How to get Startup Visa Consultation?
Securing a Startup Visa requires expert guidance. Discover how a professional consultation can help you navigate Dutch immigration and scale your business.
What is the Startup Visa?
The Startup Visa is an exclusive residence permit designed to attract non-EU global talent to the thriving Dutch innovation ecosystem. It provides founders with a dedicated year to validate their business model under the strict supervision of a recognized facilitator.
The Dutch Startup Visa is a one year residence permit created for ambitious startup founders from outside the EU. It allows you to establish your innovative business in the Netherlands under the guidance of a recognized facilitator. There are several stringent criteria your venture must satisfy to be eligible for this permit, governed by the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). These include proving that the business idea is truly innovative or tech-driven, partnering with a Recognized Facilitator (like The Unusual Space), presenting a highly feasible business plan, and demonstrating that the startup owner meets minimum financial criteria, amongst others.
Sounds complex? It can be, but that’s exactly why we’re here to help.
At The Unusual Space, we offer tailored support and consultation to startups even before the application process. This is both to ensure that the startup understands the reality of this process, but also to ensure that their business idea will not only meet the requirements for the Dutch Startup Visa, but after it’s all said and done, that their business with flourish in the Netherlands.
Startup Visa Consultation by The Unusual Space
Our consultation process is meticulously structured to assess your startup's viability before you invest time and money into a formal application. We provide actionable, honest feedback to align your vision with strict government standards.
Step 1: Introductory Consultation
At the first step our Head of Facilitation will have an introductory call with the startup, as the first fact-finding mission. During this phase we get to know the business idea, the goals for the business and themselves in the Netherlands. We will often as for the business plan of the startup during this phase, to make a pre-assessment.
Step 2: Tailored Pre-Application Guidance
Following the initial consultation, we provide:
Expert feedback on your business plan in relation to RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) standards
Guidance on how to refine your proposal to improve your chances of success
Honest advice about finding the right Startup Visa facilitator if your idea falls outside our ecosystem
It’s important to note that this consultation does not include the official Startup Visa application process or automatic entry into our facilitation program. However, if your startup aligns with our ecosystem and excites our team, you may be invited to join The Unusual Space’s Startup Visa Facilitation Program.
What’s Included in The Unusual Space’s Startup Program?
If selected for our fill facilitation program, you’ll receive:
A 1-year facilitation and mentorship program tailored to your startup’s needs
Access to expert mentors and business professionals
Invitations to exclusive networking and knowledge-sharing events
Access to use our in-house facilities, including; our co-working space, event venue, and meeting rooms
A direct connection to a diverse and supportive ecosystem
If you’re serious about bringing your startup to the Netherlands and want expert, honest feedback before applying, our Startup Visa Consultation is the perfect place to begin.
Fill out the contact form below to book your consultation and take the first step toward launching your business in the Netherlands. To explore our vibrant community and secure your spot, visit The Unusual Space today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a pre-application consultation?
A pre-application consultation helps founders evaluate their business idea against strict Dutch immigration and RVO standards before paying official application fees. It identifies potential weaknesses in your business plan and provides strategic advice on how to pivot. This significantly increases your chances of securing an official facilitator endorsement later on.
Do I need a finalized business plan for the first call?
While a fully polished, 10 page document is not strictly required, having a solid draft or a comprehensive pitch deck is highly recommended. It allows our facilitators to make a realistic pre-assessment of your startup's innovative nature and financial feasibility. The more information you provide, the more actionable our feedback will be.
Does the consultation guarantee a visa approval?
No consultation or facilitator can guarantee a visa approval, as the final decision always rests entirely with the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). However, a professional consultation ensures your application is completely compliant, rigorously structured, and backed by expert market insights. This preparation dramatically improves your overall likelihood of success.
