Frequently Asked Questions about Starting a Foundation in the Netherlands

Starting a foundation (stichting) in the Netherlands can be an excellent way to support charitable, non-profit, social, educational, or philanthropic activities. However, establishing a Dutch foundation also involves important considerations, including governance, banking, compliance, tax registrations, and ongoing administration.

Starting a business in the Netherlands can be an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with important decisions regarding company formation, taxation, banking, compliance, and ongoing administration. Whether you are a foreign entrepreneur, investor, or expanding business, understanding the Dutch requirements is essential for a smooth start.

Artificial intelligence has moved beyond buzzword status. It’s no longer something “coming soon”—it’s already reshaping how businesses operate, how teams collaborate, and how value is created across industries. From automated customer support to predictive analytics and content generation, AI is now embedded in daily workflows in ways that seemed futuristic only a few years ago.

Bolder Launch is an expert at structuring your corporate structure and deciding if your Dutch operations will request a Dutch holding company, or not.

In this blog, we discuss what a foreigner needs to know if they wish to launch a business in the Netherlands.

When starting a business in the Netherlands, you should consider the annual publication requirements. In the Netherlands, it is mandatory to submit an annual (abbreviated) overview of your financial statements.

In this article, we discuss how to open a Dutch corporate bank account and the challenges that may arise in doing so.

Companies want to take advantage of the favorable Dutch treaty network. Many measures have been taken against companies with little to no substance in the Netherlands in recent years.

In this article, we discuss the why you should appoint a local director in the Netherlands when starting a company in the country.

If you are planning to start a Dutch business, you might be in doubt between a sole proprietorship or a BV. The sole proprietorship is typically used by residents of the Netherlands but could in some circumstances also be used by global entrepreneurs and expats.  In this article, we have prepared an overview of all considerations that are relevant to the choice of a sole proprietorship or BV.

One of the most common misconceptions among international entrepreneurs is the belief that incorporating a Dutch company automatically makes it a Dutch tax resident for all tax purposes. In reality, determining a company’s tax residence is often more nuanced and can have significant implications for corporate taxation, VAT obligations, substance requirements, and international tax compliance.

This blog will give you ten useful tips to successfully launch your business in the Netherlands and penetrate the Dutch market.

For organizations with strong business ties to the Netherlands, the Orange Carpet Visa Facility (OCVF) offers a practical solution that simplifies the Schengen visa application process for frequent business travelers.

The European Union has significantly tightened its customs and VAT framework for goods entering the bloc, particularly targeting low-value and small parcel shipments—a segment that has grown rapidly due to cross-border e-commerce. These reforms aim to create a level playing field between EU-based sellers and overseas vendors, while also ensuring proper tax collection.

When setting up or managing a Dutch entity, many international founders, directors, and shareholders focus primarily on incorporation, bank account opening, and operational setup. However, one crucial element is often overlooked in the early stages: obtaining a Burgerservicenummer (BSN).

Hiring employees in the Netherlands can be an excellent growth strategy, but many employers underestimate the true cost and complexity of employment. The gross salary is only the starting point. Once statutory taxes, social security contributions, holiday allowances, pension obligations, and compliance risks are factored in, the real employer cost can be 20–35% higher than expected.

At Bolder Launch, we see this scenario play out over and over again: clients come to us after working with low‑cost providers who completed only the bare minimum filing, leaving these new companies structurally unprepared and the founders unsure of what to do next. What sets Bolder Launch apart is simple but powerful: we don’t treat incorporation as a transaction; we treat it as the start of a journey that we walk together with the founder.

While some unstable regions remain a major commercial hub, many organizations are now considering jurisdictional diversification to strengthen operational resilience. As a result, the Netherlands has emerged as a preferred European base due to its legal predictability, logistical strength, and access to the EU Single Market.

Last updated 04/02/2026 Are you an entrepreneur, freelancer, or independent professional seeking to establish your business in the Netherlands? At Bolder Launch, we help make the process of obtaining a Self-Employed Residence Permit smooth and hassle-free. Whether you are starting a new venture or expanding your existing business, we offer the expertise you need to […]

This blog provides you with five useful tips that will help you obtain residency in the Netherlands without a lawyer.

With Bolder Launch, you can relocate your non-EU staff to the Netherlands in six weeks. Read this blog to know how!

Last updated 04/02/2026 Are you planning to establish a company in the Netherlands and act as a director? In this short guide, we discuss how you can work as a remote director for a company in the Netherlands. As a non-EU national, you rarely need a residency or work permit. However, if you intend to […]

Last updated 04/02/2026 Dutch companies that import goods to the EU should consider the advantages of the article 23 license, to avoid any VAT duties on imports (in short, a VAT deferment facility). When importing goods to the Netherlands, a company must typically file an import declaration at the Dutch customs. Based on the value […]

In this blog, we explore the reasons and explain how to start a Dutch Holding company in the Netherlands. Contact us to know more!

