Last updated 16 October 2026, 00:00 (UTC+0)
Start-up visa in Netherlands for Canadian citizens
Start-up visa — what you need to know
Issued to a self-employed person planning to reside in the Netherlands for a long time and whose professional activities benefit the country’s economy. Must have an active role in the start-up company. Start-up product or service must be innovative for the Netherlands.
The start-up must offer an innovative product, service, technology or business organisation method
An agreement with a reliable facilitator who mentors the start-up is required
The founder must actively participate in developing the company and cannot act solely as a shareholder or investor
A step-by-step plan for launching and developing the business is required
Both the start-up and the facilitator must be registered with the KvK
Proof of sufficient funds for the entire first year is required; the facilitator may provide the funding
The start-up residence permit is issued for 1 year only and cannot be renewed
Application process: selection of a facilitator → business plan and proof of innovation → registration with the KvK → application for an MVV and residence permit → entry into the Netherlands → obtaining the residence card
No mandatory minimum investment amount is set for the start-up
The applicant can establish a new innovative business in the Netherlands
In some cases, applicants lawfully staying in the Netherlands on a short-term basis may apply from within the country
After the start-up residence permit expires, the holder may switch to a self-employed residence permit
To switch to a self-employed residence permit, the facilitator may confirm the successful completion of the mentoring programme
A separate employer is not required to work in the applicant’s own start-up
Eligible individuals:
- Foreign self-employed national working in start-up
How does this visa work?
Don’t postpone the application
The visa is processed 3 months. Many people contact us 3–5 days before their trip, so start the process in advance
How can you prove the basis for the visa?
They clarify the purpose of the visit and future activities in the country
What must be prepared?
Basic package — always required, regardless of the application conditions
What additional documents may be required?
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Are you eligible for this visa?
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of one or more member states.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Official visa information
English international
Category code
D
Type of visa
Residence visa
Category
Work visas