Starting a Software Company in the Netherlands

Intercompany Solutions is your trusted Dutch partner for company establishment in our innovative and business-friendly country. We have already assisted thousands of entrepreneurs from all over the world with the incorporation of a company in the Netherlands. We also can help out with various other services, such as take care of your periodical and yearly tax returns and many other helpful services.

We aim to make the Dutch business establishment process easy and smooth for every foreign entrepreneur we work with, offering tailor-made solutions that suit you and your ambitions. We have complete service packages that cover the entire procedure, or can help you out with any given situation that arises when you already own a Dutch business. We offer our services for predetermined clear rates, that cover everything you might need. If you would like to know more about our company or its services, feel free to browse our website for more information. Or contact us directly for personal assistance.

Would you like to start a company in the tech sector?

Starting a tech or software company is a great idea if you enjoy solving problems, building tools that people use every day, or simply just want to be part of the future. Tech is everywhere nowadays. Whether via apps, websites, systems, data or artificial intelligence. So there’s always more than enough demand for new solutions. It’s also one of the few sectors where you can start small (even from home) and grow big, sometimes even quite quickly. You don’t need a factory or a whole office after all, just a laptop, internet, and a good idea.

The Netherlands is an especially good place for starting a software business. It has fast internet, an amazing digital infrastructure, and lots of people who speak English if you want to go internationally. Dutch customers are open to new tech, and the country also has strong laws that protect things like data, contracts, and intellectual property. There’s also a lot of government support for startups, such as grants, tax breaks, and highly professional forms of advice. Cities like Amsterdam, Eindhoven, and Delft are full of smart and tech-savvy people, startup hubs, and innovation centers. These are places where you can meet other entrepreneurs, find talent, or get expert help. Plus, you're right in the center of Europe, so it’s easy to scale internationally. So, if you’ve got a smart software idea, the Netherlands gives you the tools and support to build it into something real. It’s a country that values innovation and makes it easier to turn ideas into impact.

There are different types of technological companies

While this article is specifically about starting a software company, we would like to mention that there are many different types of tech companies nowadays. Maybe a software company is just without your reach due to your specific expertise? Then there are still other interesting options for you to choose from. We have also added some links to other articles and already existing successful companies, that discuss some of these company types in detail. 

1. SaaS (Software as a Service)

SaaS companies create software that people or businesses can use online without needing to install anything. You pay a monthly fee to use the service, which is basically like renting software in the cloud. One well-known Dutch SaaS company is Exact, which makes accounting and business software for small to mid-sized companies. This company has existed for decades and has built a solid reputation over the years. With SaaS, updates happen automatically, and users can access the tools from anywhere. It’s a great model for startups because it allows for steady income, easy scaling, and fast feedback from users.

2. FinTech (Financial Technology)

FinTech companies combine finance and technology to make payments or banking faster, easier and safer. One such Dutch giant is Adyen, which helps businesses accept payments online and in-store. Think of it as a superfast global cash register. FinTech is a booming sector, because people and companies are always looking for simpler ways to move money. It’s also a space where innovation can quickly go international, especially from tech-friendly countries like the Netherlands.

3. HealthTech

HealthTech companies use technology to improve health care. Whether it’s better diagnostics, remote care, or health data systems: health care is the core drive behind this sector. A big name in this particular sector is Philips, which has shifted from electronics into health-focused innovation. Philips is another one of those Dutch companies that has proved itself over and over again. They are excellent in staying flexible and innovative, to stay ahead of the game all the time. HealthTech in itself is an exciting space where your software or device can literally save lives. There’s strong support for these kinds of companies in the Netherlands, thanks to world-class hospitals, research centers, and health-focused investment funds.

4. AgriTech

AgriTech focuses on improving farming and food with tech. The Dutch are well-known farmers that export to all corners of the world, but now they also have the tech to back up brilliant ideas. For example, Dutch company Mosa Meat is developing lab-grown meat, which is a way to produce beef without needing to eat actual cows. This helps reduce environmental damage while still providing food for a growing world. Other AgriTech companies work on projects such as smart greenhouses, sensors for crops, or software that helps farmers track growth. It’s a strong sector in the Netherlands, which is already a global leader in agricultural exports and innovation, as we already stated.

5. GreenTech

GreenTech companies focus on eco-friendly technology that helps fight climate change or reduce waste. A great example is Lightyear, a Dutch company that is currently developing solar-powered electric cars, which will make electric vehicles finally actually eco-friendly. Such companies often work with solar panels, wind energy, or systems to save energy in buildings. In the Netherlands, this sector gets a lot of attention and funding, because it supports both climate goals and smart business ideas.