Last updated 04/02/2026 Every business owner should think about using a holding company structure in the Netherlands, regardless of how big or small their organisation is. A Dutch holding company has several benefits, not just for global corporations. A holding corporation is particularly alluring due to its flexibility, protection, and tax benefits. Have you also […]

When you run a Dutch business, even if you are a non-resident, you most likely need to obtain a BSN number (Tax identification number) in the Netherlands.

In this article, we explain what the UBO Register is, who must register, what obligations apply, the types of changes that must be updated, and how Bolder Launch can support you in staying compliant.

This guide summarizes the core deadlines, special cases, and consequences associated with the preparation, adoption, and filing of annual accounts in the Netherlands.

Running a business in the Netherlands means staying on top of your financial and tax obligations. One of the most important—and often overlooked—elements is the Provisional Profit Tax Return, known locally as the Voorlopige Aanslag (VA). As we move into 2025, understanding how the provisional corporate income tax assessment works can help you maintain a healthy cash flow, avoid unnecessary interest charges, and keep your financial planning on track.

The Netherlands remains an attractive location for international companies due to its strong legal framework, strategic EU position, and favorable business environment. However, regulators want to ensure that companies registered in the country have a genuine operational presence, rather than existing only formally. 

In this blog, we go over the process and requirements of how you can start a small business in the Netherlands.

Expanding into the European market is an exciting opportunity for businesses worldwide. However, many companies hesitate because they assume they need to establish a legal entity in each country where they plan to sell. While that is one option, it is often costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, the European Union offers a simpler solution: activating a VAT number through its centralized platforms.

With available digital tools, it is now easy to set up your Dutch BV. Read on to find out more.

As India’s economy continues to grow and globalize, an increasing number of Indian entrepreneurs and companies are expanding into Europe. Among the various entry points, the Netherlands has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations — offering a strategic location, reliable infrastructure, and a clear legal framework for doing business.

随着中国全球影响力的不断扩大，越来越多的中国企业和投资者将目光投向欧洲，而荷兰正成为这一战略布局中最具吸引力的目的地之一。

As China’s global influence continues to expand, more Chinese companies and investors are setting their sights on Europe — and the Netherlands has become one of the most attractive destinations for this strategic move.

Bolder Group brings our colleagues from across the EMEA region to gather for impactful discussions, strategic workshops, and memorable team-building experiences!

For American entrepreneurs dreaming of building their business in Europe, the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) offers a unique opportunity. This treaty between the United States and the Netherlands simplifies the process for U.S. citizens to obtain a residence permit and start their own business here.

As of January 2025, several important updates to Dutch labour law have come into force — and more are on the horizon.

How long does it actually take to incorporate a Dutch BV? In this blog, we explore the company formation timeline so you know what to expect.

When launching a new business, one of the most frequently asked questions we hear is: “Do you need a registered address in the Netherlands?”

Understand the real cost of employment before you onboard your first employee with a pro forma payroll calculation.

A tax memorandum is typically the first step to corporate restructuring. How can you apply for a tax memo in the Netherlands? Find out here.

Several regulatory updates will impact how Dutch companies, especially BVs and NVs, manage their financial reporting obligations.

Running a business in the Netherlands comes with many administrative responsibilities, and bookkeeping is one of the most crucial yet time-consuming tasks.

The exact audit requirements in the Netherlands vary depending on the size of the company. Here is what you need to know.

Why Set Up A Foundation in the Netherlands If you’re based in the U.S., Canada, the UK or elsewhere and considering a European base for your charitable, advocacy, or non-profit initiative — the Netherlands offers one of the most attractive and stable jurisdictions to do so! Whether you’re an NGO, philanthropic group, international initiative, or […]

What is a Recognized Sponsor? A Recognized Sponsor is a status granted by the Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) to companies that meet specific requirements. This status allows businesses to sponsor highly skilled migrants, allowing them to obtain the necessary residence permits to work and live in the Netherlands. As a Recognized Sponsor, your […]

The Netherlands: A Premier Holding Company Jurisdiction The Netherlands has long been a preferred destination for international businesses seeking to establish holding structures. Its strategic location, business-friendly tax regime, and robust legal framework make it an ideal choice for multinational corporations, family offices, and investment funds looking to structure their global operations efficiently. Aside from […]

What is a Dutch Foundation (Stichting) A stichting is a Dutch legal entity that pursues a social, idealistic, or societal goal. For example, protecting endangered species, organizing cultural events, or managing a community centre. A stichting is a legal structure with legal personality. This means it has rights and responsibilities. A foundation must pay taxes […]