Find your answers with The Unusual Space.
Have questions about the Dutch Startup Visa requirements, finding an official facilitator, or joining our coworking community? Find all the answers you need below to successfully relocate your business to the Netherlands.
What is the Dutch Startup Visa Program?
The Dutch government designed this startup visa program for non-EU entrepreneurs to encourage establishing innovative, tech-driven startups in the Netherlands. It lets founders relocate with a one year work and Dutch residency permit to scale their business.
How long is the startup visa valid for?
The startup visa is valid for one year. After this initial year, the founder can apply to extend it to a self employment visa, granting an extension to legally live and work in the Netherlands for a longer duration.
What are the startup visa requirements in the Netherlands?
Most Dutch startup visa requirements concern the business's nature. It is imperative that the startup is a tech or innovation-driven company. When applying for the startup visa, founders must submit a well-structured business plan outlining a detailed yearly strategy for the business in the Netherlands.
How much does the Dutch startup visa process cost?
For €6.000, The Unusual Space offers an all-inclusive 1-year Startup Facilitation Membership. This covers facilitation, startup visa consultation, a mentorship program, and access to our Utrecht co-working space, including the café, corporate events space, and meeting rooms.
Does the Dutch startup visa grant a residency permit?
Yes, once approved for the startup visa, you also receive a one year Netherlands residency permit, which can be extended after that initial first year.
Who can apply for the Dutch Startup Visa?
A Startup Visa is a Dutch residence permit for non-EU/EEA entrepreneurs launching an innovative business in the Netherlands. Eligibility requires a viable business plan, collaboration with an official facilitator, proof of sufficient funds to reside in the country, and the ability to cover business setup expenses such as a one-time KVK registration fee, notary costs, accounting, tax advisory, and recurring operational costs.
Can the Dutch Startup Visa be extended?
The Dutch Startup Visa is valid for one year. If your startup shows promising growth, you can apply for a Netherlands self-employed residence permit, granting up to five additional years. This extension depends on demonstrating the business's continuity and innovative success.
How to find startup investors in the Netherlands?
To find investors in the Netherlands, join startup incubators and facilitators like The Unusual Space, attend networking events, utilize online platforms, pitch to local VC firms, and explore Dutch government funding programs.
How to open a business bank account in the Netherlands?
Through The Unusual Space's strategic partnerships, opening a Netherlands business bank account is simpler than ever. Contact our team, and we will connect you with an Account Executive at a bank offering a Dutch IBAN business account, helping you streamline and fast track the process.
What is a startup facilitator in the Netherlands?
A facilitator is a business mentor recognized by the Dutch government, supporting your startup with resources. They assist in establishing the business, providing local industry expertise, and guiding business development. A recognized facilitator is mandatory for the startup visa process.
What does The Unusual Space facilitation include?
The Unusual Space facilitation program includes 1-year startup visa consultation, a dedicated mentorship program, and full co-working membership access.
What is The Unusual Space mentorship program?
The Unusual Space mentorship program is a tailor-made program for startups that provides valuable guidance, support, and resources to these companies, no matter their growth stage. This well-structured mentorship program aims to significantly impact the startup’s growth trajectory by connecting them with experienced mentors who can share insights, experiences, and a vast network.
When and where will the mentorship program take place?
The mentorship program will take place throughout the startup's facilitation year. The various events and workshop sessions will take place weekly/ monthly, depending on the startup's schedule and the availability of The Unusual Space Mentors and Partners.
Do startups have to be in a specific industry to participate in the mentorship program?
Although The Unusual Space specializes in consulting tech startups, and by the nature of the Startup Visa Program, the startups need to be tech or innovation-driven, we do not put any limitations on the companies that we serve. As long as the startup meets the basic requirements of the Startup Visa Program, we are happy to accompany them on their startup journey.
Who are the mentors who host The Unusual Space mentorship program?
The Unusual Space Mentors are various specialists and experts from different fields, and we have gathered in one powerful team to ensure a high-quality program that adds significant value to the startup. For more information on our great mentors, please click here.
Can I rent a Dutch business registration address?
Yes, via The Unusual Space, you can rent an official KVK registration address for your company without leasing a full office. Since an official business registration address is legally required in the Netherlands, our service provides startups with a highly cost-effective corporate solution.
Can I rent a postbox for my business in the Netherlands?
Yes, through The Unusual Space, you can rent a postbox from our beautiful and centrally-located headquarters in the centre of Utrecht.
Where to rent corporate event spaces in Utrecht?
The Unusual Space offers modern corporate event space rentals directly on the Oudegracht in central Utrecht, which can be booked online.
Are there startup co-working spaces in Utrecht?
Yes, The Unusual Space provides premium startup co-working spaces in central Utrecht. Ideally located on the Oudegracht with stunning canal views, our workspace is highly accessible by public transport and bikes. These flexible Utrecht co-working spaces can be easily booked online.
Does The Unusual Space have an event space or meeting rooms that can be rented?
Yes! The Unusual Space offers a modern event space suitable for up to 50 people, as well as 2 meeting rooms. Catering is also available upon request for your meeting/ event. Simply book and make a reservation on this website.
Does the Utrecht co-working space have a cafe?
