rvo.nl Residence Permit For Foreign Start-Ups Netherlands : Enterprise Agency

Organization : Netherlands Enterprise Agency
Type of Facility : Residence Permit For Foreign Start-Ups
Country: Netherlands
Website : http://english.rvo.nl/subsidies-programmes/residence-permit-foreign-start-ups

Residence Permit For Foreign Start-Ups :

The Netherlands has traditionally been a country that welcomes entrepreneurial spirits. After centuries of enterprise and ingenuity, the combination of innovation, trade and entrepreneurship remains a driving force within the nation’s economy and is a key source of economic renewal and job creation.

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As such, it is recognised that entrepreneurs stimulate economic growth.

As of 2015, a new regulation makes it possible for ambitious entrepreneurs to apply for a temporary residence permit for the Netherlands. The so-called residence permit ‘scheme for start-ups’ affords ambitious entrepreneurs one year to launch an innovative business. A prerequisite is that this start-up must be guided by an experienced mentor (facilitator) that is based in the Netherlands.

Under this scheme, new international start-ups launching in the Netherlands will be offered the necessary support to develop into a mature enterprise. This scenario is not only beneficial for the entrepreneur but also creates a solid foundation for job creation and economic growth. Read more about how the Dutch government is supporting ‘Ambitious Entrepreneurship’.

How does the ‘scheme for start-ups’ work?:
This scheme is aimed at ambitious entrepreneurs arriving from outside of the European Union. The scheme’s associated residence permit entitles the applicant to be a resident of the Netherlands for one year. Within that year, the start-up entrepreneur can create a business based on an innovative product or service under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

After one year, the start-up entrepreneur may have the duration of their residence permit extended on the basis of the Dutch government’s self-employment scheme. In this regard, the start-up entrepreneur must meet the standard requirements applicable to the self-employment scheme. For an overview of these requirements, please read more on the IND’s website.

Where can I submit an application?
The application for a residence permit for a startup entrepreneur must be submitted to the IND by the startup entrepreneur or an authorised representative.

Startup entrepreneurs residing abroad must submit their application for a residence permit to the Dutch embassy or consulate in the country in which they are resident.

Exceptions to this are startup entrepreneurs of Australian, Canadian, Japanese, New Zealand, American (USA) or South Korean nationality. These entrepreneurs can submit an application directly to the IND using the application form on the IND’s website.

Foreign nationals who already have a valid residence permit for the Netherlands but who wish to transfer this to a residence permit for startup entrepreneurs can also use the application form on the IND’s website.

For successful applications, the residence permit can be collected from the IND’s service desks in the Netherlands or at one of the officially cooperating Expatcenters or Expat Desks in the Netherlands.

Who assesses the application?
For the assessment, the IND consults with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, a part of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. The agency gives advice in regards to the facilitator (1), innovativeness (2), the step-by-step plan (3) and the entry in the Trade Register (4). A positive response is required on all counts in order to obtain a residence permit. The IND will assess the applicant’s financial means (5).

Questions about permit for start-ups?:
Call: +31 (0)88 042 42 42