Starting business in The Netherlands makes sense for many entrepreneurs thanks to a highly skilled and efficient workforce that speaks English, a favorable tax system and the availability of government funding programs. Several steps must be taken to set up a company in the Netherlands, including choosing the right legal entity type and registering it with the Chamber of Commerce.
1. Choose A Business Name
Choosing a business name is an important part of starting a company formation Netherlands. It is important to choose a distinctive and unique name, so customers can easily identify your brand. You should also make sure the name complies with Dutch regulations, such as those concerning trade names and trademarks. To register a trade name, you must submit it to KVK. Once approved, the company name will be listed in the Business Register, which is a public resource. In addition, it is advisable to check whether your chosen name has already been used by another company in the Netherlands or abroad, or is similar to a existing trade name or personal name.
It is also advisable to check whether your desired name is available as a domain name (website address) with the Stichting Internet Domeinregistratie Nederland (SIDN). If it is, you must register it with SIDN. You must also have the company name registered with BOIP if you want to use it as a trademark.
2. Register Your Company
Once you’ve settled on a legal structure and chosen a name, you’ll need to register your company in the Netherlands. This step is vital for establishing your legal business presence and adhering to Dutch regulations. The statutory documents you submit during this process outline your business’s internal rules, governance structure and ensure compliance with local laws. To draft these documents, it’s best to visit a specialized notary public. Citizens from EU Member States and the European Economic Area can start a business in The Netherlands without applying for a visa. This includes those wishing to work in certain sectors, such as financial and fintech and life sciences, where strict European regulations apply.
For BVs and NVs, you must also draft Articles of Association that outline your company’s internal rules. These must be signed by a notary and authenticated. Once these steps are complete, your company will be officially registered and you’ll have access to legal protection and credibility on the local market.
3. Register Your Company With The Chamber Of Commerce
Incorporating a company in The Netherlands is an exciting step for any entrepreneur. However, it’s important to seek expert advice before embarking on this venture. This will help ensure that you choose the right business structure and obtain any necessary permits and licenses.
The first step is to decide which legal form your business should take, including BV (Besloten Vennootschap), NV (Naamloze Vennootschap) and an eenmanszaak or vof (sole proprietorship).
Once this is done, you can register your company with the Chamber of Commerce by submitting various documents such as articles of incorporation, forms listing shareholders or partners, a deed of appointment for directors and a statement of capital requirements. The timeline for completing this process can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your chosen company structure. For example, a sole proprietorship can be established in a day, but setting up a holding structure (which comprises 2 BVs) may require several weeks to complete.
4. Register Your Company With Local Tax And Social Security Authorities
When starting a business in The starting business The Netherlands you will have to submit some documents and comply with certain legal requirements. The timeline for this process varies depending on the type of business you are setting up. The first step is to choose the appropriate legal entity type for your company. This may include a public limited company (NV), private limited company (BV) or limited partnership (CV). The choice depends on the size of your company, your taxation preferences and other factors.
Once you have chosen a legal entity type, you will need to prepare various forms and register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). During this process, you will need to submit articles of association, lists of shareholders or partners and proof of identity for all directors. All documents must be prepared and notarized by a public notary. Tetra Consultants can assist with the preparation and notarization of these documents. In addition, we can help you to set up a business bank account and obtain any necessary licenses or permits that your company requires.
Conclusion
Starting business The Netherlands can seem daunting but with the right guidance it can be done quickly and efficiently. Bolder Launch can help you with the legal processes involved in setting up a company including applying for tax numbers like the corporate income taxes (CIT) and value added taxes (VAT). The Netherlands offers a highly skilled and diverse workforce and an excellent physical and digital infrastructure. Its attractive tax incentives and liberal Dutch culture make it a prime location for your business.
