Visa Procedures in the Netherlands: An Overview for Foreign Entrepreneurs

Intercompany Solutions always seeks to bring out the best in foreign entrepreneurs who would like to start or expand a business in the Netherlands. We offer many interesting services to help you achieve this goal and even make your business thrive. For example, we offer a very streamlined Dutch company establishment process that takes up just a few business days and can even be done entirely remotely. This means, that you don’t even have to travel to the country physically to start a business presence here.

Next to that, we offer a wide variety of complementary business services that are aimed at helping you grow your business, create a solid base of operations and also assist you in adhering to all applicable Dutch laws and regulations. Since we have many years of experience within this field and a wide network of partners and experts, we can help you in any way possible. This also includes finding a trusted third party who can take care of any necessary visa applications on your behalf.

If you would like to know more about the possibilities that we can offer you, feel free to give us a call anytime. We will gladly assist you with any questions or issues you might have.

What are visas, and when do you need a visa?

A visa is an official document that gives you permission to enter and stay in a country for a certain period of time. Many people need a visa when they travel to another country, whether it's for a holiday, work, study, or to start a business. Each country has its own rules for who needs a visa and how to apply for one. In general, there are many different types of visas. The most common one is the tourist visa. This visa is for people who want to visit a country for a short time, usually between 30 and 90 days. You might need a tourist visa if you're going on vacation, visiting friends or family, or attending a short event like a wedding or a conference. Please note that some people don’t need a visa for short trips because their country has a visa agreement with the country they are visiting. We will delve deeper into this later in the article.

Another type is the business visa. This visa is for people who need to travel for work, such as for meetings, networking events, or exploring business opportunities. A business visa does not allow you to live or work in that country permanently; it’s just for short business trips. If you want to start a business or work as a freelancer in another country, you usually need a different visa. This is generally a residence permit for entrepreneurs or self-employed people. This visa allows you to live and work in the country, but you often have to meet special requirements, like showing a business plan or proof that you can support yourself financially. We will also discuss these requirements specifically for the Netherlands in detail later.

In the Netherlands, there are different visa options depending on what you want to do: visit, work, or start a company. It’s important to know which visa fits your situation and to apply the right way. Otherwise, there is a large risk your application will be denied. So, in short, you need a visa if you want to enter a country and your nationality doesn’t allow you to travel there freely. The kind of visa depends on the reason for your trip, so always check before you go. It would be a massive bummer if you arrived at the airport and found out that you cannot leave, so make sure you always have everything in order when you travel and, especially, emigrate.

The types of visas you might need to acquire when traveling to the Netherlands

When coming to the Netherlands, the visa or permit you need depends on how long you plan to stay and what you want to do here. There are many different visas and every single one is tailored to a specific need and reason for coming to the Netherlands as a foreigner. Below is a list of the most common Dutch visas, with short explanations for each of these.

1. Short-Stay Visa (Schengen Visa)

This visa lets you stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is meant for short visits, such as tourism, visiting friends or family, business meetings, or attending a conference. It does not allow you to work in the Netherlands. People from many countries outside the EU need this visa to enter the Schengen Area, which includes the Netherlands.

2. Airport Transit Visa

If you are changing flights at a Dutch airport but not entering the country, you might need this visa. It allows you to wait in the airport for your next flight, but not to leave the airport. Only people from certain countries need this type of visa, so always check if you need one of these in advance.

3. MVV (Provisional Residence Permit)

The MVV is a special entry visa for people who plan to stay in the Netherlands longer than 90 days. You usually need this visa if you come from outside the EU. It is often the first step before getting a residence permit. In most cases, you apply for the MVV and the residence permit at the same time.

4. Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

This visa is for people who have special skills and are hired, or will be hired, by a Dutch employer. The employer must be a recognized sponsor. You also need to earn at least the minimum salary that is set by the government. This visa allows you to live and work in the Netherlands as a skilled professional.

5. Self-Employed Entrepreneur Visa

If you want to start your own business in the Netherlands, you often have to apply for this visa. You must basically be able to show that your business idea adds value to the Dutch economy. The government uses a points system to decide this, based on your experience, business plan, and how your work helps the country.

6. Startup Visa

This is for people with a new and creative business idea. You must work together with an approved Dutch mentor, who is also called a facilitator. This visa is valid for one year, and you can use that time to build your startup. After the year ends, you may be able to switch to another visa type, such as the one named above.

7. EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is for highly educated workers from outside the EU. You need a university degree and a job offer with a good salary. It allows you to live and work in the Netherlands and other EU countries with similar rules. It is a good option for skilled professionals.

