Starting a business in the Netherlands
Develop A Business Plan
To work in the Netherlands on a self-employed basis you have to be granted permission to set up your business in the Netherlands. Furthermore, your business must serve an essential Dutch interest. The IND requires internationals to meet several conditions to apply for a residence permit as an entrepreneur – the most important of which is a solid business plan. Whether you’re a foreign international or a Dutch national seeking practice as an entrepreneur in the Netherlands, a business plan is always a good idea to help steer your efforts as an entrepreneur as well as convey your vision to potential investors and employees. Read further about Business Plan
Protect Your Trade Name
If you’re thinking about forming a company, you need to check that the proposed name or logo is unique, and can be protected from copycats. Your company brand will be distinguished by a word or object called a trademark (e.g. “IKEA”, “Coca-Cola”, or the small apple from Apple). Even certain colors or shapes you create can become your trademarks, but they will only be protected if they’re registered.
Choose A Legal Form
New businesses in the Netherlands have to make a choice from a number of legal forms that will determine important aspects of your business such as liability and tax obligations. Dutch Legal Forms
Register Your Business
When you have decided to start up your own business your first step is to register your company at the Chamber of Commerce. The main task of the Chamber of Commerce is to provide entrepreneurs with up to date information and advice. Registration of Business in the Netherlands
Pay Your Taxes
You should notify the Inland Revenue (Belastingdsienst) as soon as you know when your company plans to start business. When starting a sole trader, a partnership, a limited partnership or a partnership under common firm, a company can be registered for the Inland Revenue and the trade register at the same time. If you start another legal form (BV), you will still have to notify the Inland Revenue separately. The relevant form; Opgaaf gegevens startende onderneming (Statement of information for starting up a business) is available from the Inland Revenue site. Taxes in the Netherlands
Get Personal and Business Insurance
For self-employed professionals in the Netherlands it is not compulsory to have insurance for illness, invalidity or unemployment. You must make arrangements for your insurances yourself. Otherwise, you will not receive a benefit if you become ill or unfit for work, for example. Insurances
Staffing and Administration
If you wish to employee staff at your business, there are some critical steps you as an employer need to take to ensure your company is compliant and provides the best environment for workers. Below are the most important steps in staffing and administrating businesses for starting entrepreneurs. Staffing and Administration
Finance Your Business
If you wish to start a company in the Netherlands, you may apply for subsidies and/or schemes made available by the Dutch government. These come in the form of tax reliefs and allowances for starting entrepreneurs and schemes to start a company whilst retaining your benefits. An overview of these resources is provided below.Finance Your Business