StartDock Startup Visa Program

Do you have an innovative idea for a new startup and are you looking for a country to make your dream come true? We have your back! Our startup visa program offers you the opportunity to set up and grow your business in the Netherlands and within our own StartDock community. The Dutch government issues a one-year residence permit for foreign startups, under the condition of collaboration with an experienced business facilitator. We love to help you guiding you through the visa application process, providing insights into the local market, connecting you with our extensive network, and offering flexible office spaces that incubate innovation and collaboration. With a startup visa, international startups have one year to grow/expand an innovative company in the Netherlands. Submit your pitch deck and apply to the program now.

Een virtueel kantoor is ideaal voor de flexibele ondernemer. Een virtueel kantoor bij StartDock zorgt voor een professionele uitstraling van je bedrijf. Jouw bedrijf kan worden ingeschreven op een van onze adressen bovendien kun je je eenvoudig en gratis inschrijven bij de Kamer van Koophandel. Op werkdagen wordt je contract binnen 24 uur toegestuurd. Bovendien ben je met een virtueel kantoor bij StartDock verzekerd van een gave werkplek, waar je kunt vergaderen en andere ondernemers kan ontmoeten.

What we offer

Our mission is simple: we’re here to bring your entrepreneurial dreams to life. Our StartDock Startup Visa program includes support during the startup visa application process, gives support by a tailor-made program and you get access to our active startup community. We are confident that your business will flourish within the StartDock environment! You can also make use of our inspiring workplaces.  After nine months of hard work, the Pitch4Capital Opportunity allows you to showcase your startup to a wider audience of investors and experts. At the 11-month mark, a final assessment determines your readiness for a self-employed person residence permit, a significant milestone.

This is more than a program; it’s a transformative journey. We’re here every step of the way, committed to turning your entrepreneurial vision into a resounding success story.

The Requirements

To join the StartDock Startup Visa Program the Startup needs to meet these key factors:  The business concept is scalable and reproducible, preferably with a tech-component, it is a full-time endeavor, it benefits the Dutch economy. And the product/service or the process is innovative. StartDock therefore needs a pitch deck including: information about the startup idea, team, ambition, business model, financials, and stage of  development.

Costs

We ask a fixed fee price of €500,00 (ex VAT) for our program per month, for 12 months, This includes 1 flex desk  space (for 1 person) at the Prins Hendrikkade 21 in Amsterdam  Additional desks and/or services will be add-on. In case of positive reaction of the Dutch governmental bodies (RVO/IND),  the fee will be used as the monthly fee for the first month in the Program. 

Process

We will start introduction with a meeting (online). Then there will be 1 to 3 Feedback interview(s) (online). Then the facilitation contract between StartDock and the Startup will be signed. After which the Visa Application can be Submitted. After a positive reaction to this request from the Dutch governmental bodies (RVO/IND),  you will receive your Visa and start with the StartDock Startup Booster program.

Questions?

Curious to learn more about the Startdock Startup Booster Program? Feel free to get in touch with our Growth Facilitator Wiegertje Groenveld!

 

E: wiegertje@startdock.nl
T: +31655186935

Wiegertje Groenveld

Growth Facilitator

    Do you meet the requirements to join the program.*

    This form collects your name and e-mail address so we can contact you. Check our privacy policy for more information.*

    Are you ready to take the next step?

    Apply here

    Submit Your Pitch Deck
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    Curious about other possibilities in the Netherlands?

    Visit Welcome to NL for more information!

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    Do I have to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce before I come to The Netherlands?

    No, you need to sign a declaration stating that you intend to register within six weeks after your arrival in the Netherlands. If you do not register within 6 weeks, your visa can be withdrawn.

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    How much money should I have?

    We ask you to prove that you can provide at least €22,000, either on your personal bank account or on the company account. This is to cover the required amount for the IND as well as the €500 monthly payments for the programme.

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    In what phase should my startup be?

    Preferably in the seed phase. Ideally, you have a functioning prototype, minimum viable product (MVP) or conducted pre-sales.

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    Is it possible to get a discount on the fee?

    It is not possible to receive a discount with the Startup Visa Facilitator Programme. The €500,- is a fixed price.

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    What are the crucial aspects to focus on when developing a business plan for a startup in the Netherlands?

    When continuing to work on the business plan, we advise you to emphasis the following points:

    • Level of innovativeness
    • Market traction gathered in the Dutch economy (sales, launching customers, partnerships, Letters of intent)
    • A validated value proposition and business model
    • Sufficient financial means Market research (surveys, testimonials, partnerships etc.) and an analysis of the competition

    A step-by-step business plan including: a description of why your product or service is innovative, a description of which activities you as a starting entrepreneur will take in the first year to grow your business in the Netherlands, the structure of the organisation, assigned roles and tasks (especially your role as an entrepreneur within the company), the legal form of the company, division of shares, and make sure to always draw conclusions!

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    What are the next steps in the process when my step-by-step plan is approved after the feedback rounds?

    After comprehensive feedback rounds for your step-by-step plan and we think you are ready for the next step, your application will be submitted to the IND via the relevant Dutch embassy.  A positive recommendation from the RvO is necessary in order for the IND to make a final decision (within a period of 90 days).  Once you’ve arrived in the Netherlands, you will: register at the KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) be connected to the right partners in the Dutch startup ecosystem receive one year of individual coaching flex workspace If you think you are eligible for applying for a startup visa with StartDock as facilitator, then apply through the form.

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    What does it take to get accepted into the StartDock startup Visa Program?

    Our application process consist of two steps. The first is an online questionnaire in which you answer questions about you and your startup, including uploads of your resume and draft step-by-step plan. After we receive the initial application fee, we will provide you with a comprehensive feedback report and a final decision within three weeks. Sometimes we invite you for an interview to discuss outstanding questions. We review your application by looking at the business itself on the one hand, and you as a person on the other. With regards to the business plan, we consider to what extent the idea is something new or innovative for the Dutch market specifically and if it has the potential to scale. When it comes to you as a person, we look at your professional and entrepreneurial background, what you’ve achieved so far in moving your business activities forward and your personal ambitions.

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    Where can I find more information about the startup visa and residence permit?

    The RVO provides the final assessment for startups to obtain their visa from the IND. Please check the RVO and IND website for more information about the startup visa and residence permit.

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    Where can I find the conditions for obtaining a startup visa and residence permit in the Netherlands?

    When you want to apply for a startup visa and therefore a residence permit in the Netherlands, there are several conditions that apply. An overview of the startup visa conditions can be found here, while the general conditions can be found here. There are also conditions that apply to you as well as your facilitator. Please make sure to read through the conditions listed on the officials page before applying.