Start a Business in Netherlands

Engage a Dutch civil-law notary

A notary is mandatory for BV/NV incorporation - they draft the deed of incorporation and verify shareholder identity

Draft and execute deed of incorporation

Prepare articles of association (statuten) and sign the notarial deed to formally establish the company

Register at KVK (Chamber of Commerce)

File registration at KVK to receive your company number (KVK-nummer) and be listed in the trade register

Receive BTW and VPB tax numbers

After KVK registration, the Belastingdienst automatically assigns VAT (BTW) and corporate tax (VPB) numbers

Open a Dutch business bank account

Apply at a Dutch bank (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank) with KVK extract, notarial deed, and director identification

Apply for 30% ruling for expat employees

Request the 30% ruling from Belastingdienst to provide tax-free allowance for qualifying foreign employees

Consider Innovation Box regime

If developing IP, structure qualifying R&D activities to benefit from the 9% effective tax rate on IP income

Register as employer for payroll tax

Register with UWV and Belastingdienst for wage tax (loonheffing) and social security contributions

Set up pension scheme

Check for mandatory industry pension fund membership (bedrijfstakpensioenfonds) or arrange company pension plan

Obtain industry-specific permits

Apply for sector licenses if needed (financial services AFM/DNB, food safety NVWA, environmental permits)

Apply for recognized sponsor status

Register as recognized sponsor (erkend referent) with IND to fast-track work permits for highly skilled migrants

Apply for residence permit for founders

Apply for self-employment residence permit or use the startup visa facilitated by a recognized facilitator