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Startup Visa Program

Startup Visa Program

In summary

The Start-Up Visa Program is specifically designed to allow businesses outside of Europe to explore the Dutch market. Stay in Zeeland, Netherlands, for a year to discover your business opportunities and actively engage with your enterprise. This year is yours to unlock your potential, both in business and on a personal level. Dockwize is a recognized RVO facilitator.

Explore the innovative entrepreneurial hub Dockwize: your new workplace

Welcome to Dockwize, the innovation hub for entrepreneurship and innovation in Zeeland, located in the old power plant in Vlissingen. It's buzzing with energy! Over the past 12 years, we have assisted more than 800 entrepreneurs in taking the next step in their businesses through programs, innovative challenges, and impactful events with a focus on the industries food, water, and energy transition. We also offer facilities such as office and meeting spaces, have a broad network within and outside the region, and help students discover their entrepreneurial qualities. With our innovation platform Get Unlocked, we are committed to accelerating key transitions in the areas of water, energy, and food. For example, we organize events and challenges. During this innovation event, we offer a program filled with innovation, smart solutions in the food sector, and inspiring speakers and activities. Entrepreneurs, students, and government officials come together at this event to create impact in the food sector and put Zeeland on the (inter)national map.

Test, demo, and development center De KAAP

At the tip of the Kenniswerf, you'll find 'Innovation Point De KAAP.' Here, Zeeland companies can collaborate with education and government to test, develop, and demonstrate new products and innovations. De KAAP features food labs, experience spaces, inspiring (flexible) workspaces for both entrepreneurs and students, control rooms, and speaker arenas. De KAAP has grand plans for the warehouse. As part of the New Waves project, Dockwize and its partners aim to expand De KAAP into a full-fledged development, test, and demo location in the fields of food, energy, and water.

Your product or prototype can be developed, scaled, and tested here, alongside other entrepreneurs and projects, in a promising business network. All of this can take place in a spacious, secure, and easily accessible location. Moreover, the Kenniswerf is vibrant, offering everything from events to a vast network.

About the province of Zeeland

Welcome to Zeeland, where entrepreneurs from outside Europe not only find a fertile ground for their businesses but also a warm home for their families. Here, work goes hand in hand with a rich quality of life, making families feel at home quickly. Zeeland not only offers innovation and business opportunities but also a wealth of activities and attractions for families. From enchanting beaches to historical villages and family-friendly amenities, Zeeland is not just a place to work but also to grow together. Discover the perfect balance between professional and personal growth in this idyllic environment, where your family thrives while you pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.

Is this program for you?

We are looking for innovative start-ups and scale-ups in the SEED phase who want to stay in the Netherlands for a year to explore the business market. It is a requirement that your company is innovative and brings a new idea to the market. Another requirement is participating in our business trajectory 'Your Program.' During this program, you delve into your business operations, revenue model, and prepare with one of our experienced business coaches for the next step. Also good to know: by participating in the program, you become a direct member of the Dockwize community, a group of around 200 entrepreneurs with whom you can share knowledge and experience, collaborate, and network.

All key requirements summarized

1. You are an entrepreneur or have an innovative and scalable idea that contributes to the transition in food, water, and/or energy.
2. You are committed to making an impact in the Zeeland region.
3. You are able and willing to invest at least €10.000 so you can initiate and participate in this program (excluding living expenses etc.).
4. You are dedicated to follow a program at Dockwize for the duration of your visa (one year).

Registration process at Dockwize

For the registration process, it is important that you provide a pitch deck with all the information about your plan.

This plan must include

• a description of why your product or service is innovative

• a description of the activities you, as a starting entrepreneur, will take in the first year (divided into quarters or months) to grow your business in the Netherlands

• the structure of the organization

• assigned roles and tasks (especially your role as an entrepreneur within the company)

• the legal form of the company and division of shares

• make sure to always draw conclusions!

Pitch deck ready? Start your application by filling out this form.

What's next?

1. If your pitch deck meets all the requirements, we will schedule an introduction with the program coordinator.
2. After your introduction, you will have an intake interview with a business coach. He will provide feedback on your business plan and explore how we can support your idea.
3. We prepare your application for the Start-Up Visa Program.
4. Signing the facilitator contract.

Approval of your application is done by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND). This process can take up to six weeks.

Once in the Netherlands, you register with the Chamber of Commerce, open a Dutch bank account, and start the coaching program at Dockwize.

What are you waiting for? Apply for your company and unlock your potential.