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TürkçeWhen entrepreneurs, investors, or non-EU professionals decide they want to live and work in Europe, they usually start by searching information about startup visas, Golden visas, or investor residency programs. These routes are indeed well-known and valid options. However, there is another route to take into account: the Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant (HSM) visa.
Even though there are plenty of benefits when it comes to the HSM visa, most foreign professionals do not know about its existence because it has different requirements than a startup or Golden visa in the Netherlands. But the outcome is the same: European residency and Schengen access, and a path to permanent residency for you and your family. In this article we explain how this faster and more flexible route to residency and work permit in the Netherlands works.
The landscape: what investors are actually choosing from
If you have been looking into information about European residency, you have likely found three main categories: the Golden visa and residency-by-investment programs, startup and entrepreneur visas, and self-employment and freelance permits.
Golden visa and residency-by-investment programs
In the past, Golden visas and residency-by-investment programs were an easy route into Europe for investors and entrepreneurs. But these programs are becoming less predictable, more restrictive, and more expensive. To illustrate this: Spain closed its Golden visa entirely in April 2025, and Portugal removed its real estate route.
Most Golden visa programs have closed or been restricted in the last 3 years.
Residency by investment in Europe 2026 is still possible through a Golden visa, for example in Greece (investment of €250,000 in real estate), Italy (€250,000 in startups), and Hungary (from €250,000 in investment funds). Higher-tier programs with citizenship pathways are offered in other parts of Europe, such as in Malta and Cyprus.
Startup and entrepreneur visas
Startup and entrepreneur visas aim at innovation-driven founders. These programs are especially relevant in the Netherlands, France (French Tech Visa), Italy, and Finland, and grant short-term permits. One of the requirements for this type of visa is that approval is needed from facilitators and government, amongst other parties.
This type of visa is a valid option when you are building a highly innovative or a venture-backed startup. However, if you are an established entrepreneur looking to run a trading business, consultancy, or investment structure, this route is not an option.
Self-employment and freelance permits
Portugal (D2 visa), Germany, and some other European countries offer routes for self-employed individuals. These routes usually involve business plans, proof of income or economic benefit, and heavy documentation requirements.
If you are looking for speed and efficiency, you might find these routes to residency bureaucratic and undercertain. Furthermore, none of these visa programs is designed for someone who wants to actively run a business in Europe without locking up capital or proving to be innovative.
The common frustrations
You probably know about the most common routes to residency in Europe, but mostly things do not fit with your needs, which leads to frustration. One of the biggest frustrations is capital lockup, as Golden visas require significant investment, up to €500,000 or more. That is parked capital for a business, tied up in property or funds. Besides, policies and regulations change fast. Countries are tightening requirements while investors make long-term decisions based on policies that can change within a year.
Furthermore, startup visas require approval from panels or facilitators who decide whether an idea is innovative enough to grant a visa. Many experienced entrepreneurs in service-based or traditional industries often find it difficult to qualify. Another common frustration is that startup and entrepreneur visas usually start with one or two years, and renewal depends on hitting milestones that might be out of your control.
This is very frustrating if you are looking into establishing a long-term presence in the Netherlands, as each option mostly lacks options that offer capital availability and flexibility.
The HSM route: No capital lockup. No innovation panel. No investment thresholds.
The HSM route: a different category entirely
The Dutch Highly Skilled Migrant route is different from the Golden visa and residency-by-investment programs, startup and entrepreneur visas, and self-employment and freelance permits. The HSM is a work-based residence permit, specifically designed for professionals working in the Netherlands.
For those choosing the HSM route, this means that they can structure their own Dutch company, have that company become a recognized sponsor with the IND (Dutch Immigration Authority), and then apply for an HSM residence permit through their own business.
To take this route, there is no minimum investment requirement, no need to buy property or funds, no innovation panel or startup approval, and no capital lockup. Instead, you need a legitimate company, a compliant structure, and a qualifying salary. On top of that, the Netherlands offers a beneficial tax incentive: the 30% ruling Netherlands, which allows eligible highly skilled migrants to receive up to 30% of their salary tax-free for up to five years.
How HSM compares
If you choose the Dutch route and company formation in the Netherlands for residency, you may be unsure how the HSM scheme compares to the main alternative routes when it comes to living and working legally in the Netherlands. Therefore, we will now set apart the differences between a Golden visa, startup visa, and Dutch HSM visa in terms of costs, timeline, work rights, tax benefits and flexibility.
