Options for entrepreneurs and employees from abroad
The Modern Migration Policy Act offers better opportunities to entrepreneurs and employees from abroad. It makes it easier for people whose work will benefit the economy, science or culture to gain entry to the Netherlands.
Start-ups from abroad
From 1 January 2015 a new scheme is being introduced for ambitious
start-ups from outside the European Union (EU). Entrepreneurs can apply for a one-year residence permit to start an innovative business in the Netherlands. One condition is that they receive support from an experienced and reliable facilitator in the Netherlands.
If the start-up meets all the requirements for the temporary permit, the entrepreneur has one year to develop their innovative product or service. The facilitator provides guidance in turning the concept into a
business. After one year, the entrepreneur can extend his residence permit on the grounds of the scheme for self-employed foreign nationals.
Fast-track application procedure
Authorised hosts of highly skilled and highly educated migrants may follow a fast-track application
procedure for the residence permit. The fast-track procedure is not available to other applicants.
For more information on the application procedure for authorised hosts, please consult the IND website.
Residence permits for foreign investors
Foreign investors can also obtain a temporary residence permit more easily. One of the conditions is that they have
capital of at least €1,250,000 which they will
invest in Dutch
businesses.