Trade name (company name)

If you set up a company in the Netherlands, you must devise a trade name (company name). This name must meet the conditions of the Trade Name Act (Handelsnaamwet), which basically means that you have to choose a name that is unique in the sector and region in which you operate. You have to submit the trade name when registering with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). The Chamber of Commerce will pass on your details to the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst).

If you are under the impression that the business name of another company is misleading or confusing, you can start proceedings at a district court. However, starting July 2011, it is not possible to make a request for a national trade name investigation at the Chamber of Commerce.

Name change

If you wish to change the name of your company or if you wish to add an additional trade name, you should pass this information on to the Chamber of Commerce. You can use change form 14 for this purpose. The Chamber of Commerce will pass on the information about the name change to the Tax and Customs Administration within 5 working days.