Applying for an EU declaration to do business in another EU country
Are you an entrepreneur in the Netherlands? And are you planning to take on an assignment, work on a temporary basis, or set up a business in another EU country? Some professions have specific qualification requirements. With an EU declaration, you may not need to meet these requirements. Find out when you should apply for an EU declaration from KVK.
When do you need an EU declaration?
Sometimes you need a permit to work in another country within the EU, or to set up a business. You apply for this permit in that EU country. It will only be granted it if you meet the requirements, such as those relating to qualifications. These requirements are often different from those in the Netherlands. With an EU certificate, you do not need to meet those requirements. The EU declaration issued by KVK then replaces the qualification.
No EU declaration required for the Netherlands
Employees and business owners from other EU countries do not need an EU declaration in the Netherlands. They are allowed to work and run a business without a work permit.
Check the diploma requirements
Check the diploma/certificate requirements for your profession in the relevant EU country in the EU’s Regulated Professions Database. Regulated professions are professions for which, for example, a specific qualification is required.
How do you apply for an EU declaration?
You can apply for an EU declaration by sending an email to KVK. When assessing applications for an EU declaration, KVK looks at the following:
- the work you will be doing
- your certificates/diplomas
- your work experience
- the destination country
You pay KVK a fee for the application. Applications can be made via eu-verklaringen@kvk.nl. For more information, you can email KVK's EU declarations department.
Declaration of Experience for an unregulated profession
Are you ineligible for an EU declaration because you have an unregulated profession (vrij beroep)? Other EU countries may ask for a Declaration of Experience. You can also apply for this document by sending an email to KVK. You pay a fee for the declaration.
Check the rules for starting a businesses in other EU countries
You are allowed to establish a business or subsidiary in all EEA member states (all EU countries, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland). The requirements for establishing a business vary from country to country.
National contact points
All EU countries have a Point of Single Contact website. This is an online government point of contact for business owners. On these websites, you can find information about:
- starting a business
- permits and licenses
- national rules and regulations
You can also arrange many things online via these websites, such as applying for permits.