Sohrab Vazir
Consultant | Founder | Global Citizen | Writer
The Netherlands Startup Visa
The Netherlands Startup Visa | Overview
The Netherlands startup residence permit offers entrepreneurs from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland the opportunity to obtain a temporary stay in the Netherlands.
This permit allows a one-year period for launching an innovative business. Applicants must work under the mentorship of an experienced facilitator.
Key requirements
1. Working with a recognised facilitator
The facilitator must meet several conditions. These are:
- Possess a proven track record in mentoring innovative startups.
- Financial stability.
- The facilitator must not be under receivership, bankrupt, or have negative equity.
- The facilitator cannot hold a majority stake in the startup.
- The facilitator must not be a close relative up to the third degree, which includes being the startup entrepreneur’s child, parent, grandparent, or aunt/uncle.
For a list of recognised facilitators, see here.
2. Innovation
Your product and/or service must be innovative. This is assessed by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.
Innovation is determined through meeting 1 of the 3 conditions below:
- The product or service must be unique to the Dutch market.
- It should incorporate new technology in production, distribution, or marketing.
- An innovative approach to organisation and processes should be present.
3. Detailed & viable business plan
You need to provide a business plan which is the blueprint of how you will transform your idea into a viable business model.
4. Registration with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
The startup entrepreneur must be registered in the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK), demonstrating their authority within the startup and their role in decision-making for the future of the business.
If registering with KVK is not yet possible, the facilitator can provide a declaration ensuring the business will be registered once the residence permit is granted.
The facilitator is also required to have a KVK number, which is sufficient on its own without needing an extract from the register. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency verifies the entries in the Business Register.
5.The founder must have sufficient maintenance funds
The startup founder needs to demonstrate enough financial means to support themselves while living and building their business in the Netherlands. Reliance on public assistance, such as welfare, is not permitted.
The available funds must be at least 70% of the standard rate for individuals as defined by the Minimum Wage Act.
As a former migrant founder, my specialism lies in helping international entrepreneurs
I moved to the UK alone on a student visa in pursuit of further education when I was 17 years old.
After completing my master’s degree in international law, I was endorsed by Newcastle University for two business visas (formerly the Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa replaced by the current Start-up Visa). I obtained several entrepreneur visas until receiving my Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)/ Settlement in the UK. I never used a lawyer and obtained the following visas:
- Tier 4 / Student (3 separate visas)
- Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur (endorsed by Newcastle University)
- Tier 1 Entrepreneur ( Initial + Extension)
- Settlement
Milestones
My company, StudyFlats, through which I settled in the UK, achieved the following:
- Business development & property portfolio growth from 2 to 30+ UK cities (10,000 students rooms)
- 1,000+ students consulted & assisted
- Enquiries from 50+ countries
- 2 endorsements from Newcastle University for business visas (annually limited to 20 out of 6,000 students)
- Job creation for 4 people in the UK
To summarise: I know & have been through the journey…!
What I offer
Expert Opinion
I scaled a tech business to 30+ UK cities, and can help you with the commercial matters of your business.
Business Evaluation
See how viable your idea and its potential is.
Solid Plan
I will help you draft the best business plan possible.
The Netherlands Startup Visa Consultation
🚀 Helping founders create solid business proposals & plans
As a former immigrant founder who has scaled a tech startup in the UK (and settled here via the latter), I use my business experience to create the strongest business proposition for you.
Some of the key areas that I can help with include:
- Business evaluation: understand the practicality and processes of setting up your business
- Business plan review & writing
- Marketing & market research
- Strategy consulting
💻 Book your introduction session
Extra help
The Netherlands Startup Visa Business Plan
I can help you with every aspect of your business plan.
Working with me helps you develop an articulate, credible and viable business plan / proposal.
Funding
Seeking to fund your business/start-up?
Regardless of your funding type (e.g. angel investment, VCs or crowdfunding), I will help you create a solid strategy and get started correctly.
Branding & Marketing
I have spent the past six years being in charge of digital marketing activities across several industries.
Whether you’re B2B or B2C, I can help you implement a successful digital marketing strategy.
🗨️ The Netherlands Startup Visa | FAQ
The Dutch residence permit for startups is designed for individuals from outside the European Union (EU) who wish to launch an innovative business in the Netherlands. This permit is valid for up to one year, during which you are required to develop or bring an innovative product or service to market with the support of an experienced facilitator.
Yes. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business or a medium organisation, I am able to help.
No, I work with a very broad range of businesses.
However, there are certain exceptions & specific types of industries which I may not be able to assist with due to ethical or legal considerations.
Yes.
Creating the best presentation of the business proposition in the form of a business plan is the key goal ~ and that’s where my help comes in.
I can help with every aspect of the business plan, including drafting one. Of course, this needs to be on the basis of the idea / primary research and info coming from you.
Please note: I do not produce or sell generic, plagiarised or templated business plans. All works are tailored, unique and produced by myself.
Absolutely.
I am happy to share a sample of my own previous business plan (which was approved by the UK Home Office).
This is to ensure you have an idea of the standard of work to expect.
No, unless they are specific forms of work that are publicly accessible (e.g. a blog article or digital content).
Due to the confidential and sensitive nature of business plans, I apply and operate under a policy of absolute confidentiality with my clients whom I write business plans for.