Formal requirements
The Netherlands does not currently offer a golden visa or citizenship-by-investment program.
Other investment opportunities
Residence permit for people 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 an approved facilitator. This facilitator must:
- Have experience guiding innovative startups.
- Be financially stable.
- Not hold a majority interest in the startup company.
- Not be a family member up to the third degree.
- Offer a product or service that is innovative. This is the case if:
(i) the product or service is new to the Netherlands,
(ii) a new technology for production, distribution, or marketing is used, or
(iii) there is an innovative organizational or process approach.
-Provide a step-by-step plan describing how you will develop your idea into a company.
-Register your business in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) Business Register.
-Have sufficient financial means to live and operate your business in the Netherlands. You must have at least 70% of the standard amount for single persons under the Minimum Wage Act.
The residence permit is granted for one year. After that year, you may apply for a residence permit on a self-employed basis or another type of residence permit.
Residence permit for self-employed persons
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 Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) Business Register.
-Meet all professional licensing or permit requirements for your occupation.
-Meet the minimum income requirement, as shown in your business plan. Currently, this is €1,657 gross profit per month.
The residence permit is granted for a maximum of two years. You are allowed to work on a self-employed basis, or as an employee if your employer holds 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 under one of these treaties, you must:
-Hold the nationality of the United States of America or Japan.
-Meet one of the following conditions:
- You trade between the Netherlands and the United States or Japan, or
- You develop and direct the operations of a business in the Netherlands.
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Link to the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)
https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work
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The material provided on this page is for information purposes only, as immigration policies are frequently subject to review and change, with each case being unique. We therefore strongly recommend contacting the law firm listed on this page for the latest, most accurate guidance and advice in respect of this jurisdiction.