Open company in the Netherlands
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Thinking of Opening A Company In The Netherlands?
Would you like to become an international entrepreneur? Then we strongly advise you to consider establishing a company in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is a small yet thriving and rich country offers foreign investors and business owners the chance to expand their companies internationally and, by doing so, generate much more profits annually.
Intercompany Solutions has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs from all over the world with company establishment. Therefore, we can advise you on all matters related to Dutch company incorporation.
Not only can we register your company in just a few business days. We also help you out with many extra services, such as assistance with all corporate issues. And you don't need to worry about finding any kind of insurance you need, and dealing with all legal obligations and requirements, such as the annual tax return.
If you want to know more about the process, then please read on for in-depth information regarding Dutch company registration. You can also contact us directly with any questions you might have.
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Open A Dutch Company As A Foreigner
The Netherlands is open to entrepreneurs from around the world to start a Dutch business as a foreign citizen. For hundreds of years, the wellbeing of this small but famous country has depended on international business.
This is also one of the reasons why the local residents are almost all bilingual, and in some cases, even trilingual. Approximately 97% of the Dutch population is proficient in the English language. Thus, the Netherlands ranks number one in the world when it comes to language proficiency with English as a second language. As a foreign entrepreneur, you can obviously benefit from this interesting fact, as it makes doing business internationally much easier.
Being able to speak English is one of the prime requirements in the trade business. We will discuss some other benefits of the Netherlands as a basis for your company later on, but first we will outline the establishment procedure shortly below.
This is also one of the reasons why the local residents are almost all bilingual, and in some cases, even trilingual. Approximately 97% of the Dutch population is proficient in the English language. Thus, the Netherlands ranks number one in the world when it comes to language proficiency with English as a second language. As a foreign entrepreneur, you can obviously benefit from this interesting fact, as it makes doing business internationally much easier.
Being able to speak English is one of the prime requirements in the trade business. We will discuss some other benefits of the Netherlands as a basis for your company later on, but first we will outline the establishment procedure shortly below.
How do I open a company in the Netherlands?
Opening a company in the Netherlands may require some extra effort if you are not a native speaker and are not familiar with the Dutch language. Of course, this should not be a barrier to expanding your opportunities overseas.
Our firm offers you the assistance necessary to open and maintain a business. We make sure the company formation is performed in compliance with all national as well as international rules and regulations. Where possible, we assist and try to receive relevant subsidies and permits.
Are you unsure about the legal form that best suits your company? If you want to open a company in the Netherlands, we can assist you by clarifying the due liabilities and taxes charged for different entities. We will discuss the various Dutch legal entities in this article too.
Our firm offers you the assistance necessary to open and maintain a business. We make sure the company formation is performed in compliance with all national as well as international rules and regulations. Where possible, we assist and try to receive relevant subsidies and permits.
Are you unsure about the legal form that best suits your company? If you want to open a company in the Netherlands, we can assist you by clarifying the due liabilities and taxes charged for different entities. We will discuss the various Dutch legal entities in this article too.
The convenience of opening a business in The Netherlands
Opening a business in the Netherlands is a highly efficient procedure, since you do not actually have to be here physically to establish a Dutch company. Hence, you are not obligated to come to the country for the purpose of starting a business as a foreigner. The procedure itself is also surprisingly simple, taking into account that you hire the services of a trusted third party that specializes in company establishment and incorporation.
Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of companies throughout the years to achieve just that: a successful Dutch business.
Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of companies throughout the years to achieve just that: a successful Dutch business.
We provide the following services related to opening a Dutch company as a foreigner:
- We take care of the entire registration procedure at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce
- Obtaining a Dutch VAT number
- Notary services when you want to establish an incorporated legal entity
- Applying for a bank account for the company
- Obtaining an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number
- Applying for visas and other necessary work permits
- Different forms of financial services, including taking care of periodical tax returns
- Finding necessary corporate insurance
- Professional secretarial services
- Referral services to trusted third parties for services we do not offer
As you can see, we offer an extensive package of services that includes every step of the business registration process as well as services beyond company establishment. We also assist many already-established entrepreneurs with day-to-day challenges and tasks. When you are interested in starting your own Dutch business, you only have to complete a short checklist, send us a copy of your personal identification document, and provide evidence of your permanent address. We will deal with all other details regarding the company's establishment in the Netherlands as a foreign individual. The process itself usually takes less than 5 business days, which means you can start your operating activities almost instantly.
Why choose the Netherlands to establish a company?
There are many reasons why the Netherlands is a top pick if you are considering opening a company in the European Union (EU) or overseas in general.
