen, Booking.com, and EU financial markets.
The "Brainport". Europe's hardware capital (ASML, Philips).
The global "Food Valley" for agricultural innovation.
Home to Europe's largest port and energy transition hub.
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) uses a strict point-based system. Your application must demonstrate strength in these three core pillars.
Innovative Scale
Is it new to the Netherlands? Does it use novel tech (AI/Blockchain)? Is the business model scalable?
Experience & Role
Do you have the track record to lead this? Are you essential to the company (CEO/CTO)?
The Gatekeeper
Do you have a signed contract with a recognized Dutch Facilitator to guide you for 1 year?
You cannot apply for this visa alone. The IND mandates that you have a signed agreement with a Recognized Dutch Facilitator (Incubator or Mentor).
They act as your sponsor. Without them, the application is automatically rejected.
From concept to KVK Registration in Amsterdam.
We audit your business plan against the RVO innovation matrix to ensure eligibility.
The critical step. We negotiate your acceptance into a Dutch incubator/facilitator.
We compile the legal dossier and submit the residence permit application to the IND.
Receive your MVV (Visa), land in Schiphol, and register your company at the KVK.
The Startup Visa is a 12-month runway. Before it expires, you must transition to the Self-Employed Residence Permit.
We don't leave you after the visa is stamped. We conduct a mandatory audit at Month 9 to ensure your KPIs meet IND requirements for renewal.
Common questions about the Dutch process.
No. This is the #1 rejection reason. The IND mandates a signed agreement with a recognized Dutch facilitator (mentor/incubator). You cannot self-petition. Ashavid negotiates this match for you.
The Startup Visa is valid for 12 months. Before it ends, you must convert it to a 'Self-Employed Residence Permit'. To approve this, the government checks if your startup has made progress (KPIs). We run a 'Month-9 Audit' to ensure your metrics are green for renewal.
Unlike investor visas, there is no minimum business investment. However, you must prove 'sufficient personal funds' to live. For 2024, this is approx. €16,000 for a single founder (bank statement). You don't need to spend it; just show it.
Yes. Your spouse and minor children can accompany you. Your spouse will also receive a residence permit, but their right to work depends on the specific permit type. We handle family reunification applications parallel to yours.
It's not subjective. They use a scoring matrix. Your product must be either: 1) New to the Netherlands, 2) Use new technology (AI/Blockchain), or 3) Have an innovative delivery model. We pre-score your business plan against this RVO matrix.
Potentially. If you hire yourself as an employee of your own BV (Limited Company) and meet the salary criteria, you might exempt 30% of your gross income from taxes. This is a complex fiscal structure we help set up.
Yes, the housing crisis is real, especially in Amsterdam. Landlords often ask for 3x rent as income. We advise clients to look at hubs like Rotterdam, Utrecht, or Eindhoven where housing is more accessible and tech ecosystems are thriving.
Strictly speaking, no. The Startup Visa is for building *your* product. If you want to freelance for multiple clients, the 'Self-Employed Visa' is a better path. We can analyze which visa fits your revenue model better.
Once the Facilitator Agreement is signed, the IND decision takes up to 90 days. However, finding a facilitator can take 2-4 months. Realistically, plan for a 6-month timeline from 'Concept' to 'Landing in Schiphol'.
Failure is part of innovation. If the business closes, your visa won't be renewed. However, you can switch to a 'Highly Skilled Migrant' visa if you find a job, or apply for a 'Search Year' visa if eligible. You are not instantly deported.
The Netherlands is selective. Only scalable, innovative ideas pass the RVO check. Let's validate your concept and match you with a facilitator.
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