8. Orientation Year Visa (‘Zoekjaar’)

This visa is for international students and researchers who recently finished their studies in the Netherlands. It gives you one year to find a job or start your own business. You don’t need a work permit during this time, which makes it easier to start your career in the Netherlands.

9. Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit

If you work for a company that has offices in different countries, such as the Netherlands, this permit allows you to transfer to the Dutch office. It is for managers, specialists, or trainees. Your company must apply for the permit, and you can stay in the Netherlands while working for the same employer.

10. Work Permits (TWV or Combined Permit)

If you come to the Netherlands to work as an employee and do not fall under other visa categories, your employer usually needs to apply for a work permit. Sometimes, the work permit is combined with a residence permit. These permits are needed for most non-EU citizens who want to work here.

Visa agreements between the Netherlands and other countries

Some countries have special visa agreements with the Netherlands and other Schengen states. These agreements let citizens travel visa-free, even outside the usual rules. So this indeed means that you can just travel to the country with just your passport at hand, which makes the journey less complicated and it will definitely save you time. So make sure to check out whether there are any visa agreements between your country and the Netherlands before you actually leave. Below, we will outline what you need to know.

What are visa agreements?

Visa agreements between certain countries are official agreements that go beyond the standard Schengen 90‑day visa-free rule, as well as some other visa types with specific rules. They may allow extra time in certain countries or offer specific visa waivers. They make travel smoother for citizens of partner countries and often also make it easier to establish a business here and move to the country, for example. We have outlined these below for your convenience.

The United States

The Dutch–American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) is a long-standing agreement. For U.S. entrepreneurs opening a business in the Netherlands, this treaty allows residency without the usual point-based test and requires only €4,500 in startup capital instead of €27,000. It simplifies the application process, often taking just 4–6 weeks, with checks done randomly after approval. The general test can take up quite some time, so if you are a US citizen, this agreement will make it a lot easier for you to establish a business presence in the Netherlands. 

Countries with a Schengen visa exemption

Next to DAFT, there are also certain countries with whom the Netherlands has a so-called Schengen visa waiver agreement. For example, Japanese citizens benefit from these Schengen visa waiver agreements. They can stay up to 90 days visa-free in the Netherlands, and some Schengen countries offer extra visa-free time beyond that, like 3 more months in countries such as Denmark, Latvia, Norway or Poland. This makes travel easier for tourism or short business trips. Citizens from many countries already don’t need a visa to visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days, such as Argentina, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the U.S., Canada, and more. However, when those countries have extra bilateral agreements, the Netherlands sometimes offers extended stays in specific circumstances.

Australia, Canada and New Zealand

These countries also enjoy bilateral visa-waiver agreements with the Netherlands and many other Schengen nations. Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand citizens can travel visa-free for up to 90 days in the Netherlands and specific partner countries under these agreements. In some Schengen states, nationals of Canada and New Zealand may get an additional visa-free stay beyond the standard 90 days.

Summary Table

Below you can find all the abovementioned information in a short summary table for your convenience. 

Country	Agreement type	Benefit
United States	DAFT treaty	Easier startup permit & lower fees
Australia, Canada and New Zealand	Bilateral waiver agreements	90-day stays and possible extensions
Countries with a Schengen visa exemption	Schengen visa waiver	90-day visa-free travel + extras

Tip: Even if your country is visa-free, always check whether a bilateral agreement lets you stay longer or exempts you in special cases. These agreements make life easier for entrepreneurs, business travelers, and holidaymakers, so it’s always smart to check the latest rules before booking your trip. You can find more information about EU visa agreements in general with non-EU countries on this page. And this website lists all the current Schengen countries. 

The application process for all relevant Dutch visas explained in detail

As you can see, there are a lot of different visas to enter the Netherlands with equally different purposes. We have highlighted four specific visa types that might be of value to you below, with all the requirements for application below. The first two visas are tailored to people who immediately want to start a business in the Netherlands. The latter two are meant for people who have certain skills and seek employment before they start a business. 

You might have a great business idea, but maybe you aren’t ready to actually start a business just yet. In such cases, it can also be helpful to already be here and acquire some experience before you set up a Dutch business. It can sometimes be more practical to already be in the country, which is why we have listed these two as well. Do note that you will still have to go through the application procedure for the business visas, even when you are already based here. 

1. Self-Employed Entrepreneur Visa 

If you want to work in the Netherlands as a freelancer or independent business owner, you can apply for the self-employed entrepreneur visa. To qualify, you must show that your work will benefit the Dutch economy in some way. The ability for you to achieve this is measured by a point system, based on factors such as your experience, business plan, and added value for the Netherlands. Your business plan must include things like financial prospects for the short and long term, potential clients, marketing, and how you will earn enough money to support yourself. You also need to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and prove that you have sufficient income or savings. 

