A Step-by-Step guide

The Netherlands is a great destination for starting a business, thanks to its robust economy, thriving culture and open-mindedness. Whether you are looking to set up a retail shop or an online business, registering your company in the Netherlands is key to success. 

In this guide, we will be discussing the steps you need to take to register your company in the Netherlands.

These are the steps in bullet points (all steps are explained below):

• Have your papers in order to enter the Netherlands
• Check all requirements for setting-up a Dutch company
• Choose your business structure
• Register your company with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
• Obtain a Tax Identification Number
• Arrange banking and insurance
• Register With Social Security
• File Your Taxes
• Find the right guidance

Have your papers in order to enter the Netherlands

You have several ways to have valid papers to enter the Netherlands. If you are from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland you will need a residence permit or a start-up visa to stay and start your business. If you want to register your business in the Netherlands you will need a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer) first.

It is also possible to register as a non-resident. In this case, you will need to have proof of a permanent address abroad and a temporary address in the Netherlands. Both need to be shown at the KVK while registering your company

An overview of requirements for setting-up a Dutch company 

Before you can register your company in the Netherlands, there are certain requirements that must be met. 

• You will need to have a legal representative or a board of directors who is registered with the Chamber of Commerce 
• You must have a company name and address 
• You will need to draft articles of association 
• Your company must have a minimum of one shareholder 
• You will need to appoint an accountant 

Once these requirements are met, you can move on to the next step.

Choose your business structure

Decide on the type of legal structure you want for your business. Depending on the type, you will likely need to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. This can be:

• An sole propiertor (eenmanszaak)
• public limited company (NV – Nederlandse Vennootschap)
• Private limited company (BV – Besloten Vennootschap)
• General partnership (VOF)
• Limited partnership (VF)
• Foundation (VOF)
• Association with notarial deed (Vereniging)
• Professional partnership (Maatschap)
• Cooperative and mutal insurance society

You can ask us advice to determine the best structure for your business.

Register your company with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

Once you have chosen your legal form, the next step is to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK – Kamer van Koophandel). 

You will need to fill out an application form and submit it to the Chamber of Commerce. You may also need to provide other documents such as your company’s articles of association, bank statements, proof of address and a copy of your passport or ID card. Once you are registered with the Chamber of Commerce, you will receive your registration number (KVK-number) and the RSIN-nummer (Rechtspersonen en Samenwerkingsverbanden Informatienummer).

The RSIN-number is provided to all business structures, except for to a sole proprietor. The reason for the chamber of commerce not issuing a RSIN-number to a sole proprietor is that the sole proprietor (independent contractor) is not a legal entity or a partnership, but a natural person.

A self-employed person is personally liable for the company, for example for the debts. This is in contrast to legal entities. The sole proprietorship only receives a VAT number (VAT ID and tax number). If you convert the sole proprietorship to a BV, the situation will of course change. Once the BV has been incorporated, you will receive a RSIN-number.

Obtain a Tax Identification Number

You will also need to obtain a tax identification number. After registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), the Chamber of Commerce passes on your registration and RSIN number to the Tax Authorities. Based on the details of your registration, the Tax and Customs Administration also determines other numbers, such as the turnover tax number, VAT ID and payroll tax number.

Arrange banking and insurance

Once you have your RSIN, the next step is to open a bank account for your Dutch company.

A business bank account is essential in order to manage finances and make sure that your company is compliant with financial regulations. You will need to provide your passport and KvK registration documents as well as proof of address in order to open the account. 

In addition, you may need to arrange insurance in order to protect yourself against potential liabilities.

Register with Social Security 

After you have opened your bank account, you will need to register with the Dutch Social Security. You will need to provide information about your company and its employees such as their names, dates of birth, and addresses. 

File your Taxes 

The next step is to file your taxes. This can be done online by registering with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. The taxes that you will need to file depend on the type of company you have registered. It is important to make sure that all your documents are in order and up to date before filing your taxes. 

Find the right guidance

Finally, once all these steps have been completed, you officially registered your company in the Netherlands and start doing business. Setting up a business can be daunting but with the right guidance, it is possible to navigate the process successfully and establish a profitable business in the Netherlands. If you need help setting up your Dutch company, feel free to contact us for professional guidance.

This is what we can do for you

At the Employer of Record the Netherlands, we can help take care of all these responsibilities on your behalf. Our team of experts is experienced in setting up and managing payroll and HR structures, as well as handling any necessary paperwork or administrative tasks. 

Additionally, we can provide you with valuable guidance and advice on employment regulations, tax laws and other important topics related to doing business in the Netherlands. 

By outsourcing your Employer of Record responsibilities to us, you can focus on running your business without worrying about the complexities of employment in the Netherlands. Our team is here to ensure that all aspects of employing staff are taken care of correctly and efficiently.