If you would like to be your own boss, then the Netherlands is a great place to consider starting a business. However, there are several administrative issues expats need to take care of first. This page explains how to start a business in the Netherlands, from ensuring your ability to work, to registering with the Chamber of Commerce, and explains what other practical aspects you need to take care of.
Residence & work permits for entrepreneurs
To be able to start a business here, you must first make sure that you can stay in the Netherlands. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals are permitted to live and work freely in the Netherlands under EU law. If you don't come from an EU or EEA country, or you're not Swiss, then you will need to apply for a provisional residence permit (MVV) and in some cases a work permit (TWV).
Residence permit for self-employed
In the Netherlands, it is possible to apply for a residence permit as a self-employed entrepreneur. This application works with a points-based system, for which a minimum number of points must be met for the application to be successful. Importantly, the enterprise must serve an essential Dutch interest.
Startup visa for entrepreneurs
Since 2015, the Netherlands has also offered a special type of residence permit known as the startup visa. This one-year residence permit is specifically tailored to international entrepreneurs who want to launch a business in the Netherlands. You can find out more about both of these permits on our residence permit page.
Once you have ensured you can reside and work in the Netherlands, you need to decide which legal form your business will take. It’s important to choose a structure with the right fit, as this determines the liability for your business debts and tax obligations.
These and other related matters can be complicated, but there are professional services that can help you out with the formation of your company.
Here is an overview of all the Dutch business forms (rechtsvormen).
Unincorporated business structures (Rechtvormen zonder rechtspersoonlijkheid)
In these unincorporated legal forms, you (and your private assets) are liable for the debts of your business.
Incorporated business structures (Rechtvormen met rechtspersoonlijkheid)
In these incorporated legal forms you and your private assets are, in most cases, protected from the debts of your business.
Certain legal forms are better suited to certain types of businesses. For example, freelancers (ZZP) and small business owners usually choose the eenmanzaak structure, while the most common form for larger businesses is a BV. If you are a group of dentists running a clinic together, you might choose a maatschap, or if you are operating an NGO, you might choose a stichting.
Business registration at the KvK
When you have decided the type of business you would like to start, you need to register it with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, which will enter it in the Dutch Trade Register. Registration should happen in the period between one week before you commence operations to one week after.
To register your business you will need to be registered with your local municipality, otherwise you must provide authenticated proof of your residential address abroad.
You will need to select a business name (it’s possible to register more than one) and prepare a description of your business activities. It’s possible to check existing business names on the KvK search page (in Dutch).
If your business is unincorporated (such as an eenmanszaak or VOF) then you - and your partners if you have them - must submit the registration forms yourself at the KvK. Businesses with an incorporated structure (such as BV or stichting) need to incorporate their company via notarial deed, so the KvK registration forms are normally submitted by the notary.
The business registration process
Here is the process if you are registering your business yourself:
Find and complete the relevant KvK form
First complete a form on the KvK’s registration form page. Forms for all legal structures are available in both English and Dutch. You can fill out the form on screen and then print it in both languages. Text in the free fields, such as the description of your business activities, must also be translated into Dutch.
Alternatively, if your Dutch is good enough, you can fill in a KvK online registration form (inschijven bij de KvK). On this page, you will need to select "enterprise or corporation" (onderneming of rechspersoon) and then fill in a series of pages in Dutch on your business details.
Attend an appointment at the KvK
Once your form is complete, you need to schedule an appointment to visit your local KvK branch on the appointment page (afspraak maken). You will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:
- Your completed form
- A payment (usually 50 euros)
- Valid ID (passport, residence permit or Dutch driving licence)
- Your business address and contact details (including rental contract if your business is not located at your home address)
Once you register, you will be given a unique business number, known as the KvK nummer, which you will need to use on all invoices and outgoing post for your new business. You will also receive your VAT number in the post within 10 days.
Business plan and other issues
A fundamental part of preparing to be your own boss is to create a business strategy for finding clients and promoting your services. This includes making a website and financial and marketing plans.
