How Dutch visa options for entrepreneurs and professionals can shape your journey

Relocating to the Netherlands offers numerous possibilities, whether your journey is sparked by marriage, education, or investment opportunities.

For those looking to establish themselves as entrepreneurs or skilled professionals, there are three primary visa options tailored to these ambitions. In this article, we unpack the options, detailing their requirements, advantages, and potential challenges to help you navigate your next steps with confidence.

Entrepreneur visa (self-employment visa)

The entrepreneur visa is tailored for those who plan to migrate as entrepreneurs. While EU residents can often set up businesses with ease, non-EU citizens face a more complex process with strict criteria.

How it works

To qualify, you must meet several requirements to demonstrate that your business will make a substantial contribution to the Dutch economy. The business must be profitable and innovative. Applications are evaluated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), not just the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).

RVO assesses your application based on three categories:

• Your personal background: Education, entrepreneurial experience, and work history.
• Your business plan: Includes market analysis, pricing, organization, and financial backing.
• Economic value: Innovativeness, job creation, and potential investments.

Each category is scored on a scale of 100 points. You need a minimum of 90 points overall, with at least 30 points in each category, to be considered.

Timeline

While IND officially has 90 days to process applications, requests for additional documents or RVO involvement can extend this to 6–18 months. Successful applicants receive a 2-year residence permit, which can be renewed.

Pros of the entrepreneur visa

• Low income requirements: A minimum income equal to the Dutch minimum wage (~€2,437/month as of 2025).
• Family inclusion: You can bring your spouse and children.
• Spouse’s work rights: Your partner gets unrestricted access to the Dutch labor market.

Cons of the entrepreneur visa

• Complex and lengthy process: The application requires substantial documentation and preparation.
• Low success rate: Only 5–7% of applications are approved, according to internal estimates.
• Uncertain outcomes: Even with a strong case, success is not guaranteed.
• Expensive legal fees: Many lawyers work on an hourly basis, often prolonging the process without ensuring results.

Startup visa

The startup visa, launched in 2015, is a residence permit for founders of innovative and high-tech businesses. Unlike the entrepreneur visa, it’s specifically designed to support early-stage startups that may not yet have robust funding or extensive market knowledge.

“To qualify, you must meet several requirements to demonstrate that your business will make a substantial contribution to the Dutch economy. The business must be profitable and innovative. Applications are evaluated by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), not just the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).”

By Tom Cruize

How it works

To apply for a startup visa, you need:

• An approved facilitator: A mentor organization recognized by RVO, which guides the startup during the first year. Examples include accelerators and business incubators.
• A clear business plan: Focused on innovative products or services, with defined goals and milestones.
• Innovativeness: Your startup should contribute unique value to the Dutch economy.

Startup visa holders are closely monitored by RVO to ensure progress. After one year, you can transition to a self-employment visa if your business meets economic contribution standards.

Learn more on the Business.gov.nl.

Highly skilled migrant (HSM) visa

The highly skilled migrant visa is one of the most straightforward paths for non-EU professionals to work in the Netherlands. It’s aimed at individuals with specialized skills or qualifications, typically employed in industries such as IT, engineering, or healthcare. You can find more details in our dedicated article.

How it works

To qualify, you need:

• A job offer: From a company recognized as a sponsor by IND. You can verify this on the IND sponsor list.
• A minimum salary: As of 2025, this is €5,688/month for workers aged 30+, or €4,171/month for those under 30 (gross salaries). Reduced thresholds apply for recent graduates.
• No labor market test: Employers don’t need to prove that no EU candidates were available for the position.

Comparison of visa types

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a cutting-edge idea, a startup founder looking for a foothold, or a skilled professional, the Netherlands offers tailored visa pathways to meet your needs. The entrepreneur and startup visas cater to innovators and risk-takers, while the highly skilled migrant visa is ideal for professionals in established fields.

Carefully consider the requirements and benefits of each option to determine which path aligns with your goals.