I live and work outside the Netherlands, and I’m interested in setting up a tech company in the country. Can foreigners set up companies in the Netherlands?
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I live and work outside the Netherlands, and I’m interested in setting up a tech company in the country. Can foreigners set up companies in the Netherlands?
Foreigners can open a company in the Netherlands or bring their business from their home countries. However, there are some criteria to be met, such as legal residence and work permit. A work permit is different from a startup visa; a startup visa is given when bringing a business to the Netherlands. Legal residence is the basic requirement for setting up a new company in the Netherlands. It may mean obtaining a residence permit and an entry visa. Every business category in the Netherlands is required to meet this condition.
Nevertheless, the residence law differs for foreigners and EU or EEA citizens. EU citizens typically don’t need a residence permit to enter, live, and work in the Netherlands. All they need is an ID card or passport for proof of rightful stay. If you intend to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months, you will need to apply for a Dutch residence permit. You may also be required to get an entry permit and integration exam unless exempt. However, technological advancements and innovations have made it possible to set up a company in the Netherlands from anywhere in the world, without having to visit, and without any bulky paperwork.