Step Four: The housing of the company

Before the incorporation of the company, you need to consider the following matters: 

• Your company should have local representative to assist your company navigate Dutch regulations.
• Your company should have a local registered office address, where company documents will be legally served. 
• The registered office must contain a shareholders’ register, listing the names and addresses of all shareholders, the number of shares they hold, and the amount paid-up on each share.
• We do not offer registered office services in-house, however there are many available providers located all throughout the Netherlands.
• We offer our Company Officer Service as your local representative, part of our total Company Incorporation Package.

In case you are planning to rent your office, even before the formation of the company, you need to make sure you provide us with the rental agreement of the office so we can register the company at this address right away.

However, such a situation would be very uncommon. Almost 100% of our clients use our Company Officer Service for at least 1 year, even if they open their own warehouse or office in the meantime. This way they are certain that all important mail is properly received and processed, and they avoid any (unexpected) (legal) hassles or visits (from authorities) in their own office/warehouse.

Flexi Desk services, also called ‘Registered office’ are typically available ranging from € 75 to € 120 per month. 

Aside from the legal address, it’s possible to use a separate mailing address for any incoming mail from the tax authorities. Typically, such letters are sent directly to the accountant or bookkeeper. Bolder Launch can help you translate your Dutch government letters, or correspond with government agencies, as part of our Company Officer Service.

Requirements of a Dutch address to apply for a VAT number in the Netherlands

Is a local address required in order to obtain a VAT number in the Netherlands? As described above, if you start a Dutch business, you will require a registered office anyway. But overseas companies can also register for a non-resident VAT number in the Netherlands, without having a local entity or branch. This typically is relevant in situations where non-European companies import goods via the Netherlands and are required to pay VAT.

Alternatively, if you plan to start a Dutch business and apply for a VAT number, for example, to apply for the Article 23 License (to avoid VAT on any imports), then a local address might not be sufficient. In order to apply for a local ‘resident’ VAT number, the business must be able to prove a strong economic relationship with the Netherlands. A registered office in the Netherlands might not suffice, and proof of a fully-fledged office, a warehouse, or the appointment of local staff, might be required. 

Bolder Launch does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained herein is meant for general information purposes only. We strongly recommend that before acting on any of the information contained herein, readers should consult with their professional advisers. Bolder Launch accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information, or the consequences resulting from any action taken by a reader based on the information provided herein.

This guide is part of Company Formation in our Launch Guide.