Are you planning to start a business in the Netherlands? In this article, we discuss what you need to know about company formation in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in the Netherlands for international entrepreneurs to establish their new businesses. Bolder Launch has been headquartered in Amsterdam since 2010 when we opened an office as part of the Holland Financial Center, which is housed in the world-renowned Symphony Towers.
We have helped hundreds of companies launch businesses in Amsterdam since 2010.
This article will outline the company formation process in Amsterdam and discuss how Amsterdam differs from other cities in The Netherlands.
Why should you set up a business in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is popular in certain industries, including:
- Fashion (denim capital of the world)
- Marketing/IT/Consultancy
- Logistic services
- Innovation Hubs
- Financial Services (the Zuidas, where Bolder Launch opened its first Amsterdam branch)
- Fintech
- Food
Although most production companies are headquartered in the south of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is less popular with these businesses.
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and has a very developed infrastructure. Tourism is a significant industry in Amsterdam, making it an appealing location to open a retail store or franchise business, such as a restaurant.
Overall, Amsterdam’s economy grows faster compared to other Dutch cities. On the other hand, rents and salaries are higher, so consider this before deciding to start a business in Amsterdam.
What services do we offer as a Dutch company formation agent in Amsterdam?
Every entrepreneur has heard about Amsterdam and its liberal (entrepreneurial) climate. As a result, Amsterdam has drawn several foreign businesses and investors for years. A growing number of businesses choose to establish themselves outside of Amsterdam because of the expansion of the Dutch economy and its cities.
When a business decides to launch a company in Amsterdam, Bolder Launch may help in several ways. The primary area of expertise for Bolder Launch is Company Formation, which includes the following corporate support:
- Determine the best suitable corporate structure and type of legal entity in The Netherlands
- Formation of the company in The Netherlands, including notarial requirements and registration of the company at the Chamber of Commerce
- Dutch VAT number application, as well as VAT administration and filing services
- Dutch tax advice
- Immigration and expat support (relocation matters)
Please contact our Company Officers if you have any questions about the company formation services we offer in Amsterdam.
Company Formation in Amsterdam
Bolder Launch facilitates the formation of a company in Amsterdam, regardless of the type of Dutch company you choose to incorporate.
Our Company Officers can provide detailed information on the differences between legal entities or the benefits of registering a branch. In any case, it is also recommended to establish a local holding company, such as the STAK in the Netherlands.
You can schedule a consult and quickly begin the formation process.
If you are interested in our prices and other services, please get in touch with our Netherlands office.
How to register a company in Amsterdam
The company formation procedure in Amsterdam is simple and does not even require a visit to the city. We can set up any type of legal entity (or Dutch branch) in the Netherlands remotely.
Most of the time, the business is set up prior to any visit to Amsterdam, allowing us to open a bank account for our clients once they arrive. For example, it could be convenient to go to the Chamber of Commerce and complete the company’s registration there in the event that a Dutch branch is being registered (to avoid legalisation requirements on the passport, etc.).
Once you’ve made the decision to proceed, think about the following timeline and specifications:
*Here are the KYC documents you need to prepare
- A passport copy
- Proof of residential address
- Personal Data Statement
- Extra background info, such as a CV can be requested.
- In case a corporate shareholder is involved, extra documents are required.
Relocate to Amsterdam
If you want to launch a business in Amsterdam, you may want to consider extending your stay in the country. To manage and expand your Dutch business, this might be necessary. However, if you are a non-EU citizen, you may face additional challenges. You are only permitted to stay in The Netherlands for a maximum of 90 days out of a possible 180 days. Your staff workers would also be affected by this. Bolder Launch can help you apply for a resident permit in Amsterdam or set up work authorisation for your employees. There are some restrictions, and you can read more about them on our support pages or by getting in touch with our incorporation team.
Assistance in opening a firm in Amsterdam
As part of our company formation services, there are several formalities to consider when establishing a business in Amsterdam. As soon as you decide to establish the company in Amsterdam, we will enlist the services of a notary to draft the statutory documents (such as the formation deed), as well as prepare a Legal Opinion if an overseas corporate entity is involved as a shareholder or director.
If you intend to visit Amsterdam, we will also work with an Amsterdam notary to complete the formation procedure. Alternatively, Bolder Launch works with notaries throughout The Netherlands.
The notary will assist us in determining whether your desired company name is available (and allowed) and will also handle the registration at the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce once the Dutch company is fully incorporated.
The last step is to go to a Dutch bank, such as ING or ABN Amro. Both have several branches across Amsterdam. You may choose to create a bank account outside of The Netherlands because Dutch banks have tight client acceptance policies.
You might need to transfer funds from your personal (international) bank account to the Dutch BV to pay up the company’s share capital if you choose a high share capital option. This is often not required by the notary in Amsterdam when the share capital is less than 100 EUR.
Selecting a registered office address in Amsterdam
A registered office address in Amsterdam is required to start the company. This means that before the notary can complete the formation process, you must have a signed leasing agreement for the registered office in Amsterdam. You should consider spending between 65 to 100 euros each month on such registered office services.
It is not necessary to have a real flexi-desk, but the prices are slightly higher, approximately 150–250 EUR each month. An excellent substitute for setting up a full-fledged office is the registered office service in Amsterdam. If you have access to your desk anytime you need it and your business centre offers full reception services during work hours, it is totally legal.
A Dutch business may add as many branches or locations as it likes to its registration with the Chamber of Commerce. This holds true for various trade names, which are permitted and uncharged.
Accountants in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, Bolder Launch offers accounting services especially focused on small and medium-sized businesses and international entrepreneurs.
After the Dutch business is established, our corporate services continue. To retain your business in good standing, we can offer a variety of continuous company officer or accounting services.
Our accounting services in Amsterdam include:
Most of our clients hire us for the following Dutch accounting services, which are required by law in the Netherlands;
- Monthly VAT Administration €125 (charged every 2 quarters in advance)
- Annual Corporate Tax Filing from €750
- Financial Statement Preparation (Yearly) > €750
Every six months, a retainer invoice for the VAT admittance is issued. For establishing the administration, we request a compliance charge of €500.
Dutch Startups and the Startup Visa
As mentioned above, Amsterdam is an ideal hub for innovative entrepreneurs.
To entice talent and creative entrepreneurs and businesses, the Netherlands even offers the so-called Startup Visa. Bolder Launch has assisted several startups to start their business in Amsterdam, and we are happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
If you can find a method to innovate your firm (or industry) and make it scalable, we might be able to secure you the startup visa. However, you must define the “problem” and the “solution,” and the latter must be both innovative and scalable (by building a platform, for example, etc.)
If you wish to know more about our company formation services in Amsterdam, please feel free to reach out to our Launch Crew.
