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Netherlands Business & Investor Visa from Dubai, UAE

Residence for entrepreneurs and founders, including the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty route.

Check My EligibilitySee the process
Processing time
Commonly several weeks to a few months depending on the route
Indicative cost
Investment and capital requirements vary by route, plus IND fees; verify current figures before applying
Family
Spouse & children included
Apply from
Dubai / UAE

DAFT and start-up visa

The DAFT and start-up visa is one of the routes UAE residents use to reach Netherlands. This page sets out who the route is for, the eligibility criteria, the documents you will need, indicative costs and timelines, and the step-by-step process, so you can decide whether it fits your situation before you commit.

Residence for entrepreneurs and founders, including the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty route. If you are applying from Dubai or anywhere in the Emirates, The Migration Station can assess your profile honestly and prepare a complete, well-evidenced application.

Who the Netherlands Business & Investor Visa is for

Entrepreneurs and investors planning a business in Netherlands

High-net-worth applicants seeking residency through investment

Founders who can evidence a lawful source of funds

Netherlands Business & Investor Visa: eligibility requirements

  • For DAFT, United States nationality and a qualifying investment into your own Dutch business
  • For the start-up visa, a facilitator (recognised mentor) and an innovative business plan
  • Proof of sufficient resources to run the business and support yourself
  • Access to the required investment or business capital
  • A viable, well-researched business plan or qualifying investment
  • A lawful, clearly documented source of funds
  • Management or entrepreneurial experience where the route requires it

Documents usually needed

Valid passport and recent passport photographs
UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies
Completed application forms for the chosen route
Business plan and supporting market research
Proof of investment funds and their lawful source
Company documents or evidence of business experience
Financial statements and bank references

Exact requirements depend on your route and are confirmed at your assessment.

Benefits of the Netherlands Business & Investor Visa

Key advantage

DAFT offers a relatively low investment threshold for eligible US entrepreneurs

Key advantage

The start-up visa gives a year to develop an innovative business with mentor support

Residency through investment

Secure residency for your family by investing in or building a business in Netherlands.

Grow in a stable economy

Operate or invest within a transparent, well-regulated market.

Family included

Bring your spouse and dependent children, with rights to live, work and study in Netherlands.

The Netherlands Business & Investor Visa process, step by step

  1. 1

    Free eligibility assessment

    We evaluate your profile against every Netherlands business & investor route and confirm the strongest, most realistic pathway for you.

  2. 2

    Strategy & document checklist

    Your case manager maps out the route, timeline and exact documents you need, tailored to your situation.

  3. 3

    Preparation & evidence

    We help you gather, organise and verify your evidence so your file is complete, consistent and compliant.

  4. 4

    Application & submission

    We complete and lodge your application, then track its progress and respond to any requests from the authorities.

  5. 5

    Decision & relocation

    On approval we support your biometrics, landing and first steps settling into Netherlands.

Netherlands Business & Investor Visa: frequently asked questions

DAFT is open to United States nationals who invest a set minimum into their own Dutch business, and it offers a straightforward self-employment residence route. Non-US founders more often use the start-up or self-employment routes, which we can advise on.

Other Netherlands visa routes

Netherlands Skilled Worker VisaNetherlands Student VisaNetherlands Visit & Tourist VisaBusiness & Investor Visa in other countries →
Free tools

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Cost & Timeline Estimator

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Start your Netherlands Business & Investor Visa with confidence

Honest assessment, careful preparation and professional support from our Dubai based team.

Free AssessmentWhatsApp +971 4 298 2899