Netherlands Investment Immigration
Investment immigration by definition is where the applicant is required to invest a set amount of money into the country they seek residency in, thus providing them with the right to gain permanent residency status. Typically, the monetary investment must be funded into a pre-approved project of the country the applicant seeks residency in. In most countries, the investment must act in the sole benefit of the country’s economy. Each jurisdiction establishes different requirements to satisfy in order to qualify for permanent residency.
Why Immigrate to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is considered a highly sought after location for foreign investors to seek a permanent residency permit in due to its European membership status. With the general cost of living in the Netherlands at a relatively low rate and an excellent health care system in place, it makes for a popular location among outside investors. The Netherlands has a strong and stable economic infrastructure, with an economy that is rated the 16th largest in the world. The standard of education is good and working conditions are attractive. Furthermore, the Netherlands is strategically located to instigate and maintain effective business relationships with the UK and the rest of the EU.
Netherlands Investment Program
The Netherlands investment visa program is aimed at individuals of high net worth status, business proprietors and foreign investors, provided each applicant adds value to the Netherland’s economy.
Points Based Visa Scheme
The Netherlands operates a point’s based system similar to that of Denmark. This system was introduced in 2008 and is administered by the Netherlands Immigration Service. In general, the points based visa scheme is where each applicant is awarded certain points based on their personal experience, business plan and the value they will add to the Netherlands. For example, where your business plan will lead to the creation of 2-5 new job opportunities, you will receive 10 points. If you have a Masters degree, you will automatically receive 30 points, and where your business plan involves a patent, you will gain an extra 20 points.
Residence Permit Validity
The residence permit, on approval of application, is valid for one year. During this year the applicant must satisfy all the prerequisite conditions to be eligible to renew their permit yearly thereafter. The main conditions to satisfy for renewal of your permit are:
- The applicant must play an ongoing active role in the business
- The applicants personal income must be no less than the welfare level (approximately EUR 800 per month)
Netherlands Investment Residency
The minimum capital investment required by an applicant seeking a residency permit is EUR 27,000. An applicant may be eligible for a higher points score where they invest their money into a struggling Netherlands business or into an area which suffers from high unemployment levels. Certain aspects of this program must be considered prior to application:
- The maximum age of application is 60 years of age
- If a businessman owns more than 20% of the company he is considered an independent entrepreneur
- Where the entrepreneur has a monthly income of at least EUR 1,400 the applicant has the right to include their spouse, unmarried partner and children under 18 years of age to reside with them
Exceptions to the Investment Residency Program
If you are a USA or Japan national then you are applicable under a different set of conditions. You do not need to prove that your residency is solely in the Dutch interest, in which case the traditional points system does not apply.
Conditions for US investors are as follows:
- Where the applicant’s business involves trade between the Netherlands and US, the applicant can obtain a residence permit
- The applicant’s business must have a minimum capital investment of EUR 4,500
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