First and foremost, direct access to the EU provides you with plenty of opportunities and puts you in a leading position concerning international business. Especially if you aim to expand internationally, since the EU and the Netherlands in particular are seen as gateways to the rest of the world.
Also, you will be able to benefit from the EU Single Market, which makes trade between countries much faster, more efficient, and easier. Holland is known for its international trade capacity and is strategically positioned to achieve this end. You have access to the port of Rotterdam and Schiphol airport, which are just a bit more than an hour's drive from each other.
There are other factors that make the Netherlands a fantastic place for entrepreneurs. The climate is extremely competitive and business-friendly, while the government actively stimulates (foreign) entrepreneurship to attract a colorful multitude of international companies. Many world-famous brands already have their headquarters or subsidiaries here, such as Panasonic, Discovery, Google and similar large multinational corporations.
If you plan on hiring staff, you can choose from an almost entirely bilingual or even trilingual workforce. The Dutch are well-trained and highly educated, since there are many excellent universities in the country. The environment is very open to foreign influence, hence the extremely high level of diversity in the country. It doesn’t matter where you come from, you are always welcomed here with open arms.
First and foremost, direct access to the EU provides you with plenty of opportunities and puts you in a leading position concerning international business. Especially if you aim to expand internationally, since the EU and the Netherlands in particular are seen as gateways to the rest of the world.
Also, you will be able to benefit from the EU Single Market, which makes trade between countries much faster, more efficient, and easier. Holland is known for its international trade capacity and is strategically positioned to achieve this end. You have access to the port of Rotterdam and Schiphol airport, which are just a bit more than an hour's drive from each other.
There are other factors that make the Netherlands a fantastic place for entrepreneurs. The climate is extremely competitive and business-friendly, while the government actively stimulates (foreign) entrepreneurship to attract a colorful multitude of international companies. Many world-famous brands already have their headquarters or subsidiaries here, such as Panasonic, Discovery, Google and similar large multinational corporations.
If you plan on hiring staff, you can choose from an almost entirely bilingual or even trilingual workforce. The Dutch are well-trained and highly educated, since there are many excellent universities in the country. The environment is very open to foreign influence, hence the extremely high level of diversity in the country. It doesn’t matter where you come from, you are always welcomed here with open arms.
Some Of Our Recent Clients
Intercompany Solutions is a well known brand in the Netherlands and abroad as a trusted incorporating agent in the Netherlands. We are constantly looking for opportunities to share our solutions with foreign entrepreneurs.
What type of company should I form in the Netherlands?
There are many legal entities to choose from in the Netherlands, which can make the decision for one particular business form a bit complicated if you don’t know much about such topics. In general, each separate legal entity has its own benefits and pitfalls, whilst all legal entities are also tailored to certain business types and goals. Above all, most foreign entrepreneurs that we deal with start a Dutch BV in the Netherlands. One of the reasons for this choice is that the Dutch BV does not require you to be an official resident of the Netherlands to establish this type of company. Next to that, the Dutch BV is a limited liability company, so in the event of the bankruptcy of the company, you do not have personal liability towards the creditors. Even though most of our clients prefer the Dutch BV, we will list all possible legal entities below.
The various company types in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, you can choose from a wide variety of legal business entities. There is a significant distinction between unincorporated business structures and incorporated business structures. The main difference between these two is that there is no distinction between your private and business assets in an unincorporated business, whereas an incorporated business structure is seen as a completely separate entity by law. So if you create debts with your unincorporated business, you can personally be held accountable for them. If you choose an incorporated business, you separate private and business assets and thus enjoy protection from business debts in most cases; this is also known as limited liability. If you also want to enjoy the benefits of limited liability, the BV is by far the most suitable option for your business. In the case that you would like assistance with your choice, feel free to contact Intercompany Solutions at any time.
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Unincorporated business structures
- Sole proprietorship (Eenmanszaak or ZZP)
- Limited partnership (Commanditaire vennootschap or CV)
- General partnership (Vennootschap onder firma or VOF)
- Professional partnership (Maatschap)
- Shipping company (Rederij)
Incorporated business structures
- Private limited company (Besloten vennootschap or BV)
- Public limited company (Naamloze vennootschap or NV)
- Cooperative (Coöperatie)
- Mutual insurance society (Onderlinge waarborgmaatschappij)
- Foundation (Stichting)
- Association (Vereniging)
Legal requirements differ between the business structures, and there are also quite extensive differences in general requirements for establishment, the way you pay taxes, and the structure of each legal entity. The business structure that is most often chosen by foreigners is the Dutch BV due to the several practical and tactical benefits of this legal entity. If you would like personal advice about the best legal entity for your (future) business, Intercompany Solutions is always ready to assist you with any query you might have. There are some basic questions you can ask yourself to determine which legal entity might best suit your needs. These questions are aligned with the purpose of your company and the way you wish to carry out daily business activities.