Since you will be running a Dutch business it also makes sense to learn Dutch. This will not only help you manage your administration - especially when dealing with the Belastingdienst - but it will also help you to connect with Dutch clients and offer them a better service.
Recognition of your profession
In the Netherlands, there are a number of professions that are regulated, such as in the medical, scientific and legal fields. This means that you must have a recognised qualification in order to set up a business within that sector. If you obtained your qualification or diploma outside the Netherlands then you will need to get permission to practice in the Netherlands.
See the EP nuffic list of regulated professions in the Netherlands. To have your qualification recognised you will need to contact the competent authority shown under your profession in the list. For more information, visit the Dutch government’s page on professional qualifications.
Bank accounts for businesses
You will need to open a business bank account. This will make managing your business expenses a lot simpler. A separate account will also make sure your personal assets are protected, in case of fraud or bankruptcy. There are various banks in the Netherlands who offer bank accounts for entrepreneurs, for example:
Business administration
In the Netherlands, businesses are obliged to keep administrative records for seven years. This includes both electronic and paper records such as:
- Invoices sent
- Invoices received
- Bank statements
- Contracts and agreements
- Business activity expenses
How to format your invoices
When you create invoices for your business, you must number them consecutively and provide the following information:
- Date and invoice number
- Business name, address, BTW & KvK numbers
- Name and address of customer
- Description of the product or service
- Price excluding BTW (VAT)
- BTW rate and amount
Business taxes in the Netherlands
Your new business also needs to be registered with the Belastingdienst (Dutch tax office). It is wise to register as soon as possible, so that you can claim VAT deductions on the investments you make to start the business.
If you are starting an unincorporated business (eenmanszaak, VOF, maatschap or CV) then you can register with the Belastingdienst during your KvK appointment. If you are starting an incorporated business (BV, NV, cooperatie, stichting, vereniging) then you can request the notary to register your business with the Belastingdienst.
Tax breaks for new businesses
There are several tax benefits, collectively known as the ondernemersaftrek (entrepreneurs’ deduction), that are available for new businesses in their first years.
Business-related deductions
As a self-employed person, you can also deduct work-related costs from your annual income. This includes materials and equipment, transportation, services related to your business, the cost of leasing a workspace, or part of your rent if you work from home.
Insurance and pensions
As an independent business owner, you run risks that you are not exposed to as an employee. These can include:
- Inability to work due to illness or an accident
- Damage to your business from fire or burglary
- Being held responsible for mistakes or causing damage
Other factors that you are responsible for as an entrepreneur are:
Taking out business insurance protects you against such risks and can guarantee you an income if you are unable to work or if your business is adversely affected. While health insurance is compulsory for everyone in the Netherlands, other types of insurance are voluntary.
If you have employees then employee insurance (social security) is automatically deducted in the payroll tax you pay.
Terms and conditions
To help protect yourself against conflicts and claims of liability you can apply general terms and conditions to your products and services.
FAQ on starting up a business in the Netherlands
Are you setting up your own business in the Netherlands? Here are some common questions and useful links:
I need to convert my building for my new business. How do I get planning permission?
Each municipality in the Netherlands has its own zoning plan which dictates which business activities can occur in certain areas, as well as regulating any building or renovation work done to buildings. You can view your own municipality's zoning plan regulations here (in Dutch).
If your plans do not fit in with the municipality's vision, you are able to apply for a special permit or have the zoning plan amended. Note that this process can last a long time, however. More information on options can be found here.
How do I make sure my business is obeying environmental regulations?
Each business in the Netherlands is given an environment classification as "A", "B" or "C." If your business if classified as Type "A" then you do not need to worry about a permit. However, if your business if type "B" or "C" then you will need to apply for a permit.
Can I set up my business office in my own home?
Yes, but you must first check with your local municipality to see if it is permitted. If it is, you may also be entitled to some tax deductions on, for example, your interior design costs.
What about fire safety?
If you are concerned that your place of business may be a fire hazard and would like to make sure you comply with fire regulation, you can apply for an occupancy permit or submit a notice of occupancy.