Since 2015 the Netherlands has run its startup visa: a route for non-EU founders who want to build an innovative idea inside one of Europe's strongest startup ecosystems — without needing an employment contract or heavy upfront capital.
Who is eligible?
- An innovative idea with a clear, written business plan
- An endorsement from a government-recognised Dutch facilitator — an accredited accelerator, investor or knowledge institution
- A commitment to structured cooperation with that facilitator during the first year of residence
- Proof of funds for a full year of living costs, held in a Dutch bank account
- Valid identity documents and a certificate of good conduct
How it works
- Find and convince a facilitator. They must accept your idea and team and commit to genuine mentoring throughout year one — not just signing a form.
- File the visa application with the facilitator's endorsement, identity documents and proof of funds.
- Arrive and start building alongside your facilitator, typically in Amsterdam or another Dutch startup hub.
- Renew or convert after year one, through a self-employment route (such as ZZP) once your company shows real traction.
The ecosystem today
According to Dealroom's 2025 report, Amsterdam ranks among Europe's top five startup ecosystems; Amsterdam-based startups raised roughly $686M in 2025. Companies like Adyen, Mollie and Picnic all came out of this same ecosystem. A current note: the Dutch government has announced its intention to extend this residence period from one year to two; formal implementation isn't finalised yet, but it's a clear sign the route is expanding.
Who this suits
This route is built for teams with a genuinely innovative, defensible idea — not a simple local business. If a facilitator can't see real innovation and growth potential in your idea, no endorsement gets issued; matching your idea precisely to what Dutch facilitators expect, before any other step, is the single most important move.