HSM permit decisions take 2-4 weeks. Most Golden visa applications take 3-12 months.
The timeframe for a path to citizenship is the same for all of these routes: approximately 5 years. Besides, all of these visas grant Schengen access and the possibility for your family to reside in the Netherlands. Additionally, the HSM visa Netherlands grants your spouse an open work permit.
The following table outlines the differences between the type of visas that will get your access to a work permit and residency in the Netherlands.
| Golden Visa | Startup Visa | Dutch HSM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | €250,000 – €500,000 Investment of €250,000–€500,000 |
€6,000 – €10,000 Costs range between €6,000 and €10,000, but requires innovation. Besides, applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources; generally €14,000 or more for one year |
€5,000 – €15,000 Ranges between €5,000 and €15,000, depending on company setup structure and sponsor recognition |
| Timeline | 3–12 months | 2–6 months | 2–4 weeks After sponsor recognition |
| Work Rights | Limited or not included | Startup only Work permit, strictly tied to the startup business |
Full work rights For business activity or employment |
| Tax Benefits | No tax benefits | Limited | 30% tax ruling In most cases, the 30% tax ruling Netherlands applies |
| Flexibility | No flexibility | Limited Limited, tied to innovation criteria |
Flexible Flexible, as it is business-driven |
| Beyond Consultancy | |||
Investment of €250,000–€500,000
Costs range between €6,000 and €10,000, but requires innovation. Besides, applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient financial resources; generally €14,000 or more for one year
Ranges between €5,000 and €15,000, depending on company setup structure and sponsor recognition
After sponsor recognition
Work permit, strictly tied to the startup business
For business activity or employment
In most cases, the 30% tax ruling Netherlands applies
Limited, tied to innovation criteria
Flexible, as it is business-driven
In such, the HSM visa route is a valid path to long-term residency and work permit for investors and removes many of the biggest challenges faced by foreign professionals. Capital requirements are replaced with compliance and structure, making this a valid option for some professionals who want to relocate to and work in Europe.
Who this route fits best
The HSM visa route is a valid option if you want to actively run a business in Europe and are looking for flexibility, speed, and control over your capital. This investor visa Europe alternative is also an option when you manage operations through a company. When you are a foreign investor, entrepreneur, or professional wanting to build a consultancy, trading company, or scalable business, the Highly Skilled Migrant visa might work for you.
Choosing this route over others might not be ideal if you are looking for passive residency with minimal presence, or prefer to invest in real estate and visit Europe occasionally. There are also better options if you are building a deep-tech startup that benefits from incubators, and is still in an early stage. However, if your goal is to live in Europe and build a business without locking up capital and dealing with approval panels, then the HSM route is a relevant option.
The process at a high level
The process to obtain a HSM visa is straightforward. It typically takes up to a few weeks for sponsor recognition, and the residence permit decision is usually made within 2 to 4 weeks after submission.
These are the four steps of the HSM visa process:
- Set up a company in the Netherlands
- Apply for IND recognition as a sponsor
- Submit the HSM residence permit application
- Relocate and register in the Netherlands
The process is fast, structured, and predictable, especially when it is compared with other routes to residency by investment.
Do you want to make sure that the HSM is the right fit for your situation? Book a free call now and we’ll discuss your options. We help investors and entrepreneurs find the fastest and most cost-effective route to European residency.
FAQs
Do I need to speak Dutch?
No, it is not necessary to speak Dutch. You can manage the process and relocation in English.
Can my family come with this visa?
Yes, your spouse and children can join you. Besides, your spouse receives full work rights via the HSM visa.
Is there a salary requirement?
Yes, the HSM visa route requires a minimum gross salary threshold, which is updated annually.
How does this compare to the Dutch startup visa?
The startup visa is based on innovation and is temporary. The HSM visa is a more stable and long-term work-based route.
What about taxes?
The Dutch tax system is structured, and eligible HSM visa applicants may benefit from the 30% ruling. With this, HSM holders may receive 30% of their gross salary tax-free as compensation for extraterritorial costs.
Do I need to physically live in the Netherlands full time?
To maintain residency and to qualify for long-term status, you need to meet residency requirements which usually mean that you will have to live in the Netherlands full time.
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