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Search the official facilitator list and learn how startup facilitators help foreign founders with the Dutch startup residence route, documents, and early business planning.
This page helps founders understand the startup-facilitator category in the Netherlands. The official startup residence route requires you to work with a facilitator: a business mentor who meets the conditions set by the IND and RVO. The RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) keeps the official list of facilitators who meet those requirements.
We use “startup visa advisor” as a user-friendly description; the official term is facilitator. This page lets you search the real facilitator list and understand what facilitators do. Not every founder needs the startup route, and not every startup consultant or business coach qualifies as an official facilitator for this residence permit.
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The facilitator is an official part of the Dutch startup residence route. You and the facilitator must establish the partnership in a signed agreement. The RVO states that the facilitator provides a tailor-made support package depending on your needs, and may help with operational management, marketing, research, and investment acquisition for setting up an innovative business.
The facilitator is not the same as a recognised sponsor (used for the highly skilled migrant route). The IND states that the facilitator does not have the legal position of sponsor. The facilitator is also not automatically the same as a lawyer or visa consultant—though you may use those services separately for documents, legal advice, or residence strategy.
Working with a facilitator is one of the core conditions for the residence permit for startups. Business.gov.nl and the IND both state that the startup entrepreneur must work together with a facilitator in the Netherlands. The facilitator relationship helps demonstrate structured support for your innovative business and can support you from idea to company.
Official documents and process readiness still matter: the IND states that foreign documents for startup-related residence may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German.
The startup residence permit requires a (signed) agreement with a facilitator. You cannot use this route without working with a facilitator from the official list.
The facilitator provides tailor-made support (e.g. operations, marketing, research, investment). This is part of the official design of the route.
The facilitator does not have the legal position of sponsor. The IND distinguishes clearly between the facilitator role and the recognised sponsor role used for other permit types.
Being on the RVO list means the facilitator meets the official conditions. It does not guarantee that your application will be approved; the IND assesses each application.
Add up to three facilitators to your shortlist to compare them side by side. All listed facilitators are on the official RVO list. We do not rank or endorse; the right fit depends on your sector, stage, and the kind of support you need. Confirm availability and terms directly with the facilitator.
Your comparison shortlist
Add up to 3 providers below to compare them side by side
Eindhoven
Co-working and startup visa facilitation for tech founders.
Typical cost
€0–€2,000 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Tech founders in or moving to Eindhoven who want co-working and visa support.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Global early-stage VC and accelerator with Dutch startup visa programme.
Typical cost
Equity-based; investment in return for stake
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Founders seeking investment and accelerator support in exchange for equity.
Heerlen, Limburg
Smart services campus and innovation ecosystem in Limburg.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500+ typical; confirm scope
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Geleen, Limburg
Chemistry and materials innovation campus with startup support.
Typical cost
€0–€3,000+ typical; lab access may cost extra
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Amsterdam
Studio and accelerator for early-stage startups.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Rotterdam
Cambridge Innovation Center’s Rotterdam hub and startup visa programme.
Typical cost
From ~€500/mo for space; programme fees vary
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Founders who want flexible space in Rotterdam and clear monthly pricing.
Netherlands
Startup visa and venture-building support.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Rotterdam
Startup visa programme and incubation in the Rotterdam area.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Community and programme for international founders and startup visa.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Erasmus University’s centre for entrepreneurship and startup visa.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Creative and innovation hub with startup visa facilitation.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Venture builder and startup visa facilitator.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Eindhoven
Deep-tech accelerator and startup visa support in Eindhoven.
Typical cost
Programme fees; often €0–€3,000+ depending on track
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Deep-tech founders in or moving to Eindhoven.
The Hague, Den Haag
Security and safety innovation campus in The Hague.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Support for innovative SMEs and startup visa applicants.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Leeuwarden, Friesland
Incubator in Leeuwarden offering startup visa facilitation.
