Starting a Business
in the Netherlands

We provide all-in services for company establishment at affordable prices. We are specialized in assisting foreign entrepreneurs.

2000+
Companies Formed
Our experience helps you further
24-Hour
Response Time
You can call at any time
100%
Client Oriented
We pride ourselves on quality service

Why The Netherlands?

  • 19% corporate tax, one of the lowest tax rates in Europe

  • 0% VAT for business between EU members states

  • Core member of the EU

  • High tech infrastructure

  • Leading world banks (ING, ABM Amro, Rabobank)

  • Excellent international business climate

  • 93% English speaking natives

  • Netherlands is a logistical hub as a gateway to Europe

  • Remote company establishment

Netherlands Company Formation

Remote BV formation packages. No hidden fees.

Our incorporation agents and notaries have over 10+ years industry experience with over 2000+ entrepreneurs from over 50+ countries. Saving you time and effort. Your new company is just a short call away!

If you plan to set up a business in the Netherlands, our team can guide you through the entire process. We have supported entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries with the formation of Dutch BVs, subsidiaries, and branch offices. Thanks to our cooperation with our local notaries, most companies can be incorporated within just a few working days.

Beyond the initial formation, we also assist with practical follow-up services such as applying for a VAT number with the tax office, preparing periodic tax returns, and assisting with the corporate accounting requirements.

Why do companies incorporate in the Netherlands?

Starting a Dutch company is now more profitable than ever. The current corporate income tax in the Netherlands is 19% up to a profit of EUR 200,000 annually, and any profit exceeding EUR 200,000 is taxed at 25.8%.

The Netherlands has a 21% VAT rate on goods and services delivered in the country. Between European Member State countries, goods and services may be offered at a 0% VAT rate. Corporations with a VAT number may additionally claim back paid VAT.

Why Work With Us?

ICS’ partner notaries can incorporate your business in the Netherlands very quickly and also provide a diverse array of all-in services. On average, a Dutch company formation procedure takes around 3-5 business days from the moment we receive your documents. The entire formation process can be realized remotely. There are several documents required for the formation of the company, and all documentation can be handled in English.

  • 100% CLIENT SUCCESS COMMITMENT

  • FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION
  • CLIENTS FROM 50+ DIFFERENT COUNTRIES
  • 24-HOUR RESPONSE TIME
  • 2000+ COMPANIES FORMED
  • BUSINESS LAW EXPERTS

Can a foreigner open a company in the Netherlands?

Yes, any foreigner can start a company in the Netherlands! There are some significant advantages to opening a Dutch company, such as:

  • 19% corporate tax, one of the lowest tax rates in Europe
  • 0% VAT for business between EU member states
  • Core member of the EU
  • High-tech infrastructure
  • The Netherlands ranks 3rd place in Forbes Global Business list
  • 5th place in Global Competitiveness
  • Leading world banks (ING bank, ABN Amro, Rabobank)
  • Excellent international business climate
  • 93% English-speaking natives
  • Netherlands is a logistical hub as a gateway to Europe
  • Qualified personnel (3rd in the world)
  • Remote formation of a business is possible

The Netherlands and company formation: What type of company should you choose?

The Dutch BV (private limited company) is the most common company type for a Dutch company setup by foreign investors. The Dutch private limited company can already be registered with a minimum share capital of 1 EUR. A Dutch BV is deemed to be a tax resident in the Netherlands.

The required documentation for the formation of the Dutch BV company includes identification documents as well as power of attorney. A power of attorney is required to be signed by a notary for remote incorporation. However, it is not necessary to travel to the Netherlands to arrange this. All the involved shareholders can authorize our notary to take care of the necessary filings on their behalf.

As such, a personal visit is not required to incorporate a company in the Netherlands, the entire formation procedure can be completed from abroad.

Corporate shareholders (Holding companies)

A private limited company in the Netherlands may have corporate shareholders and directors. For the company incorporation process, the corporate shareholders must be verified and have the authority to sign the deed of incorporation or formation. An extract from the chamber of commerce of the corporate entity must be received, which will act as proof for all shareholders or directors. If the company setup is performed remotely, a power of attorney must be received and signed on behalf of the shareholder or director.

In the case of corporate shareholders, the Dutch company will become a subsidiary. It is also possible to register a Dutch branch office, which has less substance than a subsidiary and may be treated differently by the Dutch tax authorities.

Video explainers on the Dutch BV:

YouTube video
YouTube video
YouTube video

The Procedure

  • Step 1:
    Our notary partner will draft the articles of association
  • Step 2:
    Publication in the chamber of commerce
  • Step 3:
    Support with tax and VAT registration
  • Step 4:
    Your company is now active

Company Formation Netherlands Timetable

Frequently Asked Questions

In 2020, more than 24 thousand multinationals were active in our country, according to the Dutch Central Bureau for Statistics (CBS). These include (but are definitely not limited to) well-known companies such as Discovery, Panasonic Europe, FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Swisscom, Universal Music, IKEA, Lipton, Nike, Adidas, Cisco Systems, Booking.com, Tesla Motors and Netflix; the list is extensive.

There are many reasons these companies decide to open a subsidiary or even headquarter here, such as the fantastic infrastructure, highly qualified staff, international opportunities and opportunities for growth and innovation. The Netherlands is globally seen as a very progressive country with a vibrant business climate that attracts many successful businesses.

This depends on the nature of your business activities, but most businesses in the Netherlands are not regulated by business licenses. Some types of businesses that might require a license are restaurants and other companies within the food and beverage industry, shipping companies, companies that work with toxic substances, pharmaceutical companies, taxi companies and some financial institutions, to name but a few.

Starting a business in the Netherlands is an option for residents of any country. The Netherlands has very welcoming regulations for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. The process itself is always the same, whether you reside here or not.

You also do not need to be physically present to start a company in the Netherlands. This makes it possible for all foreign entrepreneurs to enjoy the advantages of a Dutch business remotely.

Starting a Dutch company can be interesting for you in several ways. If you are looking to expand your current business internationally or if you want to start a new internationally oriented business, then the Netherlands is a perfect option due to its strategic position for international trade.

The country is also a highly acclaimed member state of the European Union, which makes it possible for you to reap all the benefits of doing business within the EU and its Single Market. Next to that, the Netherlands has a very vibrant business climate, a stable economy and many interesting opportunities for foreign investors and entrepreneurs.

There are a few documents you will need to provide if you plan to establish a Dutch business formally. In general, you will need a valid form of identification, a preferred company name, and the legal entity you wish to set up.

Naming your company in the Netherlands is no different from naming it elsewhere. The most important part is that you come up with something unique and original that fits your company’s goals and ambitions well and, at the same time, isn’t already used by someone else.

When we start the incorporation process, we always check the availability of your preferred name. In the case that it’s already taken, we will inform you about this so you can devise another name.

What Our Clients Say

Lawyers in Netherlands followed through on their promise. For the application of a VAT number, the tax inspector had some questions about our organization and Lawyers in Netherlands has guided us through that swiftly.

mehmet

Mehmet Ozkan Entrepreneur and owner of ASOS Asset Management BV

Our firm has assisted the clients of Lawyers in the Netherlands for several years. The Lawyers in Netherlands staff works in a customer orientated and professional manner, the business advisers are dedicated to providing an extra bit of service.

kryspin

Kryspin Andrukiewicz Entrepreneur and owner of We & You Management

Thank you for assisting me in setting up my business in The Netherlands. I have referred my colleagues to you.

syed portrait

Syed Fuzail Entrepreneur and owner of Honour Logistics & Marine Services