How to Start a Business in the Netherlands — a Step-by-Step Guide

Want immediate success? Start your business in the Netherlands!

The Netherlands offers a budget-friendly environment and various growth opportunities. For setting up a business in the Netherlands, you must follow various strategies and government rules. Below is the checklist that allows you to open a company in the Netherlands efficiently and smoothly. Scroll down and stick to the end for amazing facts!

How to Start a Business in the Netherlands — a Detailed Checklist

The steps and administrative action you need to start a business in the Netherlands include the following:

Check out the Conditions for Staying In the Netherlands

To start a business in the Netherlands, you must fulfill various requirements, such as creating a business bank account and fulfilling various conditions and rights to set up a business here. To check out these conditions, keep scrolling!

Set Up a Business Plan and Choose Your Company’s Name

You must write a detailed business plan and give your company a unique name. Ensure your company’s name is unique, clear, and appropriate, and the business plan explains your aims and goals, such as:

• Profit and loss sheets
• Running costs
• Annual projections
• Potential alternatives

Choose a Legal Business Structure

Next, set up a legal structure for your company, including Sole Proprietorship (Eenmanszaak), Public Limited Company (NV), Partnership (VOF), or Private Limited Company (BV). Whatever you choose will affect your various business aspects, such as tax, liability, and administrative requirements. 

Structure your company as you want. Check out whether you want to run your business by one or several owners, what its financial partners will be, and many other things.

Register with the Dutch Business and Tax Administration 

For your employees in the Netherlands, you will need to deduct & remit payroll, income tax, and social security contributions. Fulfill and understand your corporate, income, and VAT tax obligations, register your company at your office address in the Netherlands, draft articles of association, and register your company with KvK.

Fulfill Professional Qualification

To set up a business, you must fulfill professional qualifications such as doctors, architects, real estate agents, etc. To figure out whether your professional qualification is regulated in the Netherlands, consult the regulated professions database of the European Commission and check out its list.

Select the Appropriate Business Location

Next, choose a particular location in the Netherlands for your business according to your priorities. Check out whether the desired region will bring innovation, sustainability, and growth for you. If yes, set up your company here.

Beware of Dutch Environmental Regulations

If you have an idea that your business will affect the Dutch environment, submit a notification of environmental regulations to your local municipality or apply for an all-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects in the Netherlands. 

Arrange Your Financial Administration

If your business sells services and goods, apply for a VAT (Value Added Tax) number. It is essential for tax compliance, so consult the Dutch tax authorities. Dutch companies prepare annual financial statements according to Dutch accounting standards. 

Take Fire Safety Measures

If your company is located within a building, take fire safety measures. You will also need to submit a notification of occupancy to your local municipality. However, if your business has a higher fire risk, apply for an all-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects in the Netherlands.

Report a Home Business

If you want to work from home, report this plan to your local municipality and consider various taxes and mortgage issues.

Familiarize Yourself with Dutch Labor Law

You will also need to be sure you have a complete knowledge of Dutch labor law, such as notice periods, dismissal, contracts, social security, holiday pay, CAOs, and other employee entitlements.

Apply for an All-In-One Permit and Check out General Terms and Conditions

Depending on your business type, you will need specific licenses and permits. Ensure you have complied with all these national & European regulations and applied for necessary permits. Also, ensure that your employees and customers know your general terms & conditions. 

For innovative start-ups, also explore IP rights and apply for patents.

Create Your Business Accounts

To run your business effectively and smoothly in the Netherlands, create a Dutch business bank account. The Netherlands offers legal obligations to maintain and retain bank accounts for almost seven years. Select the bank carefully, considering its features, services, and financial needs. 

Find Staff

After establishing your company, find the right talent for a successful venture. The highly skilled team will attract international startups, companies, and investors, increasing your business. 

Check out Insurance Need and Process Personal Data

You must take health insurance in the Netherlands and pay Dutch national insurance contributions. For the storage and processing of personal data, you also need to follow general data protection regulations (GDPR). 

The Verdict

Starting a business in the Netherlands with a step-by-step guide makes the process easy. Establishing and running a business in the Netherlands brings innovation, growth, and success. So, why wait? Establish your company in the Netherlands now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Foreigner Open a Company in the Netherlands?

You can not only open your company in the Netherlands as a foreigner, you can also bring your desired business from abroad. However, you must fulfill certain conditions such as work permits in the Netherlands, legal residence, etc. 

Is the Netherlands a Good Country to Start a Business?

The Netherlands offers an innovative ecosystem, accelerating your business and offering co-creating solutions for a better future. The Netherlands offers growth opportunities and lets you achieve your goals and objectives smoothly. 

How Hard Is It to Start a Business in the Netherlands?

To start a business in the Netherlands, you must follow specific requirements and register your company with the KvK. You will also need a valid Dutch residence & address and a citizen service number (BSN).

Why is the Netherlands Attractive to Foreign Investors?

The Netherlands has a lower corporate tax rate and a predictable & stable economy. Its excellent infrastructure and a professional & skilled workforce make it an attractive place for foreign investors looking for fiscal freedom & economic stability.

