Netherlands start-up visa

Under the Association Agreement Turkish nationals can also apply directly for the self-employed permit, where the points system does not apply and RVO assesses only the business plan, at the EUR 85 fee. The start-up route remains useful if you want a facilitator’s mentoring year first.

You need a reliable facilitator on RVO's list, with mentoring experience and no majority stake in your company, under a signed agreement; an innovative product or service, for example one that is new to the Netherlands; and a step-by-step plan from idea to company covering structure, legal form, staff and goals, which RVO assesses.

The facilitator must be financially healthy, with no suspension of payments, liquidation or negative equity, must not be a relative up to the third degree, and must have a deputy in its organisation. You must play an active role in the company, not only invest in it, and both you and the facilitator must be registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK) trade register.

You must have enough money for the entire stay of up to one year, shown with a Dutch bank statement, or your facilitator can finance your stay.

If you cannot open a Dutch bank account yet, a postbus account held by an authorised person in the Netherlands or a third-party account of a Dutch notary is accepted.

The IND only grants the permit after positive advice from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) on the step-by-step plan and must decide within 90 days. You apply for the MVV and residence permit together; the fee is EUR 423, as the start-up permit is not on the reduced Turkish fee list. The permit lasts at most one year and cannot be extended; employed work needs a TWV.

After a positive IND decision you book an appointment within three months at the Dutch embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence to have the MVV sticker placed; the MVV is valid for 90 days. After arrival you register with the municipality (BRP) to receive a citizen service number (BSN) and collect your residence document at an IND desk.

After one year you can apply for the self-employed permit if you meet its conditions and provide a facilitator declaration covering at least three months of mentoring.