Last updated 09/10/2026
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.
To help you get started, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about starting a foundation in the Netherlands. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, feel free to contact us. Our team will be happy to assist you.
1. What is a foundation (stichting) in the Netherlands?
A Dutch stichting (foundation) is a legal entity commonly used for charitable, non-profit, social, educational, religious, and philanthropic purposes. Unlike a Dutch B.V., a stichting does not have shareholders or owners and is managed by a board. A stichting can be used for:
• Charitable and NGO activities;
• Grant-making and philanthropic initiatives;
• Family offices and asset-holding structures;
• Community projects and social enterprises;
• International non-profit organizations.
Many international organizations choose a Dutch stichting because it provides a flexible governance structure, legal personality, and credibility when engaging with donors, partners, banks, and government authorities.
While a stichting may generate income and employ staff, its assets must generally be used to further its stated objectives rather than distribute profits to founders or board members.
2. Can a non-resident start a business in the Netherlands?
Yes. Non-residents can start and own a business in the Netherlands. Foreign entrepreneurs can establish a Dutch B.V. without living in the Netherlands, and in most cases the incorporation process can be completed remotely. Additional compliance requirements may apply depending on the ownership structure, business activities, and countries involved.
3. How long does it take to incorporate a Dutch B.V.?
A Dutch B.V. can be incorporated in as little as one week for a straightforward structure where all required documentation is readily available and the shareholders and directors are private individuals. On average, most incorporations are completed within 5 to 10 business days from the moment we have received the required documentation, completed our compliance review, and received payment for our services.
More complex structures, such as those involving corporate shareholders, international group structures, multiple jurisdictions, or subsidiary arrangements, may require additional compliance checks and supporting documentation. In such cases, the incorporation process may take longer.
At Bolder Launch, we understand that timing is often critical when starting a business. Our team will therefore do its best to complete the incorporation process as quickly and efficiently as possible, while ensuring that all legal and compliance requirements are properly satisfied.
4. Do I need a Dutch resident director?
No. There is generally no legal requirement to appoint a Dutch resident director when establishing a Dutch B.V. Foreign entrepreneurs can own and manage a Dutch company from abroad. However, depending on the company’s activities, ownership structure, and tax position, it may be advisable to consider Dutch substance requirements and local management arrangements.
Bolder Launch does not provide directorship services. If you require a professional resident director or substance solution, our affiliated company, Bolder Group, may be able to assist.
5. What documents are required to start a business in the Netherlands?
The required documents depend on the ownership structure of the company.
For individual shareholders and directors, we generally require:
• A valid passport copy;
• Proof of residential address not older than 2 months (utility bill or bank statement).
For a subsidiary structure where a company will act as shareholder, we generally require:
• A recent business extract of the parent company;
• The shareholder register of the parent company;
• Passport copies of the shareholders and directors;
• Proof of address of the shareholders and directors;
• Additional corporate documents depending on the structure.
Additional documentation may be required depending on the countries involved, the business activities, and the complexity of the ownership structure.
At Bolder Launch, we aim to keep the onboarding process as efficient as possible and will only request documents that are necessary to comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
6. Do I need to visit the Netherlands to start a business?
No. In most cases, you do not need to visit the Netherlands to incorporate a Dutch B.V.
At Bolder Launch, we can facilitate the incorporation process remotely by coordinating with the notary, handling the compliance requirements, and obtaining the necessary powers of attorney. This allows many foreign entrepreneurs to establish a Dutch company without traveling to the Netherlands.
While certain activities, such as opening a bank account, may require additional identification procedures depending on the bank, a physical visit to the Netherlands is generally not required for the incorporation itself.
7. What are the yearly costs of maintaining a Dutch company?
The annual costs of a Dutch company depend on its activities, transaction volume, ownership structure, and compliance requirements.
In general, most Dutch companies should budget for:
• Accounting and annual financial statement preparation;
• Corporate income tax filings;
• Chamber of Commerce compliance obligations;
• Registered office services (if applicable);
• Payroll administration (if the company has employees);
• VAT compliance (if the company is VAT registered).
Companies with limited activity will generally have lower annual costs than businesses with employees, high transaction volumes, or international group structures. At Bolder Launch, we provide tailored proposals based on your specific situation, ensuring that you only pay for the services you actually require.
8. Do I need a registered business address in the Netherlands?
Yes. Every Dutch company must have a registered address in the Netherlands. This address is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) and is used for official correspondence from government authorities and other institutions.
In practice, a simple P.O. Box or virtual office is not sufficient. The registered address should be a physical business location where the company can be contacted and receive correspondence. For many foreign entrepreneurs, a coworking space is a suitable solution, as it provides a legitimate business address and helps demonstrate a genuine business presence in the Netherlands.
The Dutch authorities and financial institutions increasingly assess whether a company has an appropriate level of substance and a real connection to the Netherlands. As a result, having a suitable business address can be important for matters such as banking, VAT registration, and ongoing compliance.
While Bolder Launch does not provide registered office services, we can recommend a number of trusted coworking space and registered office providers to help you get started.
