For genuine founders; requirements are higher than ordinary remote work.
Route overview
Innovative startup or self-employed scoring
Typical timeline / duration: 3-9 months
Important notes
Work with a reliable Dutch facilitator under a signed agreement; the facilitator must have experience mentoring innovative start-ups and meet the IND/RVO conditions.
Show that the business is innovative, for example through a new Dutch product or service, new technology, or a new organisational method.
Play an active role in the business rather than being only a shareholder or financier, and submit a step-by-step plan covering the organisation, product, goals, and launch activities.
Meet the income requirement, register the applicant and facilitator with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce where required, and provide legalised or translated documents.
The start-up residence permit is temporary and valid for a maximum of one year; it cannot be extended as a start-up permit.
After the first year, the founder may apply for the self-employed residence route if they meet its separate economic-interest and scoring requirements; the IND decision period is normally up to 90 days.