How to start a business in the Netherlands – a checklist
How may a business be established in the Netherlands? You must register your business with the KVK and register for Dutch taxes. Discover what else by using this checklist.
Do you wish to establish a company in the Netherlands? There are numerous laws and regulations to abide by. Use this checklist to learn the steps involved in forming a business in the Netherlands. This list serves as a general instruction. Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to take further action. For instance, you must abide by the laws and regulations that apply to your place of business.
1. Check whether you fulfill the conditions for staying in the Netherlands
There are a variety of requirements that entrepreneurs must meet in order to remain in the Netherlands (see Coming to the Netherlands). You will typically need to apply for a temporary (MVV) and permanent residence permit if you are not an EU citizen. If you are a creative startup, you might be eligible for a startup visa.
You must also have or apply for a business bank account if you intend to start a business in the Netherlands (IBAN). To assist you in determining your eligibility, the Dutch Banking Association (Nederlandse Vereniging van Bankenspan) has developed a Quick Scan. Read the instructions.
2. Write a business plan
When starting your own company, it is beneficial to prepare a business plan. You should consider company formation and the legal business structure you wish to use while writing your business plan. What will you produce or sell, who will be your customers, and how will you secure funding? Is there a market in the Netherlands for your good or service? If you want to have a chance of succeeding, you must have thought about all of these issues before starting.
3. Different starting points
You might be launching your business as a creative startup, with the help of an unemployment benefit, a job, or while still in school or as a minor. Find out which particular conditions are relevant to your situation.
4. Select a legal business structure (rechtsvorm)
The initial step for new business owners is to choose a formal business structure, such as a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or a private limited company (bv). Your legal structure will define your tax and liability responsibilities.
5. Choose a trading name for your company
Selecting a company name is another step in starting your own business (also called a trading name). To register your business with KVK and the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister), you must have one.
6. Register with the Dutch Business Register and Dutch Tax Administration
At the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce, new enterprises must register with the Dutch Business Register (KVK).
KVK will provide the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration with information about you once you have registered in the Business Register (Belastingdienst). Both private limited corporations and public limited firms must register through a notary public under civil law. The Dutch Tax Administration registration will be handled on your behalf by the notary. You may only need to register with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration if you conduct business in the Netherlands but your firm is not based there permanently.
7. Register as an employer for payroll taxes and social security
You must first register with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration as an employer if you wish to hire employees.
8. Check whether you need professional qualifications
A separate qualification is typically not required to start a business in the Netherlands. However, certain professions do require professional qualifications.
9. Consult the zoning plan for your business location
You might desire to build your company in a specific area. Make sure the place you choose complies with the municipal zoning plan (bestemmingsplan). If so, you can still carry out your plans by requesting an Omgevingsvergunning, or All-in-One Permit for Physical Aspects. Additionally, you can request a zoning plan amendment from the municipality.
10. Be aware of Dutch environmental regulations
You must give your local municipality a notification of environmental management if your business operations will have an influence on the environment. An All-in-One Permit for Physical Aspects may occasionally be required (Omgevingsvergunning).
11. Take fire safety measures for your business premises
If your company is located in a building or another piece of real estate, you must take precautions to ensure fire safety. Most of the time, you have to give your neighborhood municipality a notification of occupancy. You must also submit an application for an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects if your company poses a greater fire risk (Omgevingsvergunning).
12. Report a home business
You must typically notify your local municipality of your plans to operate a business out of your house. Various tax and mortgage considerations must also be taken into consideration.
13. Apply for an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects for building activities
You typically require an All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects if you plan to construct, modify, or renovate your business premises (Omgevingsvergunning). Your neighborhood municipality is where you can get this permit.
14. Draw up general terms and conditions
General terms and conditions define the rights and obligations of both you and your consumers. Although you are not necessarily to draw them up, having them is helpful. Make your general terms and conditions known to your customers.
15. Create your business accounts
Create your business accounts as soon as you can because you frequently have expenses before your company is formally launched. You must keep accounts and hold onto them for 7 years by law in the Netherlands.
16. Check whether you need insurance
You must purchase health insurance if you reside in the Netherlands or make a living there. Additionally, you must contribute to Dutch national insurance. In addition, there are numerous ways to protect the assets of your company in case of legal liability or any other risk that you cannot afford to assume.
17. Personal data processing
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs how personal data is processed and stored (Algemene Verordening Gegevensbescherming, AVG).
18. Support from Dutch government organizations
- You can get assistance from several Dutch government agencies when you launch your own business:
- The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) offers guidance on how to launch a company in the Netherlands. They can offer you suggestions on writing a business plan, conducting market research, and other matters.
- On the NL Platform website, you may find details regarding things like the Netherlands’ investment climate, the industries with the greatest growth potential, and the likelihood of finding regional business partners.
- The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration provides information on the taxes you must pay as well as how to maintain your accounts. It’s conceivable that you qualify for special programs.
- You can receive advice and help from the business coaches at Qredits Microfinanciering Nederland while you launch your company. They can assist you in creating your company plan as well.
- The Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS), Statistics Netherlands, provides statistical data on areas where businesses can be established. CBS has gathered industry-specific data that you as an entrepreneur may find interesting.