6. Software companies in general

Software companies build tools that help other businesses or individuals solve problems or work more efficiently. A great example from the Netherlands is Mendix, a company that offers a “low-code” platform. This means people can build apps with little to no programming knowledge. Mendix helps companies create their own software quickly, without hiring large developer teams. This kind of company is valuable because nearly every industry needs customized software today, whether it’s for logistics, customer service, planning, or communication. Unlike SaaS, which usually sells one ready-made tool, general software companies may build tailored solutions for clients or offer platforms that others build on. The Netherlands is a great base for this kind of work, thanks to its strong tech talent, international connections, and support for digital innovation. Software is the backbone of the modern world, and companies like Mendix are helping build it.

What sets a software company apart from other tech companies?

A software company focuses on creating programs, apps, or platforms that run on computers, phones, or the cloud. These companies write code to build tools that help people or businesses do things, for example managing money, tracking orders, chatting, or simply running a website. The main ‘product’ of a software company, as such, isn’t a physical item, but the code that powers digital tools. This can be something you download, use online, or have built just for your business or others.

Other tech companies, like those in hardware, GreenTech, or HealthTech, often work with physical products or combine tech with a specific field. For example, a GreenTech company might design solar panels, or a HealthTech company might create smart medical devices. These types of companies use technology too, but their focus is usually on improving the real world using both hardware and software.

What sets software companies apart is that their products are often faster to develop, easier to scale, and also even more flexible to update. They don’t need factories, just smart people with laptops and ideas. That means they can grow quickly and reach global users fast, especially through the internet. In short: all software companies are tech companies, but not all tech companies are software companies. Software is the brain; other tech can be the body, tools, or environment it lives in.

The steps you will need to take when you want to establish a software company

If you are really enthusiastic about starting a software company, you should take into account that this involves quite some preparation, planning and multiple steps if you want a successful launch of the product. Below, we have created a simple step-by-step plan for your convenience. This will enable you to follow a relatively straightforward plan, which will make it easier for you to focus on the end-product and make sure you cover all the necessary bases. 

1. Choose your software idea and target audience

Everything starts with an idea, but not just any idea. A good software company solves a real problem. So begin by asking: “What do people or businesses need help with?”. Look for a gap in the market: something that’s hard to do, slow, or annoying, and imagine how software could fix it. Your idea should be useful and easy to explain in one or two sentences. Then, choose who you’re building it for. Are they students? Shop owners? Freelancers? Hospitals? The more specific, the better. Once you know who your users are, you can build something they’ll really want and need. Remember that a simple, helpful tool is often more successful than a complicated one that tries to do too much. Take time with this step, it’s the foundation of your company after all.

2. Decide what kind of software company you want to build

Next, choose what kind of company you want to be. Will you sell your software as a service (SaaS), where users pay a monthly fee? Will you build custom software for other businesses? Or maybe create a paid app for one-time downloads? Each model works differently. SaaS brings steady income, but needs good customer support and regular updates. Custom software means you’ll need to work closely with clients and build something new each time. Paid apps may reach lots of people quickly, but need marketing and app store know-how. Also think about your long-term plan: do you want to grow big and hire a team, or stay small and independent? Your business model affects how you create, sell, and grow your software, so make sure it matches your goals and energy.

3. Do research and check the competition

Before building anything, make sure your idea hasn’t already been done before, or if it has, check if you can do it better. Look for similar software tools online and study how they work. What do people like about them? What do they complain about in reviews? This research helps you avoid mistakes and improve your idea. You’ll also get inspiration for features, pricing, and design. Don’t be discouraged if you find competitors, because competition means there’s demand. Just make sure your version adds something new: it could be easier to use, faster, cheaper, or more focused on a specific group. Also, talk to your potential users. Ask what they really need. You don’t need a big survey, just a few honest conversations can already give you powerful insights.

4. Build a simple first version (Minimum Viable Product)

Now it’s time to bring your idea to life, but always start small. Instead of building every feature at once, create something that is officially called a “Minimum Viable Product” (MVP). This is a simple version of your software with just the core functions. It helps you test if your idea works and if people want it, without wasting too much valuable time or money. You can build it yourself if you know how to code, or you can hire a freelance developer, use a no-code platform (like Bubble, Glide, or Webflow), or even find a technical co-founder. Keep it basic and simple. Focus on solving the main problem in a clean and easy way. Later, when people start using it, you’ll get feedback, and that’s how you’ll know what to improve next.

5. Choose a business name, register your company, and handle legal basics

Once your MVP is ready (or even while building it), choose a name for your business. It should be easy to say, spell, and remember. Check if the domain name is free (for your website) and if the name isn’t already taken. Then, register your company in the Chamber of Commerce (in the Netherlands, that’s the Kamer van Koophandel, or KvK). You’ll need to choose a legal structure. Many start as a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) or a private limited company (BV). Don’t forget to handle basics like taxes (BTW/VAT number), bookkeeping, and possibly a simple privacy policy or terms of service. This sounds boring, but it protects you, builds trust with users, and keeps everything legal from the start. It’s actually even mandatory if you want to do business from the Netherlands. Thankfully, Intercompany Solutions can take care of this entire process for you! We will describe how we manage this later on. 

