Useful links & Downloads for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses

Please see below list of useful links, and downloads from the IWCN and its partners:

• The IWCN Business leaflet can be viewed/downloaded here.

• Each year the IWCN creates the ‘Welcome Guide’, full of useful information for international entrepreneurs. It can be viewed/downloaded here.

• The information page about applying for a start-up permit can be found here:
  • Please note: the application cost is €342 (2021).
  • The application form can be found here.
  • The decision time is 90 days.

• If you would also like a family member to join you in the Netherlands, they will also need a residence permit.
  • For family members of Non-EU citizens who are also non-EU, please see here on the IND website.
    • Please note: the application cost is €171 (€57 for children)
    • The decision time is 90 days.
  • For family members of EU citizens who are not EU, please see here on the IND website.
    • Please note: the application cost is €57 (€30 for children)
    • The decision time is 6 months.

• In order to bring Highly-skilled workers to the Netherlands, companies must be recognized as a sponsor by the IND. Information about becoming a recognized sponsor can be found here.
  • Please note: the application cost is €3,927 for ‘regular’ companies, and €1,963 for ‘small businesses and start-ups’ (under 50 staff).
  • The decision time is 4 weeks, unless information needs to be checked with other government agencies, in which case the a decision will be made in under 3 months.
  • There are different ‘sponsor purposes’- make sure you use the correct form!
  • If you would like to check if a company is a recognized sponsor, the IND keeps a public register.