Dutch Startup Visa opportunity
Build your innovative company in the Netherlands.
For eligible founders from outside the EU, ScaleGate connects hands-on company building with preparation for the Dutch start-up residence-permit route. It is company building first, not a stand-alone visa service.
The opportunity
Build and grow your company in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Startup Visa offers eligible founders from outside the EU a route to establish and actively develop an innovative company in the Netherlands.
- 01
Eligible founders
For founders from outside the EU who want to establish a company in the Netherlands.
- 02
Innovative company
The venture must demonstrate credible innovation through its offer, technology or way of working.
- 03
Active company building
The founder must actively develop and operate the company in the Netherlands.
- 04
Official assessment
RVO assesses the venture and the IND makes the final residence permit decision.
Company building first
Strengthen the company. Prepare the route.
ScaleGate helps selected founders strengthen the venture, prepare for the Dutch market and develop a credible execution plan. Startup Visa preparation forms part of the company building engagement and is not offered as a separate visa service.
Build the venture
Clarify the proposition, business model, customer, market and product direction.
Enter the Netherlands
Prepare the Dutch market approach, ecosystem entry and relevant commercial relationships.
Execute the plan
Define practical milestones and prepare the company and supporting materials for the next stage.
The work
The foundations for a company ready to execute.
The exact work depends on the venture’s stage, priorities and agreed scope.
Venture strategy and business model
Customer and market validation
Product and technology roadmap
Brand, positioning and communication
Go to market and sales preparation
Dutch market and ecosystem entry
Funding and investment readiness
Milestones and application preparation
The process
From initial fit to company building.
- 01
Check your fit
Tell us about the founder, the venture and why the Netherlands matters.
- 02
Venture assessment
ScaleGate reviews the company, its innovation and the potential company building fit.
- 03
Confirm the engagement
If there is a mutual fit, we agree on the scope, responsibilities, fees and intended outcomes.
- 04
Build and prepare
We strengthen the venture, develop the execution plan and prepare the relevant materials.
- 05
Official assessment
RVO advises on the relevant conditions and the IND makes the final decision.
ScaleGate is not a visa or immigration agency. Joining ScaleGate does not guarantee positive RVO advice or IND approval. Any facilitator relationship must be genuine and separately confirmed.
Official IND start-up requirements (opens in a new tab)RVO start-up overview (opens in a new tab)Eligible Dutch facilitators (opens in a new tab)
Build your company in the Netherlands.
Tell us about your venture, your goals and why the Netherlands matters. We will assess whether a ScaleGate company building engagement could support your next stage.