Startup Visa Facilitator program
PLNT Leiden is a recognized facilitator of the Dutch Startup Visa program. This program enables international entrepreneurs in the Life Sciences & Health (LSH) domain to start an innovative business in the Netherlands with support from a recognized facilitator. As a facilitator, we provide intensive support to LSH entrepreneurs during their first year in the Netherlands.
Admission to the Startup Visa program at PLNT Leiden is only possible if you are directly accepted into one of our programs.
About the Startup Visa
The Startup Visa is a 12-month residence permit for non-EU entrepreneurs with an innovative business. During this year, the entrepreneur is guided by a recognized facilitator such as PLNT Leiden to successfully establish their business in the Dutch market.
Requirements for participants
To be eligible for the Startup Visa program through PLNT Leiden, you must:
- Be active in the Life Sciences & Health (LSH) domain (e.g. MedTech, Digital Health, Biotech, Diagnostics, AI in Health).
- Have an innovative, scalable business idea with validated market traction in the Netherlands.
- Provide a step-by-step business plan covering:
- Why your product or service is innovative, supported by evidence (e.g. research, patents, prototypes, or expert validation).
- Key activities in the first year to grow your business in the Netherlands.
- Organizational structure and roles (incl. your role as founder).
- Legal form and division of shares.
- Market analysis and traction in the Dutch market, backed by data or customer feedback.
- Growth and scaling strategy beyond the first year.
Process overview & costs
Form application to participation
Step 1: Selection Process
Apply by sending an email to startupvisa@plnt.nl confirming that you accept the payments. A €250 fee (excl. VAT) is paid before PLNT reviews your business plan and provides a feedback report. If potential is found, you’ll be invited for an online interview. Upon successful assessment, you can be selected for one of the PLNT programs.
Step 2: Formal Application
To start this step, a €500 fee (excl. VAT) is paid. After this, the facilitator agreement is signed and PLNT helps prepare all required documents for the IND/RVO application. You then submit the visa application (via embassy or in the Netherlands). IND checks requirements, while RVO assesses innovation and feasibility. (Additional IND visa fee: ~€350, paid directly to IND). A positive RVO recommendation is required before IND issues the visa.
Step 3: Starting In The Netherlands
Once approved, you will join a PLNT Leiden program that includes workspace, coaching, and access to our ecosystem. During the visa year, the total cost is €2,820, consisting of €1,620 for a flex desk (12 months) and €1,200 for the coaching program.
Important: Payment of these fees does not guarantee the issuance of a visa. If your visa application is denied, the fees are non-refundable.
Sven van der Vlies
Talent Scout & Startup Visa Facilitator
Do you have any questions about the Startup Visa process, requirements, or programs?
Please feel free to reach out via startupvisa@plnt.nl. We are happy to help guide you through the application process and explore whether PLNT Leiden is the right facilitator for you.
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