How to Start a Business in the Netherlands — a Step-by-Step Guide

Want immediate success? Start your business in the Netherlands!

The Netherlands offers a budget-friendly environment and various growth opportunities. For setting up a business in the Netherlands, you must follow various strategies and government rules. Below is the checklist that allows you to open a company in the Netherlands efficiently and smoothly. Scroll down and stick to the end for amazing facts!

How to Start a Business in the Netherlands — a Detailed Checklist

The steps and administrative action you need to start a business in the Netherlands include the following:

Check out the Conditions for Staying In the Netherlands

To start a business in the Netherlands, you must fulfill various requirements, such as creating a business bank account and fulfilling various conditions and rights to set up a business here. To check out these conditions, keep scrolling!

Set Up a Business Plan and Choose Your Company’s Name

You must write a detailed business plan and give your company a unique name. Ensure your company’s name is unique, clear, and appropriate, and the business plan explains your aims and goals, such as:

• Profit and loss sheets
• Running costs
• Annual projections
• Potential alternatives

Choose a Legal Business Structure

Next, set up a legal structure for your company, including Sole Proprietorship (Eenmanszaak), Public Limited Company (NV), Partnership (VOF), or Private Limited Company (BV). Whatever you choose will affect your various business aspects, such as tax, liability, and administrative requirements. 

Structure your company as you want. Check out whether you want to run your business by one or several owners, what its financial partners will be, and many other things.

Register with the Dutch Business and Tax Administration 

For your employees in the Netherlands, you will need to deduct & remit payroll, income tax, and social security contributions. Fulfill and understand your corporate, income, and VAT tax obligations, register your company at your office address in the Netherlands, draft articles of association, and register your company with KvK.

Fulfill Professional Qualification

To set up a business, you must fulfill professional qualifications such as doctors, architects, real estate agents, etc. To figure out whether your professional qualification is regulated in the Netherlands, consult the regulated professions database of the European Commission and check out its list.

Select the Appropriate Business Location

Next, choose a particular location in the Netherlands for your business according to your priorities. Check out whether the desired region will bring innovation, sustainability, and growth for you. If yes, set up your company here.

Beware of Dutch Environmental Regulations

If you have an idea that your business will affect the Dutch environment, submit a notification of environmental regulations to your local municipality or apply for an all-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects in the Netherlands. 

Arrange Your Financial Administration

If your business sells services and goods, apply for a VAT (Value Added Tax) number. It is essential for tax compliance, so consult the Dutch tax authorities. Dutch companies prepare annual financial statements according to Dutch accounting standards. 

Take Fire Safety Measures

If your company is located within a building, take fire safety measures. You will also need to submit a notification of occupancy to your local municipality. However, if your business has a higher fire risk, apply for an all-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects in the Netherlands.

Report a Home Business

If you want to work from home, report this plan to your local municipality and consider various taxes and mortgage issues.

Familiarize Yourself with Dutch Labor Law

You will also need to be sure you have a complete knowledge of Dutch labor law, such as notice periods, dismissal, contracts, social security, holiday pay, CAOs, and other employee entitlements.

Apply for an All-In-One Permit and Check out General Terms and Conditions

Depending on your business type, you will need specific licenses and permits. Ensure you have complied with all these national & European regulations and applied for necessary permits. Also, ensure that your employees and customers know your general terms & conditions. 

For innovative start-ups, also explore IP rights and apply for patents.

Create Your Business Accounts

To run your business effectively and smoothly in the Netherlands, create a Dutch business bank account. The Netherlands offers legal obligations to maintain and retain bank accounts for almost seven years. Select the bank carefully, considering its features, services, and financial needs. 

Find Staff

After establishing your company, find the right talent for a successful venture. The highly skilled team will attract international startups, companies, and investors, increasing your business. 

Check out Insurance Need and Process Personal Data

You must take health insurance in the Netherlands and pay Dutch national insurance contributions. For the storage and processing of personal data, you also need to follow general data protection regulations (GDPR). 

The Verdict

Starting a business in the Netherlands with a step-by-step guide makes the process easy. Establishing and running a business in the Netherlands brings innovation, growth, and success. So, why wait? Establish your company in the Netherlands now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Foreigner Open a Company in the Netherlands?

You can not only open your company in the Netherlands as a foreigner, you can also bring your desired business from abroad. However, you must fulfill certain conditions such as work permits in the Netherlands, legal residence, etc. 

Is the Netherlands a Good Country to Start a Business?

The Netherlands offers an innovative ecosystem, accelerating your business and offering co-creating solutions for a better future. The Netherlands offers growth opportunities and lets you achieve your goals and objectives smoothly. 

How Hard Is It to Start a Business in the Netherlands?

To start a business in the Netherlands, you must follow specific requirements and register your company with the KvK. You will also need a valid Dutch residence & address and a citizen service number (BSN).

Why is the Netherlands Attractive to Foreign Investors?

The Netherlands has a lower corporate tax rate and a predictable & stable economy. Its excellent infrastructure and a professional & skilled workforce make it an attractive place for foreign investors looking for fiscal freedom & economic stability.