Intercompany Solutions: Starting a business in the Netherlands

Starting a business in the Netherlands typically takes 3–5 business days and can be done fully remotely. The most common structure is a Dutch BV (private limited company).

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BV OR NV

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BENEFITS IN THE NETHERLANDS

INCORPORATION PROCEDURE

Why Choose To Start A Dutch Business?

The Netherlands is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for business due to its low corporate tax rates, strong international trade position, and fast company formation process.

Information & Technology

High Tech Sector

Agriculture

Trade and logistics

Health Sector

Green and sustainable energy

Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals

Creative Sector & Arts

Corporate tax: 19% (up to €200k)
Access to EU single market
Highly skilled, English-speaking workforce
Strong logistics (Rotterdam, Schiphol)
100+ tax treaties

24-HOUR RESPONSE TIME

2000+ COMPANIES FORMED

BUSINESS LAW EXPERTS

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Why work with Intercompany Solutions?

Our experience with international entrepreneurs has allowed us to perfectly adjust our processes in order to ensure the successful and rapid establishment of your Dutch company. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed for all the services we offer.

Our Scope Of Expertise:

Starting a Dutch business: the complete package
Assistance with local regulations
Application for an EORI or VAT number
Accounting and tax assistance
Secretarial support: premium package

Associations And Memberships :

We are constantly improving our quality standards to continually deliver impeccable services.

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" during a visit to our notary public on February 12, 2019.

We perfect our quality standards to deliver services of the highest degree.

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Featured In

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.

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The Benefits Of Starting A Business In Netherlands

The Netherlands offers low tax rates, a stable legal system, and strong access to international markets, making it one of the best countries in Europe for foreign entrepreneurs.

Tax advantages:

Corporate tax from 19%
No VAT within EU (intra-community supply)

Extensive tax treaty network

Tax Rates for Companies in the Netherlands

Direct answer:
Companies in the Netherlands are subject to corporate income tax, VAT, and potentially dividend tax depending on their activities.

Tax Type	Rate	Applies To
Corporate tax (low bracket)	19%	Profits up to €200,000
Corporate tax (high bracket)	25.8%	Profits above €200,000
VAT (standard)	21%	Most goods/services
VAT (reduced)	9%	Food, books, essentials
VAT (zero)	0%	EU/international transactions
Dividend tax	15%	Profit distributions

👉 Actual tax obligations may vary based on structure and international treaties.

Business environment:

Ranked top EU business hub
Strong startup ecosystem
Political and economic stability

Operational advantages:

- English widely spoken
- Highly educated workforce
- Excellent infrastructure

These are just some notable factors that contribute to the Netherlands being a profound hub for foreign entrepreneurs, investors and multinationals. Nonetheless, small and unique foreign companies are very welcome as well. If you have an original business idea or plan, your chances of success are quite substantial in the Netherlands.

Advantages of opening a BV in the Netherlands

A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is the most common company structure in the Netherlands for foreign entrepreneurs. It offers limited liability, requires minimal starting capital, and provides a flexible and tax-efficient structure for international business.

What is A Dutch BV

A Dutch BV is a private limited liability company and a separate legal entity. This means the company is legally distinct from its owners (shareholders), reducing personal financial risk.

Key characteristics:
- Separate legal entity
- Shareholders are not personally liable for company debts
- Managed by one or more directors
- Can be owned 100% by foreign individuals or companies

Key Features of a Dutch BV

Limited liability: Shareholders are only liable up to their investment
Minimum capital requirement: €0.01
Flexible ownership structure: Single shareholder allowed
International-friendly: No requirement to be a Dutch resident
Recognized legal structure across the EU

Taxation of a Dutch BV

A Dutch BV is subject to corporate taxation in the Netherlands.

Main taxes:

Corporate income tax:
- 19% on profits up to €200,000
- 25.8% on profits above €200,000
VAT (BTW):
- Standard rate: 21%
- Reduced rates may apply (9% or 0%)
Dividend tax:
- Typically 15% when distributing profits to shareholders

👉 Tax rates may vary depending on international treaties and company structure.

Advantages of a Dutch BV

A Dutch BV is widely used due to its combination of legal protection and tax efficiency.

Main advantages:

Protects personal assets through limited liability
Very low capital requirement compared to other EU countries
Access to the EU single market
Strong reputation for international business
Eligible for tax optimization through holding structures
Easy to scale and transfer ownership via shares

When Should You Choose a Dutch BV?

A Dutch BV is generally the best option if:

You want to limit personal liability
You are operating internationally or trading within the EU
You expect to generate profits and reinvest them
You want a professional and credible business structure
You are a foreign entrepreneur starting a Dutch company remotely

Netherlands vs Other Countries for Starting a Business

Direct answer:
The Netherlands offers one of the fastest and most accessible business environments in Europe compared to countries like Germany and France.

Feature	Netherlands	Germany	France	UK
Setup time	3–5 days	2–4 weeks	1–3 weeks	1–2 days
Minimum capital	€0.01	€25,000	€1+	£1
Corporate tax	19–25.8%	~30%	~25%	25%
Ease for foreigners	High	Medium	Medium	High
Language	English widely spoken	German	French	English

How to Set Up a Dutch BV

Setting up a Dutch BV involves a few key steps:

Prepare shareholder and director information
Draft and sign incorporation deed with a Dutch notary
Register the company with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
Obtain a VAT number from the tax authorities
Open a Dutch business bank account

👉 The entire process typically takes 3–5 business days.