If you're from a country that has a special treaty with the Netherlands, like the U.S. or Japan, you don’t need to meet the full points requirement (as we already described above). For example, under the DAFT treaty for US citizens, you only need to invest an amount of approximately €4,500, and the requirements are much lighter. You’ll also need valid health insurance, a clean criminal record, and a Dutch address where you’ll live and, subsequently, a valid Dutch business registration address. The visa usually lasts two years, and you can renew it if your business is still active and making money. The average processing time is around 90 days in total.

2. Startup Visa

The Startup Visa is for people from outside the EU who want to launch a new and innovative business in the Netherlands. To apply, you need to work with a recognized Dutch facilitator. This is someone (often a company or mentor) who helps you build your startup, provides you with business support, and offers the necessary guidance to be able to start your business flawlessly. The startup idea must be innovative, which means it should offer something new to the Dutch market. Think of things like a fresh tech idea, new product, or creative service, for example. 

You then must write a step-by-step plan showing how you’ll grow the business over the year. You also need to register at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK), show you have enough money to live and support yourself, and get Dutch health insurance. The visa is valid for 1 year, and after that, if your business is doing well, you can apply for the self-employed entrepreneur visa, which we mentioned above. This visa is great for people with bold ideas and a plan to scale. It’s especially friendly to young founders, tech developers, and creative thinkers. The IND usually takes a few months to process your application, so take that into consideration. It’s best to start this procedure as soon as possible, in other words.

3. Highly Skilled Migrant Visa

Next to visas tailored to people who want to start a company in the Netherlands, there are other slightly relevant visas. The Highly Skilled Migrant visa, also known as the ‘Kennismigrant’ visa, is for professionals with a job offer from a Dutch employer. The employer must be a recognized sponsor with the Dutch immigration service (IND). You cannot apply for this visa yourself, since the employer must submit the application on your behalf. To qualify, you must earn a minimum monthly salary, which depends on your age and experience. 

For example, in 2025, the monthly minimum for those over 30 years of age is around €5,331 (gross), while for younger workers it’s lower. There are no education or experience requirements set by law, but the employer usually needs to prove that you're qualified and needed for the role. The visa is often used for jobs in industries like tech, engineering, science, and business. It also includes fast-track residency, allowing you to bring family members more easily. You’ll need a valid passport, health insurance, and no criminal record. Once approved, you can start your work right away. This visa is very popular because the process to obtain it is relatively fast, usually taking about 2–6 weeks, and offers a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years.

4. EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly educated non-EU professionals who want to work in the Netherlands (or other EU countries). To get this visa, you must have a higher education diploma, like a bachelor’s or master’s degree, that took at least three years to complete. You also need a job contract for at least one year, and the job must pay a high enough salary, currently about €6,245 per month (gross) in 2025. Like the Highly Skilled Migrant visa, your employer applies for you. In this case, they don’t need to be a recognized sponsor, but it definitely helps for more success when applying. 

The job must match your education level and show that you're bringing valuable skills. You need to show your diploma has been recognized, which may involve checking it with Nuffic (a Dutch education validation agency). You’ll also need health insurance, a passport, and a clean record. Once granted, the Blue Card is valid for up to 4 years, and it allows mobility within the EU. You may even move to another EU country under special rules. It’s ideal for professionals who want long-term opportunities in Europe with flexible career growth options.

The services that we can offer you

Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs from over 50 different nationalities. Our clients range from small one-person startups to multinational corporations and everything in between. Our processes are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs, and, as such, we know the most practical ways to assist with your company registration. We can assist with the full package of company registration in the Netherlands, either ourselves or via trusted and professional partners we work closely with:

• Company establishment in the Netherlands
• Application for a VAT or EORI number
• Application for foreign VAT numbers
• Startup assistance
• Accounting services
• Administrative services
• Secretarial services
• Legal assistance
• Payroll administration
• Tax services
• OSS returns
• Intra-Community transactions declarations (ICP)
• Acquiring an Article 23 license
• Obtaining E-herkenning for your company
• Acquiring or closing G-accounts
• Transfer of shares
• Dutch company closures
• General business advice

We are constantly improving our quality standards to continually deliver impeccable services. 

Intercompany Solutions is always here to help you establish a Dutch company and build it from scratch

Since we have many years of experience and know how the Dutch system works, we can help you with almost every question, idea or activity you want to help put into being. Our team is a blend of highly professional individuals who all have their own specialty, ranging from business establishment experts to tax advisors, legal advisors, and general secretarial assistance. We always strive for the best service possible, which will enable you to have a great start and multiple possibilities for the future. Are you curious about your options? Please give us a call or send us a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.