Step-by-step plan: How to start a business in the Netherlands
There is a lot involved in starting your own business. You have to do and arrange a great many things. For example, you need to choose a legal form, set up a business administration, and follow laws and rules. On this page, you will find the most important general steps.
Your specific situation
This step-by-step plan is a general guideline. Additional rules may apply to your business depending on your sector, profession, and municipality. Would you like to know what you need to take into account in your particular situation? Take a look at the overview of step-by-step plans for common start scenarios. Or create a to-do list by answering a few questions about your plans.
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A good start begins with a good plan. It is not mandatory, but it helps to write a business plan. It is a good way to understand what your plans will cost. And how much profit you need to make ends meet. You can also present a business plan to investors.
Test your entrepreneurial skills
You need certain skills to be an entrepreneur. Like networking, marketing, and finance. Do the KVK check to test your entrepreneurial skills and see which skills you can develop further.
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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.
KVK Company Counter
Curious about the number of competitors in your region? KVK's Company Counter allows you to quickly and easily check how many companies in a particular sector are located in an area. Click here to use the tool.
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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.
KVK Income Check
The KVK Income Check lets you see if your business makes a profit.
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Setting up your own business means choosing a company name (also called a trade name). A good company name is recognisable, sticks in the mind, follows the rules, and is unique.
So, first check if your company name already exists on kvk.nl. And read about the rules for company names.
Register your company name as a trademark
Have you found the perfect company name? Register your name as a trademark with the Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) to prevent others from making off with your brand. Also register your domain name right away.
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To register your business in the KVK Business Register (Step 6), you must first select a legal business structure (rechtsvorm). The legal structure determines your liability, but also what taxes you have to pay and whether you get tax breaks.
The most common legal structures are sole proprietor (eenmanszaak), general partnership (vennootschap onder firma, VOF) or private limited company (besloten vennootschap, BV).
Use our Tool for choosing a Dutch legal structure to help you find a structure that suits your needs and wishes.
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Do you meet the Chamber of Commerce KVK's criteria for entrepreneurs? If so, you must register with the Chamber of Commerce KVK. This registration involves a one-off registration fee. Once you have registered, the KVK will automatically pass on your details to the Netherlands Tax Administration. You do not need to register your business separately with the Tax Administration.
Private limited companies (BVs) and public limited companies (NVs) register at KVK through the civil-law notary that sets up the company.
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.
Avoid false self-employment
False self-employment is when you carry out an assignment as a self-employed professional (usually a zzp'er) but are actually an employee. Or you hire someone as a zzp’er but are actually their employer. More information about false self-employment.
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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 keep payroll records.
Good start with Tax Administration
The ‘Goede start belastingdienst’ website (in Dutch) tells you how to file returns and gives information on other tax- related matters. You also get tips on how to structure your records. And you get information about fiscal matters for starters. The live chat (in Dutch) allows you to ask an expert questions. You can also ask your questions in English.
KVK Book of Finance
Also read the free Book of Finance for Entrepreneurs with practical tips from KVK on keeping track of your finances.
If the Tax Administration decides that you are an entrepreneur for VAT purposes, you will receive your VAT tax number and your VAT identification number (VAT ID).
You must also file an income tax return. If the Netherlands Tax Administration decides that you are an entrepreneur for income tax purposes, you must declare your income on the return under ‘business profits’ (winst uit onderneming).
Find out more about:
Tax schemes and deductions
You may be able to use various tax schemes and deductions. For example, you may deduct business costs from your turnover. This lowers your profit and means you pay less income tax. For new firms, there are starters schemes.
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By drawing up general terms and conditions, you make it clear what rights and duties you and your customers have towards one another. General terms and conditions are not compulsory, but they are often advisable.
Business insurances
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. For instance, with:
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Which rules you have to deal with depends on your company's activities and its location.
Are you going to make or sell food? If so, you must follow the rules for catering, recreation, and hospitality. Are you going to make or sell products? If so, these products must meet European product safety rules.
Certain professions do require professional qualifications and diplomas.
You may face requirements for your business premises. For example, if you run your business from home. You should check thinks such as:
Your municipality can help you find out the laws and regulations that apply to your business.
Are you hiring staff? Then you must comply with legal requirements. For example, for employment contracts and hiring underage employees.
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Now that your own business is established, you can really get down to business. The next step is to create a business website and find customers. Many entrepreneurs find clients through their (online) network. See what events and meetings there are in your area and visit networking events. Or, offer your services on an online platform.
Help finding customers
Could you use help finding clients and orders? Answer the questions in the KVK customer acquisition tool and get tips and advice to help you get started.
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.
Besides general entrepreneurial risk, you face security risks such as fraud and crime. What security risks will you face as a starting entrepreneur and how can you mitigate them? Read about
Get 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 Netherlands Tax 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.
Statistics: newly born enterprises with one person employed
The graph shows the number of newly born enterprises with one person employed on a quarterly basis.
Source:Â CBSÂ CC BY 4.0Â