Passport Rank
6
The Netherlands offers numerous residency benefits to those who choose to live there. One of the main benefits is that residents are allowed to work in The Netherlands without the need for a work permit. Additionally, residents are entitled to free healthcare and education, and they also enjoy a lower cost of living than in many other countries. The Netherlands also provides a safe and welcoming environment for families and individuals of all backgrounds. In addition, The Netherlands has a strong economy and is home to many international companies, making it an attractive option for those looking to relocate.
The Netherlands Innovative start-up is a new initiative that offers financial support to Dutch startups. The program is designed to help innovative startups get off the ground and grow their business. The Netherlands Innovative start-up offers two types of support: financial support and mentorship. Financial support is available in the form of loans and grants, while mentorship is provided by experienced entrepreneurs who have been successful in starting and growing their own businesses.
The start up product or service must contain at least one of the following three characteristics: 1) it is innovative, 2) it's a new product or service in the Netherlands OR 3) it involves innovative manufacturing, distribution, or marketing technologies. OR It entails a novel organizational procedure and technique. There is no minimum but we recommend starting with at least 25k or more as a company buffer.
The Netherlands has a special visa program for wealthy foreign nationals who want to live in the country. The Netherlands Wealthy Foreign National visa is available to individuals who have a net worth of at least €2.5 million. To qualify for the visa, investors must make a minimum investment of €1 million in the Dutch economy.
The investment must have a positive impact on the Dutch economy (excludes residential property). This will be evaluated by the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO). The Dutch Enterprise Agency has a point system. The investment has contributed value if two of the following three conditions are met: Within five years, ten or more employment are generated. OR/AND This could involve publishing a patent, investing in innovation (either technological or non-technology), or investing in a top-tier sector company. The program does not cover real estate investments.
According to the SovSpot Passport Ranking Index, the Dutch passport is presently ranked 6th. It allows entrance to 191 countries without requiring a visa. As a result, it is one of the world's most sought passports, having a very high mobility score. Visa-free travel and visas on arrival are available to Dutch passport holders in countries such as Brazil, Japan, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the European Union as a whole, providing near-instant travel around the world. Dutch passport holders, on the other hand, need a visa to access around 38 countries throughout the world, including China and Russia.
6
191
The number of countries Netherlands passport holders can enter without a visa (i.e. visa-free countries) and those Netherlands passport holders can enter by obtaining a visa on arrival (i.e. visa-on-arrival countries) or an electronic travel authorization is added up to determine the Netherlands passport ranking relative to other global passports (eTA). There are now 144 visa-free countries for Netherlands passport holders, 36 visa-on-arrival countries for Netherlands passport holders, and 11 eTA destinations. In total, Netherlands passport holders can visit 191 countries without a visa, via a visa on arrival, or via an eTA. As a result, the Dutch passport is ranked sixth in the world. Apart from the visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries, there are 38 other countries where Netherlands passport holders require a physical visa or an eVisa (i.e. visa required countries).
In the Netherlands, nationality is determined only through jus sanguinis, and jus soli is rarely given. Therefore, if your parents are foreign citizens, you are not a Dutch citizen even though you were born in the Netherlands.
Citizenship by descent requires that you have a parent with Dutch nationality in order to become a citizen. Before January 1, 1985, citizenship by descent was exclusively handed down through the paternal line; however, from that date, citizenship can now be passed down through the maternal line. However, the Netherlands offer citizenship by option procedure, which is a faster and simpler approach to become a citizen, but you must meet a number of qualifying requirements.
Note: Keep in mind that the costs for citizenship by descent applications can vary and depend on many factors, such as:
* In the case of first generation citizenship by descent, we assumed ONLY administration costs, which will be around $100 or less (usually free if application is done in the same country versus foreign embassy or consulate)