Guide

Company Formation

Base your company in the heart of Europe

Frequently Asked Questions Company Formation

In order to start a Dutch business, you will deal with the following (government) ‘bodies’:

  • The Dutch Notary (in case of a private limited)
  • The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (The Kamer van Koophandel (KvK.nl)
  • The ‘formation agent’ (such as Bolder Launch)
  • The Dutch Tax & Customs Administration (who will issue the Tax ID’s
  • The Dutch City Council (in case your Dutch bank requires you to obtain a BSN number in The Netherlands)
  • The IND (Immigration Office), in case you will apply for a residency permit (such as the Startup Visa)

​And of course, you might have to deal with any of the cofounders, or board members that you will appoint for your Dutch company. Every board member, and shareholder (owning more than 25% of the shares) will have to provide full cooperation in the company formation process. This means they will need to provide their passport copy and proof of address, and have to get identified in person (video call), or need to provide legalised copies of their information (and signature).

Company formation in The Netherlands can be done by a single person. Even if that person is not a resident. A single person can act as both director, as shareholder.

In case of a sole proprietorship, there is no shareholder involved, and the Dutch notary will also not be involved in the company formation process

The Netherlands is one of the most innovative countries in the world, with a great entrepreneurial climate. It’s low taxes, professional (and English-speaking) workforce, and great infrastructure makes the Netherlands the ideal gateway to Europe. 

But will The Netherlands be the best country for YOU to establish your business? It usually is! 
Having said that, it would be best to contact our Incorporation team to discuss your situation, and determine if the Netherlands is indeed the right choice for you!

EU nationals are free to start a Dutch company, and work and live in The Netherlands without any extra requirements (other than registering themselves at their City Council). 

For non-EU nationals, immigration regulations need to be considered, in case you are planning to stay for a long-term in The Netherlands. As a business owner, owning both an overseas business, as a Dutch company, it’s relatively easy to obtain a multi-entry Schengen Visa. This will allow you to travel to the Netherlands and reside in the Netherlands for a max of 90 days per trip, with a max. of 180 days per year. If you are planning to become a resident in The Netherlands, you can consider the Entrepreneurs Visa, or the Startup Visa. You can find more information in our Launch Guide

Yes, specified type of activities, which include for example, banking, insurance, financial services, consumer credit related services and employment agencies. There is no separate business licence required for standard trading and consultancy activities.

Dutch. English language (or other languages) can be included (with apostille).

A name that is similar to or identical to an existing company. A well-known name that is known to exist elsewhere. A name that implies illegal activities. A name, which in the opinion of the Registrar is considered undesirable, obscene or offensive. A name that implies royal or government patronage.

Bank, building society, savings, loans, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, investment fund, trust, trustees, Chamber of Commerce, co-operation, council, municipal or their foreign language equivalents or any name in English or a foreign language that may suggest association with the banking or insurance industries.

Besloten Vennootschap (BV) and the new Flex-BV.

No, although if the company has a single shareholder this is a matter of public record.

The name of the company can be expressed in any language using the Latin alphabet. The Registrar may request a Dutch or English translation to ensure that the proposed name does not contravene name restrictions.

For the opening of the bank account, it will be required that the director of the company visits the bank in The Netherlands. This can be a brief visit to Amsterdam.

The bank account will be opened straight away during the visit, and one of our colleagues will join the director to the bank. If you prefer not to visit Amsterdam, then we can try a non-resident bank. But you end up paying more in bank charges, then flying to Amsterdam (and spending a night at a fancy hotel), because we will get your the Dutch bank account without any charges for the first year! You will not even pay bank charges! Having said this, Bolder Launch works with several banks worldwide which can accept remote bank account opening. There is no legal requirement to have a Dutch bank account for your Dutch company.

Every Dutch business is of course subject to taxation.  The most commonly known tax for companies is the Dutch corporate income tax, which must be paid within 6 months after the end of the fiscal year.
You will have to pay tax over all (worldwide) profits of your company. Currently the corporate tax rate is 16.5% up to 200.000 annually, all profits above this sum are taxed for 25%. (Lower CIT rate will be 15% in 2021)

Corporate income tax is only due if your company made a profit on its business activities in The Netherlands. 

For more queries, reach us here.

Our launch guide