The costs at a glance
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IND application fee | €423 | ind.nl, checked October 2026 |
| Minimum capital | €4,500 | Stays in your business; it isn’t a fee |
| Minimum capital for an NV | €11,250 | Only if you choose an NV |
| Opening balance sheet | from €495 excl. VAT | Our partner’s price; check their page |
| Extension application | €423 | Listed on the IND fee page |
The €4,500 is money you invest in your own company. It remains yours, as the business’s equity.
Why some sites say €380
One immigration firm lists the IND fee as €380. That’s almost certainly an older figure: the IND adjusts its fees every year, and its own page currently says “The application costs € 423,00.” Use the ind.nl figure, and check it again shortly before you apply.
How long the decision takes
The IND must decide within 90 days. Some sites write “three months”, which is the same period. The IND can extend it by up to 6 months, for example when it needs advice from another government body or your file is incomplete.
Firms that handle these applications report decisions in 1 to 2 months under the current way of working, since the IND no longer checks the business conditions up front. That’s experience, not a guarantee.
The full timeline
- Prepare your documents and apostilles in Japan.
- Submit the application and pay the fee.
- Decision: within 90 days.
- Register with the KVK and invest the €4,500: within 6 months of the decision letter.
- First permit valid for up to 2 years.
- Extension: apply in the 3 months before your permit expires.
Next steps
See Opening balance sheet for the one document that matters most at renewal.