Help is on-hand in the form of several websites, and the government offers specific residence permits for those who want to start their own businesses in the Netherlands, but who need a residence/work permit to live and work here. These permits are for those from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland who want to either start an innovative business or work as a self-employed person.
Residence/work permit for start-ups
This permit is for entrepreneurs who are launching an innovative business in the Netherlands. The full details of the specific conditions and requirements for the permit can be found on the IND website, where you can enter your nationality to find out what is applicable to you. You can also find useful information on the Netherlands Enterprise agency’s (RVO) website and the business.gov.nl website has a handy tool where you can check out what you need to do if you want to move to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur or self-employed person.
Note that you will need to work together a reliable facilitator, who must also meet the requirements set out by the government. A list of recognised facilitators can be found on the RVO’s English website. Either you or your facilitator can apply for a start-up permit. Your facilitator can submit the application online or you can submit the application yourself in writing by post.
This residence permit is valid for 1 year and cannot be renewed. After one year, you can apply for the self-employed person residence permit (see below) or another type of residence permit so long as you meet the relevant conditions and requirements. See the IND website for the conditions and requirements for all types of permits.
The start-up residence permit can be collected from Holland Expat Center South.
Essential start-up personnel
If you need to hire highly skilled foreign experts to develop and grow your business, you may be able to make use of the essential start-up personnel residence permit. This will make it easier for you to hire essential foreign personnel. There are specific conditions and requirements for this permit. See the IND website for more information.
The essential start-up personnel residence permit can be collected from Holland Expat Center South.
Residence/work permit for self-employed persons
The full details of the specific conditions and requirements for a self-employed person permit can be found on the IND website, where you can enter your nationality to find out what is applicable to you.
This residence permit is valid for 2 years and can be renewed.
The International Entrepreneurs Collective
The International Entrepreneurs Collective (TIEC) supports international newcomers in the Netherlands to start and grow their own businesses. Through practical training, expert guidance and peer support, TIEC helps entrepreneurs navigate the Dutch system with confidence. One of its key initiatives is Start Her Up, a four-month program designed to support unemployed women in developing their business ideas into sustainable ventures. By combining knowledge, mentorship and community, TIEC empowers individuals to build economic independence and a sense of belonging through entrepreneurship. TIEC is based in Eindhoven and their website is called Thryves.
Government and other official websites
There are several websites that offer guidance and support to start-ups and self-employed persons.
Brainport Eindhoven
If you are thinking about starting an innovative company in the Brainport region, the business developers at Brainport Eindhoven might be able to help you.
Business.gov.nl
Business.gov.nl is a dedicated English-language government website for entrepreneurs doing business in the Netherlands. The Dutch version is called Digitaal Ondernemersplein. These websites have government information for entrepreneurs on a wide range of topics, such as laws, regulations, and subsidies. They also have a useful tool which creates a personalized to-do list of the things you need to organize based on your answers to various questions about your proposed business and personal situation. The tool is available in both English (Personal to-do list: begin a company) and Dutch (Persoonlijke actielijst: een onderneming starten).
The Gate
Brainport Eindhoven also has a platform – The Gate – especially for tech startups in Brainport.
IND
The IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) provides information in English on residence permits for self-employed persons.
KVK
Every new entrepreneur in the Netherlands needs to register in the Business Register of the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel / KVK). The KVK website is available in English and provides a wide range of information and support to entrepreneurs.
RVO
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) offers support to startups and scale-ups.