Start-ups

Validation date: 07/2009

Legal requirements

Legal forms

When starting up a business, the owner must choose which legal form it will take:

Under certain legal forms the business owner takes sole responsibility for the capital invested:

Business plans and evaluation

The business plan produced by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) makes it easy for a new business idea to be turned into reality. What will the business do, who will be its customers, and how will it manage its money matters? The business plan demonstrates whether or not an idea is feasible. It can also be used as the basis for finance applications.

  • Business planNederlands

To succeed, a new business needs a sound commercial strategy and secure financing.

Some standard requirements to be completed when setting up a business are the same as when opening a branch.

Administrative procedures

KvK is the first port of call for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. It provides step-by-step explanations of the necessary actions to be completed in order to do business in the country.

Registering a company

Anyone (individuals or existing companies) wishing to start a business must sign up to the KvK trade register within one week of the start-up date.

You must also choose a name for your business which needs to satisfy the requirements of the Dutch Company Name Act. This means you must choose a name that is unique in the sector and the region in which you are operating.

  • Choosing a business nameNederlands
  • Company Name ActNederlands

Registering for tax

When starting up a new business you must also register it with the Tax Authority. This applies even if you are already registered as a business owner.

  • Registering with the Tax Authority Nederlands

If you recruit staff, you must offer them a contract of employment and abide by its terms and conditions. This must also be communicated to the Tax Authority.

  • Employment contractNederlands
  • Conditions of employmentNederlands
  • Registering staff with the Tax AuthorityNederlands

Resources

The Antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl website makes it easier for business owners to access the information provided by the Dutch government. The website shows all the various relevant dos and don'ts on issues such as licences and requirements, laws, regulations, taxes and subsidies.

Once you know the business location for your start-up, the kind of business you will be doing, your current income and other data, you can determine which subsidies you may be entitled to claim.

  • Subsidies and tax arrangementsNederlands

EVD is the Dutch government's international business and cooperation agency. The EVD's website, Hollandtrade.com, provides general information about the Dutch market.

The website of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs lists full contact details for foreign embassies and consulates in the Netherlands.

  • Embassies and consulatesNederlands

Legal texts

  • Dutch Civil Code, Volume 2, Legal EntitiesNederlands
  • Trade Register Act 2007Nederlands
  • Trade Name ActNederlands

Still need help?

The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) helps and supports foreign businesses wishing to invest in the Netherlands.

KvK shows start-up businesses the way ahead, with personal advice available from the following sources:

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local partners.

SOLVIT helps businesses deal with problems that arise when national authorities wrongly apply EU market rules.

If you wish to establish a business or perform temporary cross-border services in the EU/EEA area (the 27 EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), turn to the 'Points of Single Contact (PSC)' - Members of the EUGO network - that will help you to complete all necessary administrative procedures on-line! Get the information you need and submit your applications to the responsible authorities online. You no longer have to worry about contacting several different authorities one by one - the PSC will do it for you!

Last update: 31/10/2010 | Top