Typical cost
€0–€2,000 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Noord-Nederland
Regional development and investment company; startup visa facilitator for the North.
Typical cost
Often linked to investment; confirm terms
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Enschede, Twente
Twente-based innovation centre and startup visa programme.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Sports innovation and startup visa facilitation.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Rotterdam
Biotech and life sciences innovation hub with startup visa.
Typical cost
€0–€3,000+ typical; lab access may add cost
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Rotterdam
Port and maritime innovation accelerator in Rotterdam.
Typical cost
Programme fees; often €0–€3,000+
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Amsterdam
Early-stage accelerator with startup visa programme.
Typical cost
Programme fees; typically €0–€5,000+ depending on track
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Early-stage founders in Amsterdam seeking accelerator and possible investment.
Noordwijk
Space and aerospace innovation centre; startup visa facilitator.
Typical cost
€0–€3,000+ typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Rotterdam
Startup hub and startup visa programme in the Rotterdam region.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Wageningen, Netherlands
Agri-food tech accelerator and startup visa facilitator.
Typical cost
€0–€3,000+ typical; accelerator may have fees
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Aerospace innovation hub and startup visa support.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Amsterdam
Tech media and conference; startup visa programme and space in Amsterdam.
Typical cost
Space & programme fees; often €200–€800/mo+
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Tech founders in Amsterdam who value events and community.
Netherlands
Co-working and startup visa facilitation.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Utrecht
Utrecht-based incubator and startup visa programme.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Founders in or moving to Utrecht.
Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam’s startup hub and visa facilitator.
Typical cost
Often €0–€2,000; university-linked
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Pros
Cons
Who should choose them
Founders who benefit from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam ecosystem.
Leeuwarden, Friesland, Netherlands
Water technology cluster and startup visa facilitator.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
Netherlands
Social impact and changemaker community; startup visa support.
Typical cost
€0–€2,500 typical; confirm with facilitator
Confirm availability and terms with facilitator.
Features / products
The right facilitator depends on your startup, innovation model, sector, founder profile, and the kind of support you need to move from idea to company. There is no single best facilitator for every founder.
Facilitators must have experience guiding innovative startups. Compare how well their focus matches your sector and stage.
Some facilitators specialise in tech, agrifood, energy, or other domains. Match their expertise to your startup.
Beyond paperwork, consider the depth of mentoring, access to networks, and strategic value they offer.
Confirm that key communication and materials are available in a language you are comfortable with.
Many facilitators offer access to investors, partners, and programmes. Consider fit for your growth plans.
The agreement with the facilitator is a formal requirement. Ensure scope, duration, and support are clear.
Some facilitators work best with very early-stage ideas; others with more developed ventures. Choose a fit.
The right facilitator depends on your startup, innovation model, sector, founder profile, and the kind of support you need to move from idea to company.
Facilitator arrangements vary. Some support may be bundled into an advisory relationship; some providers charge structured startup support fees. Legal, translation, legalisation, and relocation services may add separate costs. Request written clarity on scope and fees.
Many facilitators charge a programme or annual fee (often €2k–€15k+); some take equity (e.g. 2–8%) or offer subsidised/free spots. Scope and pricing differ by provider—confirm directly.
Indicative; confirm with facilitator.
Standalone mentoring is often €100–€300/hr. Many facilitators bundle mentoring into a programme fee. Confirm what’s included before committing.
Indicative; confirm with facilitator.
Sworn translations are typically €30–€80 per page. Apostille or legalisation is often €20–€50 per document. These are separate from facilitator fees.
Indicative; confirm with provider.
Document translationImmigration lawyers typically charge €150–€350/hr or a fixed fee for applications, objections, or appeals. Get a written quote before instructing.
Indicative; get a quote.
Immigration lawyersRelocation agencies often charge from around €1,500 for basic packages to €5,000+ for full-service moves. Employer-funded moves are common.
Indicative; confirm with agency.
