Step-by-step guide for starting a business in the Netherlands
Owners of a new business in the Netherlands must contend with various government rules. You can use this step-by-step guide to quickly determine which obligations you must fulfil.
However, the plan serves merely as a guideline. It is possible that you will need to fulfil other obligations as well. For further information, contact the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). The website of the Chamber of Commerce also gives suggestions on, for example, writing a business plan, taking out insurance and selecting business premises.
If you want to know more about the business climate of the Netherlands, sectors offering good opportunities and the practical aspects of doing business, visit www.hollandtrade.com, which is run by the Agency for International Business and Cooperation (NL EVD International).
1. Check
whether you fulfil the conditions for staying in the Netherlands
Entrepreneurs who intend to stay in the Netherlands must fulfil a number of
conditions. You will sometimes also require a residence permit.
2. Select a legal
form
Owners of a new business must first select a legal form (e.g. one-man business
or a private limited company). The legal form determines such issues as
liability and tax obligations.
3. Select a trade
name
In order to have your business included in the Trade Register, you will require
a trade name (company name).
4. Check whether you
require certain qualifications
You do not require a separate qualification to establish a business in the
Netherlands. You will require a specific qualification only if you plan to
practise a regulated profession. You must have this qualification recognised.
5.
Have your business included in the Trade Register
Business owners are obliged to have their business included in the Trade
Register of the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). You can register during the period
from one week before until one week after the start of your business.
6.
Register with the Tax and Customs Administration
You are also obliged to register your business with the Tax and Customs
Administration. For some legal forms, this can be arranged at the same time as
registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK).
7.
Register with a product or industry board
In some sectors, you are obliged to register with a product or industry board.
The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) can inform you whether this is the case for your
sector.
8. Consult the zoning
plan
If you plan to establish your business at a particular location, this choice of
location must be in line with the municipal zoning plan. You might be able to
ask the local municipality to amend the zoning plan or to give you dispensation
from it.
9. If you plan to run a
business from your home, notify your local municipality
If you plan to run a business from your home, you are normally obliged to report
this plan to your local municipality. You must also bear in mind various tax
issues.
10. Submit a notification
of environmental management
If your business operations will have an impact on the environment, you must
submit a notification of environmental management to your local municipality.
Sometimes you must also apply for an environmental permit.
11. Apply for a building
permit
If you want to build, make alterations to or renovate your business premises,
you will normally need a building permit. You can obtain this permit from your
local municipality.
12.
Request a Declaration of Independent Contractor Status (VAR)
If you plan to work as a self-employed person without employees (zzp’er), it's
advisable to request a Declaration of Independent Contractor Status (VAR) from
the Tax and Customs Administration.
13.
If you are incorporating a BV/NV, apply for a Certificate of No Objection
(VVGB)
If you plan to incorporate a private limited company (BV) or a public limited
company (NV), you will need a Certificate of No Objection (VVGB). You can ask a
civil-law notary to apply for this certificate from the Ministry of Justice.
14. Create your
accounts
As you often incur expenses before the official launch of your business, make
certain to create your accounts in a timely manner. In the Netherlands, you are
legally obliged to maintain accounts and to retain them for seven years.
15. Check whether you need
insurance
If you live in the Netherlands or earn income here, you are obliged to take out
health insurance. You are also obliged to pay Dutch national insurance
contributions.
