Brexit

On 31 January 2020 the UK has made its exit from the European Union, which marks the start of the transition period (until 31 December 2020). During the transition period, the UK will not longer be a member of the EU, but will still be subject to EU regulations. The UK may ask for an extension to the transit period and has until June 30 to do so. Whatever happens, if you do business with the UK, make sure you are well prepared for Brexit.

Long-term contracts

The eventual consequences of Brexit depend on the deals the British government will make with the European Union. If your company works with long-term contracts, it would be wise to include special Brexit clauses. These clauses should cover, for instance, the validity of the contract once Brexit comes into force. You may want to change your contracts to deal with a changing trade situation; for instance, if the UK decides to adopt different product requirements.

The United Kingdom is no longer an EU country

On 31 January 2020, the UK (that is: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) became a non-EU country. A transition period started, that will last until 31 December 2020. After that date, the EU views the UK as a 'third country', and the World Trade Organisation rules apply to customs and trade dealings.

Fiscal transition period in case of a no deal-Brexit

The Netherlands will apply a fiscal transition period to citizens and businesses in case of a no deal Brexit. What this means is that for tax purposes, dealings with the UK will be treated the same as when it was still an EU country. The transition period will last until the end of 2020. The temporary arrangement allows businesses more time to prepare for the new situation. Also, it prevents the administrative hassle of having to file different types of tax returns in the same fiscal year. Read the full press release on the Rijksoverheid website (in Dutch).

Customs after Brexit

After 31 December 2020, the UK will probably no longer be part of the Customs Union, and this has several implications for businesses that import or export goods from or to the UK to the Netherlands. On the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration website, you can find a Brexit checklist to help you prepare: for instance, applying for an EORI number, filing customs declarations for excise goods, etc. The European Commission Taxation and Customs Union has also prepared a Customs guide for businesses, which is available in 24 languages.

Another useful website if you import or export goods to/from the UK is Get ready for Brexit, an initiative launched by several Dutch shipping and distribution organisations.

Brexit vouchers

If you do business with the UK and are likely to be affected by Brexit, you may want to get professional advice on how to deal with this. You can apply for a so-called Brexit-voucher to partly cover the costs of this advice. See the article on Brexit vouchers.

UK citizens

If you are a British citizen, but reside in the Netherlands and run your business here before 31 December 2020, or work as an employee, you need to apply for a residence document to continue working and living in the Netherlands. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) website explains how to arrange your residency after Brexit. If you have British employees who do not live in the Netherlands, they need to apply for a frontier worker document.

If you are a UK citizen who is thinking about moving to the Netherlands to start a business, you will be able to do so under the EU freedom of movement and labour until 31 December 2020. After that date, you will most likely need a residence permit. Find out what the requirements are on our Coming to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur page.

Brexit events

The special Brexit website Brexitloket offers a selection of events organised to help entrepreneurs come to grips with the impending changes. For a list of events see the Brexitloket website (in Dutch).

The Netherlands British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) organizes several events to help entrepreneurs prepare for Brexit. Some events require membership, others are open to all comers. You can view the NBCC events here.

Stay informed

If you do business with the United Kingdom, be sure to follow the developments. There are several platforms. The main Dutch governmental one is the Brexitloket (in Dutch), which offers all kinds of information and advice. For more links, read Find information on Brexit.