Setting up a business in the Netherlands
23 October 2009by Ina Dimireva -- last modified 23 October 2009
The Netherlands is a developed country with a solid financial structure. Dutch civil and fiscal legislation are based on European law. The country offers a wide range of possibilities for international entrepreneurs to set up a business.
Legal requirements
As well as a smooth start-up, a new business also requires a sound commercial strategy and a secure financial footing in order to be successful.
Access to finance — Netherlands
Administrative procedures
The Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel - KvK) is the first port of call for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. It provides step-by-step explanations about the necessary measures to take in order to do business in the country:
Chamber of Commerce (KvK) [NL]
All persons (individuals and companies) wishing to start a business have to sign up to the Chamber of Commerce's company register within one week either before or after the start-up date.
How to sign up? [NL]
As a start-up entrepreneur, you need to choose one of various legal forms. Under some of these, you are held personally liable for company debts:
Partnership under common firm (VOF)
Under other legal forms, you are solely liable for the amount you have invested:
Private limited liability company (BV)
Joint stock company [NL]
European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) [NL]
Association (incl. cooperatives and mutual associations) [NL]
Foundation [NL]
More information about different legal forms:
You also have to choose a name for your business. The name must satisfy the requirements of the Dutch Company Name Act. This means you must choose a name that is unique in the sector and the region in which you are operating.
When starting up a business you also have to register your new company with the Tax Authority. Even if you are already registered as an entrepreneur, you still have to register your new company.
Registering with the Tax Authority [NL]
If you employ staff, you have to offer them a contract of employment and abide by its terms and conditions. This must also be notified to the Tax Authority.
Employment contract [NL]
Notifying the Tax Authority [NL]
Resources
The "Antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl" website makes it easier for start-up entrepreneurs to access information from the Dutch authorities. The website shows at a glance all the various do's and don'ts, e.g. licences and requirements, laws and regulations, taxes and subsidies.
Once you know the business location for your start-up, the kind of business you will be doing, your current income and other data, you can determine which subsidies you may be entitled to claim.
Subsidies and tax arrangements [NL]
The Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD) is the Dutch government's international business and cooperation agency. The EVD website, "Hollandtrade.com", provides general information about the Dutch market.
The website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists full contact details for foreign embassies and consulates in the Netherlands.
Personalised help and advice
The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) is part of the Agency for International Business and Cooperation (EVD). It helps and supports foreign businesses wishing to invest in the Netherlands.
Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency
Doing business in the Netherlands [NL]
The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) is the first port of call for new entrepreneurs. P ersonal advice is available from the following sources:
Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
KvK local office addresses and directions
Bilateral Chambers of Commerce (bilateral chambers) have two head offices: one in the Netherlands, the other in the commercial partner country. For example, there are Anglo-Dutch, Franco-Dutch and Dutch-German Chambers of Commerce.
Bilateral Chambers of Commerce [NL]
The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local partners.
Enterprise Europe Network – contact points – Netherlands
SOLVIT helps businesses deal with problems that arise when national authorities wrongly apply EU market rules.
SOLVIT – contact points – Netherlands
Source: European Commission
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