Relocation agenciesIf your application is refused or you need to object or appeal, an immigration lawyer is appropriate. The facilitator does not replace legal representation.
Immigration lawyers →Foreign documents often need apostille/legalisation and sworn translation. Use our document guides and providers.
Document translation →If you are unsure whether the startup route is right for you, a visa consultant can help with route comparison and eligibility.
Visa consultants →Relocation agencies can help with housing, registration, and settling in for you and your family.
Relocation agencies →After the startup year, you may apply for a self-employed residence permit or another type. The IND publishes the conditions.
IND – Self-employed person →Housing, registration, and day-to-day move logistics are often handled by relocation agencies or by you with official guides.
After arriving →You are a foreign founder and want to understand whether the Dutch startup residence route fits you, or whether another permit type is better.
Common mistakes
Assuming any mentor or incubator qualifies as a facilitator; Skipping the official RVO list
You have decided on the startup route and need to choose a facilitator from the RVO list and agree on support.
Common mistakes
Choosing a facilitator without a signed agreement; Assuming all listed facilitators are taking new founders
You have a facilitator but your foreign documents are not yet legalised or translated.
Common mistakes
Using non-sworn translations; Missing apostille where required
You are outside the Netherlands and may need an MVV as well as the startup residence permit. You and your facilitator can apply through the IND.
Common mistakes
Applying without a facilitator agreement; Underestimating processing time
Your documents need to be legalised and translated before you can submit your startup residence application.
Common mistakes
Skipping legalisation or using informal translations; Missing the correct language
You are in or nearing the end of your startup residence period and are considering the self-employed permit or another route.
Common mistakes
Leaving the transition to the last moment; Assuming the same facilitator covers the next permit type
Yes. Business.gov.nl and the IND state that one of the conditions for the residence permit for startups is that the startup entrepreneur works together with a facilitator in the Netherlands. You and the facilitator must establish the partnership in a signed agreement. You cannot use this residence route without a facilitator from the official list.
The facilitator is an official requirement for the startup residence route: they must be on the RVO list and provide the agreed support. A visa consultant may help you understand the process, prepare documents, or compare routes but does not replace the need for a facilitator. Not every startup consultant or business coach is an official facilitator.
The RVO (Netherlands Enterprise Agency) keeps the official list. You can find it at english.rvo.nl under the topic “Residence permit foreign startups” – “Facilitator for startups”. This page also provides a searchable directory sourced from that list.
The IND states that the RVO keeps a list of facilitators who meet the official requirements. Facilitators must meet conditions such as experience with innovative startups, financial health, no majority interest in your company, and no close family relationship. The RVO page describes these conditions.
No. Only facilitators who meet the official conditions and appear on the RVO list qualify for the startup residence route. General business coaches or mentors who are not on the list cannot act as the required facilitator for this permit.
No. Being on the RVO list means the facilitator meets the official conditions. The IND assesses each application and may refuse it on other grounds. Inclusion in the directory does not imply endorsement or that the facilitator is currently taking clients.
Business.gov.nl states that you or your facilitator in the Netherlands can apply for the residence permit for startups through the IND. Confirm with your facilitator how the application will be submitted.
It depends on your nationality. If you are abroad and an MVV is required, you will need both the MVV and the residence permit. The IND explains the procedure for applying from abroad.
The IND states that official foreign documents for startup-related residence routes may need to be legalised and translated into Dutch, English, French, or German. Check the exact requirements with the IND or your facilitator and use our document translation and apostille guides.
At the end of the startup period, you may apply for a self-employed residence permit or another permit type if you meet the conditions. The IND publishes the requirements for the residence permit for self-employed persons and other routes.
For general facilitator support and the application, you may not need a lawyer. For legal advice, objections, appeals, or complex residence strategy, an immigration lawyer is appropriate. Visa consultants can help with process and document preparation.
Yes. The RVO publishes the list of facilitators on its website. This page’s directory is based on that list and is free to use. We do not charge for access to the list.
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