Yes. Inside The Unusual Space, we feature Unusual Coffees, a premium café located beside our Utrecht co-working area. It offers tasty snacks and beverages for workspace members, meeting room guests, or event attendees. Delicious catering can also be served directly during your corporate event or business meeting; just place your order in advance!
Who are The Unusual Space events designed for?
The Unusual Space events are specially designed for foreign startups starting their business journey in the Netherlands.
How do I register for the events hosted by The Unusual Space?
Visit the "Events" page on The Unusual Space website to explore our Utrecht startup networking events. Once you select the ideal events for your business, simply register by filling out the online request form.
Where are The Unusual Space startup events held?
All events will be hosted at The Unusual Space at Vinkenburgstraat 2A, Utrecht. It is ideally located in the centre of Utrecht, right on the Oudegracht.
What can I expect from the events hosted by The Unusual Space?
The Unusual Space events are designed to equip foreign startup companies new to the Netherlands with the knowledge and tools they require to grow their businesses.
Who are the partners at The Unusual Space events?
The Unusual Space hosts informative startup events with strategic partners: JakoMeet for online events, B2Press PR Platform for marketing and Unusual Companies for complete Netherlands company establishment solutions.
How much does it cost to establish a company in the Netherlands?
For €2.750, you can purchase the Business Starter package from Unusual Companies. This comprehensive package covers all your company establishment needs in the Netherlands. It includes the full incorporation process, articles of incorporation, shareholder register, registration of the shareholders, Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) registration, and your registration with the Dutch Tax Office.
Best legal structure for a startup in the Netherlands?
A Besloten Vennootschap (B.V.), a private limited liability company, is the most preferred legal structure for establishing tech startups in the Netherlands.
Minimum share capital for a company in the Netherlands?
There is no minimum share capital requirement when establishing a B.V. in the Netherlands. Thus, the minimum amount of capital could be €0.01.
Need Dutch citizenship to establish a Netherlands company?
No, you don't need Dutch citizenship to establish a company in the Netherlands. However, you must register a company director at the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), which requires them to have Dutch residency.
Can Dutch startup companies hire foreign employees?
Yes, it is possible for Dutch companies to hire talent from outside the Netherlands and the EU. However, your startup must be a recognized sponsor through the IND. If not, you can work through an Employer of Record (like Unusual Payroll) to legally sponsor employees from outside the Netherlands.
How to make your startup appear in Dutch media?
Press releases are powerful PR tools for startups to reach target audiences, build brand reputation, and gain visibility.
Should a startup create a digital marketing strategy?
Yes, to reach growth goals, broaden networks and develop services, it is highly necessary for startups to create and invest in a sustainable, effective digital marketing strategy in the Netherlands.
What is a press release & how to distribute it for startups?
A press release is an official announcement to inform the public about significant startup developments. Companies can easily distribute press releases by partnering with the online PR service B2Press. B2Press offers a fast, cost effective pay-as-you-go model for startups to distribute PR content.
How to create startup brand awareness in the Netherlands?
Two main ways to establish startup brand awareness in the Netherlands are through digital marketing strategies, like lead generation and press releases. The best approach integrates both to ensure the most widespread online brand awareness.
What is a startup lead generation strategy?
Lead generation is a digital marketing strategy aimed at acquiring potential clients via targeted campaigns. The goal is to capture the contact information of valuable leads using tools like online forms to boost startup sales.
What are the Dutch tax system benefits for companies?
The Dutch tax system offers competitive corporate tax rates, the Innovation Box regime (9% tax on qualifying innovative startup income), extensive tax treaties, WBSO R&D tax credits, participation exemptions, and a highly organized VAT refund system.
Are Dutch government grants available for startups?
Yes, options include the WBSO (R&D tax credit), Innovation Credit, MIT Scheme, Eurostars, Dutch Good Growth Fund, and various Netherlands Startup Box subsidies.
What are the ongoing financial obligations for a company in the Netherlands?
Dutch company obligations include filing corporate income tax returns, VAT returns, payroll taxes, annual financial statements, municipal taxes, and annual KVK (Chamber of Commerce) fees.
Are there Dutch industry regulations for startups?
Yes, your startup may face specific Dutch regulations depending on its sector. The financial, healthcare, and food industries have stringent regulatory requirements in the Netherlands. Researching local industry rules and consulting legal experts helps ensure business compliance and avoid legal issues.
What are Dutch labor laws for hiring startup employees?
Hiring employees for your startup in the Netherlands requires full compliance with Dutch labor laws. This includes minimum wage standards, official employment contracts, social security contributions, and safety regulations. Understanding these obligations ensures lawful employee treatment.
What is The Unusual Space?
The Unusual Space is an official Startup Visa Facilitator and premium co-working hub in Utrecht, the Netherlands. We guide local and foreign startups in their growth journey, providing a dynamic community for international tech entrepreneurs and innovative creators.
How can I get a membership to The Unusual Space?
Getting a membership to The Unusual Space is easy. Simply fill out a Request Form on our website, and one of our team members will contact you.
Your startup journey in the Netherlands starts with US. Let's build it together.
Where is The Unusual Space?
The Unusual Space is ideally located in the centre of Utrecht on the canals of the Oudegracht. It is easily reachable by car, bike and public transport!
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The Unusual Space Vinkenburgstraat 2A, 3512 AB Utrecht The Netherlands