Formal requirements
The Netherlands does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship by investment program.
Other investment opportunities
Residence permit for people who are looking to start an innovative business
To apply for a residence permit to start an innovative business in the Netherlands, you must
be an entrepreneur from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland
receive guidance from a facilitator. This facilitator must
- have experience in guiding innovative startups
- be financially stable
- not have a majority interest in the startup company
- not be a family member up to the third degree
provide a product or service that is innovative. This is the case if either (i) the product or service is new to the Netherlands, (ii) a new technology for production, distribution, or marketing is involved, or (iii) there is a new innovative organizational and process approach
provide a step-by-step plan explaining how you plan to go from your idea to a company
be registered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
have sufficient money to be able to reside, live, and set up a business. The amount available must be at least 70% of the standard amount for single persons under the Minimum Wage Act.
The permit will be granted for one year. After one year, you can apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis, or another type of residence permit.
Residence permit for self-employed people
To apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person in the Netherlands, you must
be from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
have a business that is of essential interest to the Dutch economy.
be registered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
meet the requirements to practice your profession (have all the necessary permits).
meet the income requirements, which are evident from your business plan. Currently, this is € 1,657.00 gross profit per month.
The permit will be granted for a maximum of two years.
You are allowed to work on a self-employed basis or as an employee if your employer has a work permit (TWV) for you.
Residence permit based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty
To apply for a residence permit based on the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty or Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty, you must
have the nationality of the United States of America or Japan.
have one of these situations apply to you
- you trade between the Netherlands and the United States of America or Japan.
- you develop and lead the business operations of a business in the Netherlands.
Link to the Dutch Migration Agency