Residence permit for essential start-up personnel
For key employees taking an equity stake in an innovative Dutch startup under a special temporary pilot scheme.
The Residence permit for essential start-up personnel (Netherlands) is closed to new applicants. This guide explains who it was for, what has replaced it, and how to find an open Dutch route that fits you.
Who the Residence permit for essential start-up personnel is for
For key employees taking an equity stake in an innovative Dutch startup under a special temporary pilot scheme.
Counted toward permanent residence while it ran; applicants now use the highly skilled migrant route.
Residence permit for essential start-up personnel - eligibility criteria
- Employed by an innovative, scalable startup assessed by RVO
- Gross salary at least €3,122/month excl. holiday pay (2025)
- Receive an equity stake in the startup
- Hold a key, value-adding role
- Valid passport
Residence permit for essential start-up personnel cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Residence permit for essential start-up personnel (Netherlands) is ~€405 (2025), with an indicative processing time of ~90 days (legal maximum). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IND (Netherlands).
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Filed with the IND (RVO assesses the startup) |
| Length of stay | Linked to the contract (pilot scheme) |
| Work rights | Work for the sponsoring innovative startup |
| Study rights | Study allowed alongside work |
| Government fee | ~€405 (2025) |
| Processing time | ~90 days (legal maximum) |
| Route to PR | Counted toward permanent residence while it ran; applicants now use the highly skilled migrant route. |
Pathway & next steps
Counted toward permanent residence while it ran; applicants now use the highly skilled migrant route.
Many applicants also compare Start-up · Residence permit for start-up (innovative entrepreneur), Kennismigrant · Residence permit for highly skilled migrant (kennismigrant), Self-employed · Residence permit for self-employed person / freelancer (zelfstandig ondernemer). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Dutch route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Residence permit for essential start-up personnel pitfalls we fix
Residence permit for essential start-up personnel - frequently asked questions
Is the Residence permit for essential start-up personnel still open?
No - the Residence permit for essential start-up personnel (Netherlands) is closed to new applicants. Counted toward permanent residence while it ran; applicants now use the highly skilled migrant route.
Who can apply for the Residence permit for essential start-up personnel?
For key employees taking an equity stake in an innovative Dutch startup under a special temporary pilot scheme.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Netherlands government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IND (Netherlands) - official Netherlands immigration authority