Residence permit for essential start-up personnel launched

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Dutch government launched an essential start-up personnel permit on June 1 for highly skilled non-EU nationals working at a start-up company.

The requirements include: 

• The employee must work for and be paid by an innovative, scalable, start-up company.
• The hiring company can only have a maximum of 15 employees.
• The company can employ no more than five non-EU nationals with the residence permit.
• The non-EU national must be paid at least equal to the reduced salary requirement for highly skilled foreign workers. The reduced salary requirement is set at €2,497.
• The company must offer the employee at least one percent in stock options, depository receipts for shares or shares without voting rights.

Additional Information: A start-up will be deemed innovative if they are creating an original product or service for the Netherlands. Start-ups, facilitators or non-EU nationals can apply for the residence permit at the Immigration and Naturalization Service office. Applicants must meet the set of general conditions to meet eligibility requirements. The permit is open to applications from June 1, 2021 to June 1, 2025.

BAL Analysis: The Dutch government is creating a new pathway for start-up companies to hire international workers. Employers interested in the program are encouraged to work closely with their immigration provider to determine their best options to meet their hiring needs.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.