How do you set up a business in the Netherlands? You must register your company at the KVK, and register for Dutch taxes. Use this checklist to find out what else.
Flowchart registering your business
Entrepreneurs who intend to stay in the Netherlands must fulfil a number of conditions (see Coming to the Netherlands ). If you are not an EU citizen, you will usually need to apply for a temporary (MVV) and permanent residence permit . Perhaps you are an innovative startup - in that case, you may qualify for the residence permit for a foreign startup . You will then receive a citizen service number ( burgerservicenummer , BSN).
If you plan to start doing business in the Netherlands, you will need an address in the Netherlands.
And you will also need to have or apply for a business bank account ( international bank account number, IBAN ). The Dutch Banking Association ( Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken ) has created a Quick Scan to help you find out if you are eligible. Read how it works.
A good start to your business, begins with a good plan. It helps to write a business plan when you are setting up your own company. In it, you outline your plans: think about company formation and the legal business structure you want to choose. What are you going to sell or produce, who will be your clients, how will you find financing ? Is there a demand for your product or service on the Dutch market? These are all matters you need to have thought about before you begin, if you want to have a chance of succeeding.
Read more about writing a business plan on kvk.nl/en.
Doing market research will help you understand the feasibility of your business plans. Through market research you analyse, for example, your competition and how you introduce your product or service onto the market .
Curious about the number of competitors in your region? For example for your business plan, competitor analysis, or marketing plan? KVK Company Counter allows you to check how many companies are located in a particular industry are located in an area, quickly and easily. Click here to use the tool .
To start your business, you need money. A financial plan will help you map out how much money you need and if you need financing. It will also give you an insight into your business opportunities. This will allow you to assess in advance whether starting a business will be profitable for you.
Setting up your own business also means choosing a company name (also called a trade name). A good company name is recognisable, sticks, compliant and unique.
To register your business in the Business Register of KVK, you must first select a legal business structure like sole proprietor ( eenmanszaak ) or private limited company (bv). The legal structure determines your liability, but also what taxes you have to pay and whether you get tax breaks.
If you want to set up a business, but you do not know which legal structure to choose, use our Tool for choosing a Dutch legal structure . It will guide you through some of the main considerations, such as liability, staff and taxes, and give you advice suited to your needs and wishes.
You are required by law to set up and maintain business records. So, make sure your records meet the requirements of the Netherlands Tax Administration. You will use your records as a basis when completing your tax return. Are you hiring staff? Then you need to register as en employer and keep payroll records .
To qualify for tax benefits through the entrepreneur allowance , you must spend at least 1,225 hours in a year on your business. You keep track of your hours in your timesheets.
For your business records, a retention obligation ( bewaarplicht ) applies: you must keep your business records for 7 years. Read more about keeping business records.
Also read the free Book of Finance for Entrepreneurs with practical tips from KVK on keeping track of your finances.
The ‘ Goede start belastingdienst’ website (in Dutch) tells you how to file returns and gives information on other tax- related matters. You also get tips on how to structure your records. And you get information about fiscal matters for starters. The live chat (in Dutch) allows you to ask an expert live questions. You can use English language.
Starting a business also means taking risks. Because you do not work for an employer, you are responsible for financial consequences yourself. For example, if you fall ill or in case of an accident in your business. Fortunately, you can insure yourself against many risks. For instance, with business liability insurance and disability insurance .
And by drawing up general terms and conditions , you also make it immediately clear what rights and obligations you and your customers have.
Do not forget about your pension. Since you are not an employee, you do not build up a pension. You need to make your own arrangements for your old age. Read more about arranging your pension .
Besides general entrepreneurial risk, you face security risks such as fraud and crime. What security risks will you face as a start-up and how can you mitigate them? Read about keeping your business secure on KVK.nl/en.
Which rules you have to deal with depends on the activities and location of your business.
Rules per industryAre you going to make or sell food ? Rules apply. And if you make, sell, import, or distribute products, then these must comply with European safety requirements .
Professional qualificationsCertain professions do require professional qualifications and diplomas.
Business locationYou may face requirements for your business premises. For example, if you run your business from home . Is this allowed according to the municipality's environment plan ? If you have a business premises, you must take fire safety measures to prevent and deal with fire. Your municipality can help you find out the laws and regulations that apply to your business.
Processing personal dataWill you be processing and storage of personal data? This is regulated by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) ( Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming, AVG ). Read our GDPR step-by-step guide .
Environmental requirementsBusiness premises must have at least energy label C Also keep in mind that you may have to separate your waste . Read more about environmental requirements .
Are you ready for the official launch of your business? New businesses must register with the Dutch Business Register at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. Read our step-by-step article to find out about the registration procedure, costs, etc.
Once you are registered in the Business Register, KVK will pass on your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration ( Belastingdienst ). You do not need to register your company separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration.
Private limited companies and public limited companies have to register via a civil-law notary. The notary will take care of the registration at the Tax Administration on your behalf.
If you do business in the Netherlands, but your company is not permanently established in the Netherlands, you may only need to register with the Tax Administration .
If the Netherlands Tax Administration includes you in its records as a VAT entrepreneur, you will be given your sales tax (VAT) number and your VAT identification number (VAT ID). Read more about VAT numbers .