The options per country
The Netherlands has three options for founders. The startup visa is valid for one year. You work with a facilitator, and the business must pass an innovation test. The self-employment scheme uses a points system, and your business plan is assessed. The third option is recognised sponsorship through your own BV. Once the company qualifies, it employs you as a knowledge migrant. France offers the French Tech ticket. Estonia combines its startup visa with e-residency. Spain modernised its startup law. Portugal uses the D2 permit for founders.
How the offers differ
Ask the same three questions for each country. Who assesses the business? This can be a facilitator, a points system or your own payroll. What does your family get? Partners and children are well covered under the Dutch options. What happens in the second year? With the Dutch own-BV option, the permit is renewed on the same basis as the company expands. The 30% ruling can also continue through the payroll.
Do you want to set up a Dutch BV from abroad? See setting up a BV in the Netherlands for the costs, the steps and the timeline. We arrange the notary and the KVK registration for you.
Which company do you register, and which documents do you need from your country? See company formation in the Netherlands for non-residents for the answers, the costs and the timeline.
The order of the steps
Set up the company first. The company is the basis for the application. After that, you choose the right option for your profile and plan the relocation of your family. See how to set up a BV in weeks and the 90-day sequence. For schools, see the shortlist of international schools.