1. Check whether you fulfil the conditions for staying in the Netherlands
Entrepreneurs who intend to stay in the Netherlands must fulfil a number of conditions (see Coming to the Netherlands). If you are not an EU citizen, you will usually need to apply for a temporary (MVV) and permanent residence permit. Perhaps you are an innovative startup - in that case, you may qualify for the residence permit for a foreign startup. You will then receive a citizen service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN).
If you plan to start doing business in the Netherlands, you will need an address in the Netherlands.
And you will also need to have or apply for a business bank account (international bank account number, IBAN). The Dutch Banking Association (Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken) has created a Quick Scan to help you find out if you are eligible. Read how it works.
2. Write a business plan
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. A good start to your business, begins with a good plan. It helps to write a business plan when you are setting up your own company. In it, you outline your plans: think about company formation and the legal business structure you want to choose. What are you going to sell or produce, who will be your clients, how will you find financing? Is there a demand for your product or service on the Dutch market? These are all matters you need to have thought about before you begin, if you want to have a chance of succeeding. Read more about writing a business plan on kvk.nl/en.
3. Research the market and determine your strategy
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. Doing market research will help you understand the feasibility of your business plans. Through market research you analyse, for example, your competition and how you introduce your product or service onto the market. Read how to do market research on KVK.nl/en.
4. Make a financial plan
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. To start your business, you need money. A financial plan will help you map out how much money you need and if you need financing. It will also give you an insight into your business opportunities. This will allow you to assess in advance whether starting a business will be profitable for you. Read how to write a financial plan on KVK.nl/en.
5. Choose a trade name for your company
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. Setting up your own business also means choosing a company name (also called a trade name). A good company name is recognisable, sticks, compliant and unique. So, first check if your company name already exists on KVK.nl. And read about the rules for company names.
6. Select a legal business structure (rechtsvorm)
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. To register your business in the Business Register of KVK, you must first select a legal business structure like sole proprietor (eenmanszaak) or private limited company (bv). The legal structure determines your liability, but also what taxes you have to pay and whether you get tax breaks.
7. Keeping business records
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. You are required by law to set up and maintain business records. So, make sure your records meet the requirements of the Netherlands Tax Administration. You will use your records as a basis when completing your tax return. Are you hiring staff? Then you need to register as en employer and keep payroll records. To qualify for tax benefits through the entrepreneur allowance, you must spend at least 1,225 hours in a year on your business. You keep track of your hours in your timesheets.
For your business records, a retention obligation (bewaarplicht) applies: you must keep your business records for 7 years. Read more about keeping business records.
KVK Book of Finance
Also read the free Book of Finance for Entrepreneurs with practical tips from KVK on keeping track of your finances.
8. Arrange general terms and conditions, and insurance
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. Starting a business also means taking risks. Because you do not work for an employer, you are responsible for financial consequences yourself. For example, if you fall ill or in case of an accident in your business. Fortunately, you can insure yourself against many risks. For instance, with business liability insurance and disability insurance.
And by drawing up general terms and conditions, you also make it immediately clear what rights and obligations you and your customers have.
Read more about business insurance.
Building up a pension
Do not forget about your pension. Since you are not an employee, you do not build up a pension. You need to make your own arrangements for your old age. Read more about arranging your pension.
Minimise security risks
Besides general entrepreneurial risk, you face security risks such as fraud and crime. What security risks will you face as a start-up and how can you mitigate them? Read about keeping your business secure on KVK.nl/en.
9. Check which legal requirements you need to meet
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Which rules you have to deal with depends on the activities and location of your business.
10. Register with the Dutch Business Register and Tax Administration
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. Are you ready for the official launch of your business? New businesses must register with the Dutch Business Register at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. Read our step-by-step article to find out about the registration procedure, costs, etc. Once you are registered in the Business Register, KVK will pass on your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst). You do not need to register your company separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration.
Private limited companies and public limited companies have to register via a civil-law notary. The notary will take care of the registration at the Tax Administration on your behalf.
If you do business in the Netherlands, but your company is not permanently established in the Netherlands, you may only need to register with the Tax Administration.
If the Netherlands Tax Administration includes you in its records as a VAT entrepreneur, you will be given your sales tax (VAT) number and your VAT identification number (VAT ID). Read more about VAT numbers.
11. Find customers and create a website
You cannot view this video due to your cookie settings. Would you like to watch? of watch the video on YouTube.How cookies are used on Business.gov.nl. Now that your own business is established, you can really get down to business. The next step is to find customers. Many entrepreneurs find clients through their (online) network. See what events and meetings there are in your area and visit networking events. Read more tips on finding clients on KVK.nl/en.
Checklists for starting a business in different industries
Find out specific information about different industries or sectors in our checklists for starting a business.
Different starting points
You may be starting your company as an innovative startup, from an unemployment benefit, a job, or as a student or minor. Find out what specific conditions apply to your situation.
Support from Dutch government organisations
Several Dutch government organisations support you when starting your own business:
- The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK provides information on how to start a business in the Netherlands. They can advise you on creating a business plan, carrying out market research and other issues.
- You will find information about, for example, the investment climate in the Netherlands, the sectors that offer the most opportunities and the possibilities of finding local business partners on the NL Platform website.
- The Dutch Administration offers you information about which taxes you have to pay and how to keep your accounts up to date. It is possible that you are entitled to special schemes.
- The business coaches of Qredits Microfinanciering Nederland can advise and assist you in starting up your business. They can also help you to write your business plan.
- Statistics Netherlands (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, CBS) offers statistical information about districts where you can establish your business. CBS has collected sector-specific information that could be interesting for you as an entrepreneur.
Finally
This checklist is a general guideline. Depending on your situation, you may need to take other steps as well. Know that there are many rules in the Netherlands. You will need to do some homework to be well prepared. For questions, you can always contact KVK.