The legal entities mentioned above all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that the Dutch BV is always the best choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
The legal entities mentioned above all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Keep in mind that the Dutch BV is always the best choice for foreign entrepreneurs.
What if you need a work permit or visa?
To establish a company in the Netherlands, you do not need to be a local resident. The entire procedure can be done remotely, without you having to obtain Dutch citizenship. However, if you would also like to live and work in the Netherlands, you will need a valid visa and possibly additional permits.
Please note that all citizens of Europe and the greater European area are allowed to live and work in the Netherlands without any extra documents. There are no borders between the European Schengen countries. But if you are from outside the EU or EEA, then you need to apply for a residence permit or perhaps a work permit.
Please note that all citizens of Europe and the greater European area are allowed to live and work in the Netherlands without any extra documents. There are no borders between the European Schengen countries. But if you are from outside the EU or EEA, then you need to apply for a residence permit or perhaps a work permit.
Self-employed visa
There is a special visa program in the Netherlands for self-employed people. This visa application has a point system in which a minimum number of points is needed to obtain residency.
The most important criteria for the self-employed visa are:
- A high level of education (Bachelor level or higher) for either the main applicant or his/her life partner
- A certain level of professional experience of either the main applicant or his/her life partner (Entrepreneurship and work experience both count as experience)
- The company that you want to establish needs to be in the interest of the Netherlands
- You need an active Dutch BV company
- You will earn sufficient income and can prove this via a business plan or previous income
- A very thorough business plan. A specialized business plan writer could assist you with the business plan.
Turkish citizens or long-term residents of another European country benefit from a simplified procedure, since they do not need a score based on this point system. Next to that, special rules apply for Americans and Japanese citizens who have signed friendship treaties with the Netherlands. The IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalization) fees for the application are around €1300. This does not include the legal fees or the fees for writing the business plan. If you would like to know more about help with writing a business plan, please feel free to contact Intercompany Solutions directly. We can either assist you ourselves or direct you to one of our trusted business partners.
Corporate tax requirements in the Netherlands
Once you establish a Dutch company, you will (obviously) also have to pay taxes to the Dutch Tax Authorities, as every company owner in the Netherlands is required to do so by law. Luckily, the country has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe. The base rate is currently 15% for sums up to EUR 395,000 profit, when your profits exceed this limit, you pay 25.8% corporate income tax. Next to that, this tax rate is probably set to decrease even further in the coming years. Please note, that you may also deduct costs that are directly related to your work, such as transport costs, costs that revolve around the office and relevant supplies, costs for accounting, marketing, sales, staff, etc. Furthermore, the corporate tax only needs to be paid on your profit, which is the amount that is left after the turnover minus the costs.
Dutch VAT rates
Next to corporate income tax, you will also have to charge VAT on your goods or services. Most businesses will have to charge VAT (value-added tax) on all services or products they sell in the Netherlands. The businesses are collecting this 21% on top of their sale prices, after which the total amount needs to be paid to the tax office quarterly. Please be informed that VAT is not considered a cost for business owners but only for consumers. The business owners only collect the tax and hand it over to the Dutch tax authorities. Also note that you may claim back the VAT that you have paid for your company's investments and costs. Sometimes this means that the VAT you paid and the VAT you charged level each other out, or you might even receive a sum from the tax authorities.
The current Dutch VAT rates are:
21% standard VAT rate
9% lower VAT rate
0% tax-exempt rate
0% for transactions between EU countries
The main VAT rate is 21%, and the lower VAT rate is 9% since January 1, 2019. For certain services, a 0% VAT rate applies. For import and export, or transactions between EU countries, a 0% reverse-charge VAT rate applies. You can find more information about the different VAT rates and the goods and services they apply to in this article.
Business registration at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel)
All companies formed in the Netherlands need to be registered in the national Trade Register, which is kept by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. There is a standard procedure to register any kind of legal entity, which inevitably varies depending on the type of company you choose to establish. For the official registration of a Dutch BV, the procedure Intercompany Solution uses is as follows:
You prepare the relevant documentation to send to Intercompany Solutions
The public notary incorporates your Dutch BV
We will verify the documents you sent and let you know if there are any discrepancies
The public notary publishes the deed of incorporation to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
We also check the availability of the company name
From that moment on, your company has a KvK-number and can be found in the trade register
We will then send the documents to a specialized public notary
The company is now fully formed, and you may apply for a VAT number
You pay the share capital to the company account, or the notary if you do not have a corporate bank account yet
You or Intercompany Solutions will apply for a Dutch business bank account
These are basically all the necessary steps for the incorporation procedure. In general, these steps take a few business days to finish. So you can already start working with your new company in less than 5 business days. If you already have all the documents we need for the establishment of your company, the entire process can sometimes be realized within just one or two days. Please contact us for more detailed information about the procedure.
