HomepageStep-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. This guide serves merely as a guideline. It is possible that you will need to fulfil other obligations as well.
Specific step-by-step guides for certain sectors and subjects can be found on the list of step-by-step guides on this website. In addition, you will find information about starting businesses on other websites:
- The website of the Chamber of Commerce provides information about creating a business plan and carrying out market research as well as about other issues. You will also find the addresses of local offices where you can go for information and advice.
- The entrepreneur coaches of Eigenbaas.nl can provide advice and can coach when you are starting your own business. They will also offer support when drafting a business plan.
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You will find information about, for example, the investment climate in the Netherlands, the sectors that offer the most opportunities and the possibilities of finding local business partners on the Holland Trade and Invest website.
Step-by-step guide
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. Enter your business in the Trade Register
New businesses must be entered in the Trade Register kept by the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce will pass on your details to the Tax and Customs Administration. You do not need to register separately with the Tax and Customs Administration.
6. 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.
7. 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. If this is not the case, however, you can apply for a permit to carry out your plans. You can also ask the municipality to change the zoning plan.
8. Report a home business
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.
9. 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 (part of the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects, omgevingsvergunning).
10. 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 (part of the All-in-one Permit for Physical Aspects, omgevingsvergunning). You can obtain this permit from your local municipality.
11. Submit a notification of occupancy
If you occupy a business property, you have to take measures to ensure fire safety. In most cases you must submit a notification of occupancy to your local municipality. Sometimes you must also apply for an occupancy permit.
12. Request a Declaration of Independent Contractor Status (VAR)
If you plan to work as a self-employed worker without employees (zzp’er), it's advisable to request a Declaration of Independent Contractor Status (VAR) from the Tax and Customs Administration.
13. 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.
14. 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.