6. Create a brand and a website

Now it’s time to show the world who you are. Start by designing a simple logo and choosing your colors, tone, and style: this is your brand. Your brand should match the kind of people you're targeting. Serious and professional? Or playful and creative? It all depends on the target audience. Then, build a basic website. It doesn’t need to be fancy immediately, just clear and friendly. Explain what your software does, who it’s for, and why it helps. Add screenshots or short videos if possible. You should also include a pricing page, a contact form, and maybe a blog or FAQ section. Don’t forget your domain name, email address, and social media pages. Even if your software isn’t fully live yet, your online presence shows you’re serious and builds trust.

7. Launch and get your first users

And then it’s launch time! This doesn’t have to be a big event, just start sharing your product with real people. Reach out to friends, family, early supporters, or people you talked to during your research. Offer free trials or early discounts. Post on LinkedIn, startup forums, or groups where your target users hang out. Ask for honest feedback, not just compliments. Watch how people use your software and which parts they find either confusing or helpful. It’s okay if not everything is perfect yet. Launching early gives you a chance to fix problems quickly and improve. It also helps you build momentum and trust. Many great software companies started with only a few users and grew slowly from there.

8. Improve and grow your business

After the first users sign up, your real job begins: listening, improving, and growing. Use feedback to fix bugs, add useful features, and make your software easier to use. Keep your users updated, respond to questions, and build relationships. Over time, you’ll understand your audience better and discover ways to reach more people. This can be through content, ads, partnerships, or word of mouth. As your income grows, you can hire help, upgrade your tech, or even expand into new markets. Growth doesn’t have to be fast, it just has to be steady and meaningful. Stay focused on solving real problems, keep learning, and remember to enjoy the process as well. Starting a software company is challenging, but also full of creative freedom and possibility.

Should you do everything yourself or hire third parties?

When starting a software company, it’s tempting to do everything yourself, especially if you’re trying to save money. And in the early days, that’s often the smart move. If you have the skills to build your own website, write code, or create social media posts, go for it. You’ll learn a lot and stay close to your product. But at some point, doing everything alone can slow you down or burn you out. The key is knowing your strengths and your limits. If coding takes you weeks and someone else could do it in a few days, it might be worth the cost. The same goes for design, branding, legal paperwork, or marketing. You don’t have to hire a full-time employee: freelancers or agencies can help on a project-by-project basis.

You should basically think of your time as valuable fuel. Use it for the all the things that only you can do, like shaping the product vision, talking to customers, or creating a solid strategy. For other tasks that take too much time or fall outside your comfort zone, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all, just make sure it all gets done well. Delegating is not a weakness; it’s how smart companies grow. And there are always people who can help you out in various ways. 

We can take care of the business registration process for you

As we mentioned before, we are specialized in the establishment of Dutch companies for foreign entrepreneurs. Maybe you already own a software company and would like to expand abroad? Or maybe you have a genius startup idea? In such cases, we can handle the entire incorporation procedure for you. In general, almost all of our clients choose to set up a Dutch BV due to its limited personal liability. This means, that you won’t be held personally liable for any debts you might create with your company. The best thing is always to avoid debts, obviously, but it is still a safety net that can save you when you get in trouble.

If you provide us with power of attorney, we can do everything in your name. This means you won’t have to physically travel to the Netherlands to set up your business. All we need is some standard info such as your name, a valid form of identification, the preferred company name (which we will check for you) and a valid Dutch registration address for your company. Once we have this, we will go to the notary and they will incorporate the company. Once you have paid the minimum share capital, we will register your company at the KvK and you will get your registration number and VAT number. From that moment on, you can start doing business from the Netherlands legally.

All the services that we can offer you

Intercompany Solutions has assisted hundreds of foreign entrepreneurs from over 50 different nationalities. Our clients range from small one-person startups to multinational corporations and everything in between. Our processes are aimed at foreign entrepreneurs, and, as such, we know the most practical ways to assist with your company registration. We can assist with the full package of company registration in the Netherlands:

• Company establishment in the Netherlands
• Application for VAT or EORI number
• Startup assistance
• Accounting services
• Secretarial services
• Legal assistance
• Tax services
• General business advice

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

Intercompany Solutions has assisted thousands of entrepreneurs with the establishment of a Dutch company

If you want to expand internationally, or simply have an amazing idea for a software company that you would like to start in the Netherlands: we can help you achieve this. With many years of experience and a large network of professionals in the field, we can take care of various matters for you in generally very short timeframes. We can also assist you with various other services that can help your company grow and flow steadily. If you are interested in our services and the way we handle things, make sure to contact us directly. We will gladly provide you with personal advice and a clear quote for the services you would like to use.