Jeremy Bierbach, an immigration lawyer at Bierbach Advocaten, warns that the Dutch immigration system is restrictive for most non-EU citizens.
There are work visas which require employers to show they cannot find anyone else in the EU to fill a role, or highly skilled migrant visas for those with a Dutch employer happy to pay the qualifying salary, which is €5,942 gross per month for someone over 30, or €4,357 for someone under 30.
There is also a self-employment visa, which requires a business plan that demonstrates a vital need in the Dutch market.
This is evaluated by the Netherlands ministry of economic affairs based on a “scoring system” which rates factors such as financing, education and experience in the Netherlands.
The US and Japan, however, have friendship treaties with the Netherlands and are exempt from the scoring system, as long as the applicant has just €4,500 to invest in their business.
“It can be easier if you are a performing or visual artist and are considered important to the cultural life of the Netherlands,” says Bierbach, who is a specialist in artist visas.
He adds that people can also apply for a “startup visa”, which requires establishing a relationship with one of the facilitators (or mentors) listed on the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and recognised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
“They will then help you incubate your business in exchange for equity in it. No lawyer is involved in that process,” says Bierbach.