Starting a business in the Netherlands from abroad

1. Learn about the Dutch business climate and culture

Once you have decided that you want to start a business in the Netherlands, it can be helpful to educate yourself about the Dutch business climate and culture. What is it like to do business in the Netherlands? What cultural aspects do you need to take into account? What should you avoid when doing business with Dutch business partners? Watch our webinar about the Dutch business climate and culture for inspiration:

Do you already have a business abroad, and do you want to expand your business activities to the Netherlands? You can start a branch office or a subsidiary. Read the article Setting up a branch office or subsidiary in the Netherlands to determine which is the best choice for you.

2. Which legal business structure do I choose for my business?

If you want to start a business in the Netherlands, you first have to consider which legal structure you choose for your business. The business structure most suitable for your company depends on several factors. For example, do you mind being personally liable? Do you have a business partner? Are you hiring staff?

The legal structure determines such issues as liability and tax obligations. Also bear in mind that if you choose a legal structure with legal personality, such as a private limited company (BV), you need a civil-law notary in order to draw up notarial deeds.

3. Do I need a business address in the Netherlands?

You need a business address in the Netherlands in order to register your business. Please note: you cannot use a P.O. box address as your business address.

4. How do I register my business with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK?

Registering in the Netherlands

If you want to register your company in the Dutch Business Register, you have to make an appointment with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Fill out the online form as much as possible before coming to your appointment. If you do not have a private foreign address (e.g. digital nomads), you cannot register yourself. There is a one-time registration fee.

In order to register with KVK, you need to bring the following:

• Valid ID;
• Copy of signed lease, rental or sales contract of your Dutch business address;
• Registration fee (card payment only).

Registering from abroad

In some exceptional cases, you may register with the Dutch Business Register from abroad. KVK will check whether you have sufficient sustainable economic activities in the Netherlands and may ask you for supporting evidence. In order to register, you need to fill out the registration form and send it to the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, accompanied with the following documents:

• Legalised copy of your valid ID;
• Copy of a signed lease, rental, or sales contract of your Dutch business address;
• Legalised original extract or official copy of a civil status record from your municipality or a document from an official institution on which your foreign address is stated (such as a bank statement).

KVK has several postal addresses. Which postal address you need to send your documents to, depends on where you register your business.

5. Do I need to register with the Tax Administration?

If you choose a legal structure without legal entity, like a sole proprietorship or a partnership, KVK will pass on your details to the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). They in turn will issue you with a VAT identification number (VAT-id), to use for correspondence and invoices to your customers, and a VAT number, to use for your dealings with the Tax Administration. You will receive these numbers from the Tax Administration by mail.

If you have chosen a private limited company, cooperative or public limited company as your legal structure, your civil-law notary will take care of the registration at both KVK and the Dutch Tax Administration on your behalf.

6. Dutch residency

Be aware that you do not obtain Dutch citizenship when you start a business in the Netherlands. If you intend to move to the Netherlands to live and work, you may need a residence permit. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst, IND) issues residence permits. To find out if you need one, check our interactive Coming to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur page.

7. Paying taxes

If you make an income in the Netherlands, you are subject to Dutch income tax. In most cases you have to file for an income tax return in the Netherlands. You also need to pay VAT on most products and services. In the Netherlands there are three VAT rates. You can obtain an exemption for some goods and services. The exact rules that apply to your situation depend on several factors. For example, what type of products or service do you offer? Do you import products or services? Are they from an EU-country or a non-EU country? You may have to deal with other taxes as well, depending on your situation. For example, do you hire staff? Then you may have to withhold payroll taxes. You may also be entitled to deductions or tax credit.

Since there are so many factors that determine which taxes you have to pay, we recommend you to ask advice from a tax intermediary. They can help you with all tax-related issues you may encounter when setting up your business from abroad. You can also have a look at the Tax Administration website for more information on taxes. If you still have questions, you can call the Tax Information Line for Non-resident Tax Issues.

8. Keep business records

If you have a business in the Netherlands, you are legally obliged to keep records and to retain them for at least 7 years. You must keep data related to immovable property for at least 10 years. If you supply electronic services, broadcasting or telecommunications services, you must also keep the data for 10 years. The obligation also applies when your business ceases trading within the specified period. Also keep in mind that if you run a company in the Netherlands with legal personality, you have to file your annual financial statements every year with KVK.

9. Moving abroad while continuing your business in the Netherlands

If you move abroad, but want to continue your business activities in the Netherlands, you have to have a business address in the Netherlands. You must also report your new private address to KVK. They will check whether you still have business activities in the Netherlands. When you choose to discontinue your business activities, you need to deregister yourself from the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, KVK.