The Netherlands is leading among EU countries offering entrepreneur visa programs

As technology-based ventures increasingly play a role in global trade and economic growth, development-focused governments have adopted policies to make their countries attractive hubs for entrepreneurs. In this context, Turkey has joined countries offering special visa programs for entrepreneurs under names such as startup visa, entrepreneur visa, and entrepreneurship visa program, with its Turkey TechVisa program. On the other hand, the Startup and Entrepreneur Visa International Index, which provides a comprehensive overview of countries offering visa programs, tax incentives, and relocation easements, revealed that 16 out of the 27 European Union (EU) countries actively run entrepreneur visa programs.

Sharing his views on the matter, A. Seçkin Canan, Founder of Unusual Companies BV, said, ‘Taking into account the report presented by former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi in recent weeks, the European Union is undergoing a period of self-criticism regarding competition and innovation. EU countries, aiming to catch up with China and the USA in innovation, now need high-tech producing, commercializing innovation ventures more than ever. The Netherlands leads the countries proving that efforts to integrate entrepreneurs from outside the bloc into the ecosystem with entrepreneur visa programs have been successful.’

Amsterdam among Europe’s best startup cities

A. Seçkin Canan, highlighting that the Netherlands is one of the ideal countries for entrepreneurs wanting to take their business ideas to the global market with its startup visa, noted, ‘According to Pitchbook, the Netherlands, with its capital Amsterdam, ranks among Europe’s best cities for startups. Dealroom indicates that the Netherlands is one of the top 20 countries globally for startup venture capital access, hosting over 25 unicorns and receiving investments for more than 5,000 startups based in the Netherlands to date. The ease of establishing a company, the 30% tax discount, access to investors, a broad entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the privileges of the startup visa collectively make the Netherlands an attractive market for both first-time entrepreneurs and those looking to expand their businesses to Europe.’

The Netherlands promotes entrepreneurship with a 30% tax advantage

Even as venture capital investments declined in 2023 due to global economic conditions, surpassing $2.4 billion in investments, one of the most attractive features for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands is the 30% tax rule, pointed out A. Seçkin Canan,

‘The Netherlands has long supported an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, with programs like the startup visa, which allows entrepreneurs from non-EU countries to reside in the Netherlands with a residence permit for one year, and regulations like the 30% tax rule. According to the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the startup visa program initiated in 2015 has facilitated the establishment of over 500 ventures in a five-year period. The Netherlands exempts 30% of high-skilled immigrants’ incomes from taxes with the 30% tax rule, making it a preferred destination for international talents and startup founders wishing to work with them.

The startup visa leads to a path towards Dutch citizenship, starting with a one-year permit, followed by a renewal for two years and then permanently, with both residence and work permits. As Unusual Companies BV, a company based in the Netherlands and positioned as an authorized facilitator, our team, well-versed in the Dutch business climate, accompanies both entrepreneurs setting up their companies for the first time and leaders wanting to expand their businesses abroad,’ he explained.

‘We guide startups in the Dutch ecosystem’

Unusual Companies BV’s services are divided into four main categories: startup visa consultancy, corporate activity consultancy, access to business networks, and support in tax and legal processes, shared A. Seçkin Canan, concluding his evaluations:

‘We guide entrepreneurs through the Dutch startup visa application process, ensuring all requirements are met for a successful application, while also helping those who complete the process achieve their business goals in the Dutch market. With its experienced and local team, Unusual Companies BV facilitates entrepreneurs’ access to acceleration programs, business networks, and venture capital to accelerate growth. We also provide guidance on other financial advantages according to the business model and activity vertical, including the 30% tax advantage, to ensure entrepreneurs fully benefit from the advantages offered by the Netherlands. Under the umbrella of Unusual Companies BV, Unusual Space positions itself as an accelerator and facilitator providing the necessary Dutch legal address for company establishment in the Netherlands, along with mentorship and training supports.’