HomepageStep-by-step guide for starting a taxi company
If you intend to start a taxi company in the Netherlands, you must contend with various government rules and regulations. You can use this step-by-step guide to quickly determine which obligations you must fulfil. The plan serves merely as a guideline. Consult your local municipality regarding the order of the steps. It is possible that you will need to fulfil other obligations as well.
For more information, contact the Taxi Companies Social Affairs Fund (Sociaal Fonds Taxi), which is the point of contact for issues regarding occupational health and safety, general safety, and the collective labour agreement (CAO). Further information is available on the website of the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment.
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. Be entered 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.
3. Apply for a certificate of good conduct
You must apply for a certificate of good conduct (VOG) from the Ministry of Security and Justice. The VOG is required when applying for your business permit to operate a taxi service and your driver’s pass.
4. Complete the collective transport declaration
If your business is a general partnership (VOF), you must complete a collective transport declaration stating that the partners operate the taxi company at their joint risk and expense.
5. Apply for a business permit to operate a taxi service
You apply for a business permit to operate a taxi service from Kiwa Register. You must satisfy the requirements of professional competence and reliability in order to obtain the permit.
6. Apply for a licensing certificate for each taxi
You apply for a licensing certificate for each taxi from Kiwa Register. The licensing certificate should be affixed where it is clearly visible for your customers inside the taxi.
7. Apply for a taxi test certificate and meet the vehicle requirements
You need a taxi test certificate for cars that are used for passenger transport. In addition, your taxi must have been provided with a blue number plate, a taxi on-board computer and a taximeter, which must be inspected annually by the Netherlands Metrology Institute.
8. Apply for a taxi business card
You require a taxi business card to obtain access to the data in the on-board computer of your taxis. You can view the journey administration and the working and resting times and link this data to your business by using this card.
9. Obtain a taxi driver’s diploma
Every taxi driver needs to obtain a taxi driver’s diploma from the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Driver Testing (Centraal Bureau Rijvaardigheidsbewijzen, CBR). There are two different diplomas: a full diploma and a restricted diploma.
10. Apply for a taxi driver’s card
All taxi drivers must have a driver’s card, which can be obtained from Kiwa Register. The driver’s card must be kept in a place in the taxi that is visible for the traveller. You also need a driver's card to gain access to the taxi on-board computer.
11. Create and check each taxi driver’s personal work log and daily trip log
You must provide each taxi driver with a personal work log and a daily trip log in which the driver must record distances driven and work carried out.
12. Draw up a risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E)
A risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) is compulsory for every business owner who employs staff. You must have conducted a RI&E before your company opens for business.
13. Draw up a fares card and a complaints procedure
You must inform passengers of the fares you charge for journeys in your taxi, for example, by means of a fares card. You must also draw up a complaints procedure and bring this to the attention of your customers.