Timeline for Setting Up a Dutch BV

Direct answer:
A Dutch BV can typically be set up within 3–5 business days, depending on document readiness and processing times.

Step	Time Required
Document preparation	1–2 days
Notary incorporation	1–2 days
KvK registration	Same day
VAT number issuance	1–3 days
Bank account setup	3–10 days

👉 Average total time: 3–5 business days (excluding bank account delays)

Step 1

Select a unique company name that complies with Dutch naming regulations.

Must be distinguishable from existing companies
Cannot be misleading or restricted
Checked during KvK registration

Step 2

You must determine:

Who owns the company (shareholders)
Who manages the company (directors)

👉 A Dutch BV can be owned 100% by foreign individuals or companies.

Step 3

You will need:

Passport copies of shareholders/directors
Proof of address
Company structure details

These are used by the notary to draft the incorporation deed.

The Netherlands compared to other countries

The Netherlands is one of the fastest and most accessible countries in Europe to start a business, offering low minimum capital requirements, a strong tax treaty network, and a stable legal system compared to other major EU economies.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose the Netherlands

Fast company formation (days, not weeks)
Very low capital requirement
Strong international reputation
Access to EU market
Business-friendly tax system
Excellent infrastructure and logistics

Is the Netherlands the Right Choice?

The Netherlands is ideal if you:

Want to operate in the EU market
Run an international or online business
Need a reputable and stable jurisdiction
Prefer a fast and straightforward setup

Intercompany Solutions in the Brexit report

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 February 12, 2019.

We continually perfect our quality standards in order to deliver services of the highest degree.

LEARN MORE

Some Of Our Recent Clients

Frequently Asked Questions
on Business Establishment in the Netherlands

We receive many questions on a regular basis about company establishment in the Netherlands. Therefore, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions for your convenience. If you have a question that is not mentioned in this section, please feel free to contact us with your query anytime.

The establishment procedure and corresponding requirements

Can a foreigner start a business in the Netherlands?

Yes, foreigners can fully own and operate a Dutch BV without being residents. In some cases, a visa or residence permit may be required depending on nationality.

Do I need to live in the Netherlands to open a company?

No, you do not need to live in the Netherlands. Many companies are set up and managed remotely.

How long does it take to start a Dutch BV?

It typically takes 3–5 business days to fully register a Dutch BV, assuming all documents are ready.

What is the minimum capital required?

The minimum capital required for a Dutch BV is €0.01.

What taxes do companies pay in the Netherlands?

Companies pay corporate tax (19–25.8%), VAT (usually 21%), and possibly dividend tax when distributing profits.

Do I need a Dutch bank account?

Yes, a business bank account is required to operate your company and manage finances. Within Europe it is generally fine to use any SEPA account from any European bank or financial institution.

Can I open a Dutch company remotely?

Yes, the process can usually be completed remotely through a service provider or representative.

Questions about the Dutch BV

What is the difference between a BV and a sole proprietorship?

A BV offers limited liability and is a separate legal entity, while a sole proprietorship does not protect personal assets.

Do I need a Dutch director?

Not always, but having a Dutch director may be beneficial for tax substance and compliance.

Is the Netherlands a good country for startups?

Yes, the Netherlands has a strong startup ecosystem, access to funding, and a highly skilled workforce.

What is the cheapest way to start a company?

The most cost-effective way is setting up a Dutch BV with minimal services, typically starting from around €1,000.

Can I hire employees in the Netherlands?

Yes, once registered, your company can hire employees and must comply with Dutch labor laws.

We can assist with this and the payroll services.

Visas and citizenship

Is a visa necessary to enter the Netherlands? What is the procedure for obtaining such a visa?

EU residents are free to enter the Netherlands without any specific documentation. Non-EU citizens can stay in the country with a Schengen Visa (short-term) for no more than 90 days. For longer stays, you must apply for a visa at the Dutch Embassy in your country of residence. You can visit the website of the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service for in-depth information about visas, how to obtain one, and the necessary requirements to do so.

What is the procedure for obtaining Dutch citizenship?

A person may become a citizen of the Netherlands through business immigration, naturalization, an option procedure or marriage. Also note, that children of Dutch parents can claim citizenship. We provide general information and can refer to immigration partners/IND resources.

Legal questions

Can you list the main legal requirements that foreign entrepreneurs must meet in order to make investments in the Netherlands?

Foreign investors have the same rights to establish businesses as Dutch citizens do. In practice, it involves slightly different procedures, as a foreigner does not have a local home address or tax number.

Can you explain the requirements for employment in Holland?

The employer-employee relationship is regulated by the national Law of Employment. International employees have to obtain permits for work prior to arriving in the country (EEA and Swiss nationals are excluded from this rule). A written employment agreement needs to be drafted and signed. The agreement can be open-term or have a particular duration. This depends on the nature of the business activities.

How do I register a brand or a trademark?

The usual way to register a trademark in the Netherlands is to first incorporate a company and subsequently register the trademark locally. In some cases, it might be possible to register a trademark or brand in the Netherlands without establishing a company. Note that your brand or trademark needs to be entirely new and unique.

Download brochure: Set up a Dutch Limited Liability Company

Do you want to start your own business in Europe or The Netherlands? The Netherlands, with its international outlook, is a good place to start your own business. We will make it easy for you by providing our brochures with topics around Business Establishment, Legal issues and Business Immigration.

Download Dutch BV (FAQ)