Media
Intercompany Solutions CEO Bjorn Wagemakers and client Brian Mckenzie are featured in a report for The National (CBC News) ‘Dutch Economy braces for the worst with Brexit’, in a visit to our notary public on 12 February 2019.
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Intercompany Solutions is a well known brand in the Netherlands and abroad as a trusted incorporating agent in the Netherlands. We are constantly looking for opportunities to share our solutions with foreign entrepreneurs.
Why use Intercompany Solutions for the incorporation of a Dutch company?
Operating since 2017, our company has helped thousands of clients from 50+ countries set up their businesses in the Netherlands. Our clients range from small business owners opening their first company to multinationals opening a subsidiary in the Netherlands. Some of the main advantages of working with us include (but are definitely not limited to):
- We always offer a free initial consultation
- We have incorporated and assisted 1000+ companies over the years; we know what we are doing
- We provide all services you need to start in the Netherlands, from company formation to bank account applications, secretarial services, VAT applications, and accounting
- We take care of the whole procedure from A to Z, so you do not have to worry about the incorporation of your business
- We have the local know-how and skills, as well as an extensive network of interesting partners and third parties that might be of interest to your company
Due to our vast experience with the incorporation of companies in the Netherlands, we know all possible pitfalls and, as such, can avoid them for you. Next to that, we have become acquainted with many important organizations and parties within this field of work, which means that we can work with very fast processing times and short schedules. This doesn’t just save us a lot of time; it saves you as well. Therefore, you can start your company in just a few business days.
Our main service is to help you open a company in the Netherlands
We offer solid and practical package deals, depending on your specific wishes and needs. We can complete the establishment procedure for your company in just a few business days. Our clients come from all over the world, which means that we are acquainted with many different cultures. We can assist you in starting a business in the Netherlands as a foreigner without the necessity for you to travel to the Netherlands. Contact us whenever you want to, and we will advise you regarding the most convenient way to incorporate a Dutch BV or start another type of business. This consultation is always free of charge. After that, we will agree upon a price upfront, which we will charge you after we start working on the formation of your company.
Do you want to read more about opening a company in The Netherlands? Read our guide on How to Start a business in The Netherlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
On Incorporating Dutch Company
Do I need to have a Dutch director for my Netherlands company’s tax status?
No, around 95% of our clients set up a foreign owned company without a Dutch Director. We have assisted hundreds of foreign business owners with their accounting, in our experience, having or not having a Dutch director has never been a determining factor for any of our clients’ corporate tax status for their company of operations. The general rule, according to the Dutch law of Corporate income tax (Wet Vpb), article 2, section 3 states as follows: ‘’If a company has been formed according to Dutch law, then with regard to the corporate tax …. The corporation is regarded to be resident in the Netherlands.’’ (Updated on: 11-08-2020)
What is the added value for me to have a Dutch accountant?
Firstly, we will make sure your business stays compliant with the Dutch tax office. Our experience shows that many entrepreneurs who do not take our accounting services with their BV formation package, often end up with additional costs in tax fees for not filing the correct tax returns. Resulting in additional costs and paperwork. Secondly, you can focus on your main business activity without worrying about the Dutch regulations.
What other services do you offer?
We also provide our client with, assisting with appeals, company acquisitions (Share transfers, mergers and acquisitions), consolidation of accounting of small groups, corrections of tax returns, performing a final tax return and annual statement in case of closing the company, preparing balance sheets and income statements, requesting a fiscal opinion and writing any appeal or correspondence to the Tax Office.
If I don’t have any transactions, why would I need to have accounting services?
In the Netherlands, any existing BV company must file for annual returns, keep an organized accounting, and deposit the annual statement. Even if they do not have any transactions or a VAT number. The Netherlands allowing a dormant company is a common misconception, the Netherlands does NOT recognize ‘dormant companies’.
Am I, as foreign entrepreneur required to know all accounting and tax requirements in the Netherlands?
No, Intercompany Solutions will make sure you fulfill all requirements. We guarantee that your corporate accounting will be in order. We will handle the filing of your tax returns and performing the annual legal formalities.
What is the benefit of having ICS request a VAT number for my firm?
We are specialized in exactly these matters for foreign businessmen. Because of this your success rate will be much higher and the process will be much smoother using our accounting services.
Need more information on Intercompany Solutions?
Ready to discuss your needs and thoughts? Contact us and our team will be ready to assist you in your journey to the Netherlands.
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