Non-EU Entrepreneurs

There is a special procedure for obtaining residence permits for entrepreneurs who come from outside of the EU. Various specific conditions must be fulfilled before the residence permit is granted.

If the criteria are fulfilled, the entrepreneur will receive a residence/work permit for one year. For more information on the specific conditions, please visit the start-up section of the IND website or visit our page about start-ups.

Dutch law recognizes various legal forms of companies, including a one-person business, a private limited company, and various partnerships (general, limited, and professional).

The Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) offers detailed information and advice in English on how to begin a company in the Netherlands. The Dutch government also has several relevant webinars: this is one about starting a business in the Netherlands, and this is one about Dutch business climate and culture