9. What taxes does a Dutch company need to pay?
The taxes applicable to your Dutch company depend on its activities and structure. The most common taxes are:
• Corporate Income Tax (CIT): Paid on the company’s taxable profits.
• Value Added Tax (VAT): Applicable if the company supplies taxable goods or services.
• Wage Tax and Social Security Contributions: Applicable if the company employs staff or pays salaries to directors.
• Dividend Withholding Tax: May apply when profits are distributed to shareholders.
Not every company is subject to all of these taxes. For example, a holding company may not have a VAT obligation, while a company without employees will generally not require a wage tax registration.
Following incorporation, the Dutch Tax Authorities will assess the company’s activities and determine which tax registrations are required. At Bolder Launch, we can assist with the necessary tax registrations and ongoing compliance requirements to help ensure your company remains compliant with Dutch regulations.
10. Do I need a Dutch accountant?
While it is not mandatory to appoint a Dutch accountant, every Dutch company must maintain proper accounting records and comply with Dutch reporting and tax obligations. Most companies are required to:
• Maintain proper and accurate financial records;
• Prepare annual financial statements and file the publication report with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK);
• File corporate income tax returns;
• Comply with VAT filing obligations (if applicable).
For foreign entrepreneurs, working with a Dutch accounting provider can help ensure compliance with local regulations and avoid costly mistakes. At Bolder Launch, we can assist with bookkeeping, annual financial statements, tax registrations, payroll administration, and ongoing compliance, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
11. Do I need a corporate secretary?
No, a corporate secretary is not mandatory. However, many foreign entrepreneurs choose to appoint a corporate services provider to assist with the administrative and compliance requirements of running a Dutch company.
A corporate secretary can help with:
• Opening a business bank account;
• Applications for a VAT number and wage tax number;
• Maintaining Chamber of Commerce (KVK) records;
• UBO registrations and updates;
• Corporate resolutions and shareholder documentation;
• General guidance on Dutch compliance requirements.
For companies without a local presence in the Netherlands, a corporate secretary can be a practical alternative to relying on a Dutch resident director for day-to-day administrative matters. At Bolder Launch, our Corporate Officer services are designed to support entrepreneurs with these operational and compliance requirements, allowing them to focus on their business while remaining compliant with Dutch regulations.
12. Do I need employees to start a business in the Netherlands?
No. It is not mandatory for a Dutch company to have employees. Many entrepreneurs start a Dutch B.V. without hiring staff and operate the business themselves.
That said, having employees, a local office, or business activities in the Netherlands can help demonstrate a stronger connection to the country. This may be beneficial when opening a bank account, meeting certain tax substance requirements, and establishing the commercial presence of the company.
As your business grows, employees can be hired at any stage. At Bolder Launch, we can assist with payroll registrations, employment agreements, and ongoing payroll administration.
13. Do I need to pay myself a salary as a director of a Dutch B.V.?
Possibly. If you are both a shareholder and director of a Dutch B.V. (commonly referred to as a DGA – Director Major Shareholder), Dutch tax rules may require you to pay yourself a minimum salary.
However, there are exceptions. Newly established companies, start-ups, and businesses with limited financial resources may be able to justify a lower salary or, in certain cases, no salary at all. The appropriate remuneration depends on the company’s activities, profitability, and specific circumstances.
It is important to obtain tax advice before determining a director’s compensation, as an incorrect salary can lead to tax adjustments by the Dutch Tax Authorities. At Bolder Launch, we can assist with payroll registrations and introduce you to qualified tax advisers where necessary.
14. Do I need tax advice when starting a business in the Netherlands?
Not always, but it is highly recommended. The Netherlands offers various tax rules and opportunities that may affect your business structure, shareholder arrangements, VAT position, and director compensation.
Tax advice can be particularly valuable if:
• You are establishing a subsidiary of a foreign company;
• You have international shareholders or directors;
• You expect cross-border transactions;
• You operate through a holding structure;
• You want to optimize your tax position from the outset.
Obtaining tax advice early can help prevent costly restructuring and compliance issues later on. Bolder Launch is not a tax advisory firm, but we regularly work with trusted tax advisers and can introduce you to the appropriate specialists where required.
15. Do I need a Dutch bank account?
Not always, but in practice it is highly recommended. A Dutch business bank account can make it easier to receive payments, pay suppliers, manage taxes, and demonstrate a connection to the Netherlands.
Opening a bank account is often one of the most challenging parts of starting a business in the Netherlands. Banks will typically assess:
• The ownership structure of the company;
• The business activities;
• The source of funds;
• The countries involved;
• The company’s connection to the Netherlands.
Depending on the circumstances, both traditional banks and fintech providers may be available options. At Bolder Launch, we can assist with preparing the application, gathering the required documentation, and introducing suitable banking solutions. However, the final decision to onboard a client always remains with the bank or financial institution.
Please contact us at launch@bolderlaunch.com / corporate@bolderlaunch.com or +31 76 230 0011 to learn more about how we can help expand your business in the Netherlands. We are more than happy to assist with guidance!
The publication has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No presentation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, Bolder Business Services (Netherlands) B.V., its members, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting or refraining to act in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.
