Open your company in the Netherlands

How to open a company in the Netherlands?

Becoming self-employed or creating a company or group of companies can be a difficult job with many obstacles in the Netherlands.
Especially, if you consider that you may have to dive into a number of regulations and information which is mostly drafted in Dutch.

Avoid becoming lost in translation and confusing laws. Get in touch with Bucare.

In summary, opening a company in the Netherlands entails the following:

1. Define the most convenient type of company according to the project or business model.
2. Fill out the form prepared by Bucare according to the chosen type of company.
3. Deliver the required documents, including identification of the founders or shareholders.
4. Fill out and sign the forms on the declaration of Politically Exposed Persons (PEP) and the Ultimate Beneficial Owner.
5. Submit the documentation for the incorporation of the company before the Notary.
6. Sign the deed of incorporation and bylaws of the company before the Notary.
7. Register the Company with the Chamber of Commerce (“KvK” in Dutch).
8. Deposit the capital of the company in the bank account created for the company.

The steps described above seem to be easy, but, in reality, each one contains several requirements and rules which must be carefully considered so as not to make mistakes and delay the process.

Bucare Consultancy offers our clients the facilities in the constitution of the company, in your own language and with specialized commercial advice with more than 13 years of work experience. We will guarantee your business project is solid from the beginning.

Why set up a business in the Netherlands?

In addition to having the largest port in Europe, the Netherlands has an strategic location which serves as the main gateway to a market of more than 180 million consumers within a radius of 800 km.

Setting up a company in the Netherlands will definitely boost your business and will provide you with interesting tax advantages.

Advantages of setting up a company in the Netherlands

One of the advantages of creating a company in the Netherlands is the liberal tax regime which provides greater benefits in taxes applied to profits and dividends. ​

For example, the Netherlands has one of the lowest tax rates for corporate tax in Europe, this year is 19% (with a profit of up to 200,000 EUR). ​

There is also a 30% discount on your personal income tax for individuals if you are a foreigner (european and non-european citizen). ​

On top of that, there are commercial and labor benefits that you can request depending on your type of business. Do you want to know more about the advantages of opening a business in the Netherlands?

Types of companies in the Netherlands 

• Sole proprietor or trader (Eenmanszaak)
• General or commercial partnership  (VOF o vennootschap onder firma)
• Professional or public partnership (Maatschap)
• Limited partnership (CV o commanditaire vennootschap)
• Private limited company (BV or besloten vennootschap)
• Public limited company (NV or naamloze vennootschap)
• Fundation (Stichting)
• Association (Vereniging)
• Cooperative (Coöperatie)

Considering that the Netherlands offers a wide variety of options for setting up a company, it is paramount to define the type of company that suits your business model.

Requirements to open a company in the Netherlands

One of the most interesting advantages to opening a company in the Netherlands is that it is not required to live in the Netherlands. 

Hereby find a summary of  the key elements to establish the most common types of companies in the Netherlands:

Private limited company (BV)
– No nationality requirements for shareholders.
– As a company director, you are not obliged to live in the Netherlands .
– The minimum shared capital is €0.01 by a deposit in the bank.
– The accounts must be audited and delivered to the Chamber of Commerce.

Sole Proprietorship or Self-Employed (eenmanszaak)
– No nationality requirement for the founder
– Register with the Chamber of Commerce.
– Keep books and records of business operations up to date.  It is recommended to hire an accountant.

General or commercial partnership (VOF or vennootschap onder firma)
– No nationality requirement for the founder
– Prepare a partnership agreement, recommended.
– Keep books and records of business operations up to date.  It is recommended to hire an accountant.

Foundations:
– No nationality requirement.
– No minimum amount required for the registration of the share capital. 
– Legalize the foundation before the Notary and register before the Business Register.
– Keep books and records of business operations up to date.  It is recommended to hire an accountant.

Open a branch in the Netherlands

Opening a branch in the Netherlands is a great idea for any foreign company at a very low cost. There is no requirement to register with the Chamber of Commerce as a separate entity. In fact, a branch is considered as an entity that depends entirely on its parent company.

To open a branch in the Netherlands, it is necessary to define whether it will be a permanent or a non-permanent establishment.