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Dutch Branch Registration

How to get branch registration in the Netherlands?

The branch registration in Netherlands is accessible for any type of legal entity, from anywhere in the world. Keep in mind, that if the overseas company has no English statutory documents available, that official translations might be required.

The process of branch registration in the Netherlands involves the registration of your overseas legal entity at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, so it will obtain a local business extract (similar to a business licence) and can operate in the Dutch market. The process is akin to legal entity formation, and the fees are, more or less, the same. However, a Dutch notary is not involved.

We can register the branch within, approximately, one week. The Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands typically processes the application in about three days. 

Branch registration in the Netherlands: Let’s launch it together

Bolder Launch can provide a full service for overseas companies planning to enter the Dutch market by registering a Dutch branch.

Once the branch is registered, we can assist you in the application for a VAT number, payroll staff, provision of annual reporting services and much more.

Bolder Launch provides businesses with fixed fees and a clear procedure.

Follow these 5 simple steps, so you can start your Dutch company now.

January 1, 2019

Step 1: Start-Up Consult with our Launch Crew.

The decision process to register a Dutch branch versus setting up a local entity can be very complex. In our start-up consult, we will go through the legal considerations, the entire registration process, answer your questions and elaborate on what the following steps will be in establishing your company in the Netherlands. Our Launch Crew can involve tax and/or legal counsel when appropriate.

January 1, 2019
January 1, 2019

Step 2: Order Form.

Once you have decided to register your Dutch branch, you can complete our Order Form for branch registration in the Netherlands. The order form contains questions concerning the corporate structure, the shareholders and directors, share capital, personal information and an overview of all the documents we need to collect from you. This information is required, so we can understand your company and determine which exact documents we will require from you. Based on the Order Form, we can send you a personalised quote, although, in most cases, our standard company package fee (as visible above) applies.

January 1, 2019
January 1, 2019

Step 3: Collection of Documents.

To register an overseas entity in the Netherlands as a branch, we will be required to provide a selection of company and Know-Your-Customer documents to the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. Here are the KYC documents required for a Dutch branch registration.

In general, we will need: 

1. Certificate of Good standing (or similar, depending on your country)
2. Extract of Registry or Legal Opinion, stating the directors and shareholders of the head office/parent company (with apostille), preferably in English
3. Copies of the Memorandum of Association/Formation Deed (if non-English, official translation might be required, as well as  legalisation (with apostille)) 
 
Please note that we will confirm the final overview of required documents, as soon as we receive our completed order form and the full organigram of the Group structure. In case the head office is owned by corporate entities (like personal holding companies), we might require documents on those as well.
 
If the director of the overseas entity, who will also act as the director of the Dutch branch,  doesn’t visit the Chamber in person, all required documents can be legalised in one set. The legalisation must include an apostille. It’s suggested to wait with the legalisation of the documents until you have also received the registration documents, described in the next step.

In case they visit the Chamber, we still need the statutory documents to be legalised, however; then the passport copy (of each director) and signature don’t require legalisation.  

In case a corporate director/shareholder is involved in the overseas entity (multinational package fee applies), we will also need the above mentioned documents from any involved corporate body.

January 1, 2019
January 1, 2019

Step 4: Registration Process.

Now it is getting even more exciting! In this step, you will receive and sign the registration documents and return them via email for our approval. Once approved, the documents can be couriered (including legalisation on the signature) directly to the Chamber of Commerce,; or we can schedule a meeting for the director who is planning to visit the Netherlands. During the visit, the branch will be registered on the same day.

In case you decide to register a Dutch branch remotely, the standard procedure will vary from this point on, and you can decide to visit to open a bank account in the Netherlands at a later stage (or not at all).

January 1, 2019
January 1, 2019

Step 5: Meet the Chamber of Commerce (optional).

The final step of the incorporation process is the registration of the Branch at the Chamber of Commerce (same day service) and the tax authorities (if relevant).

After the company has been registered at the Chamber of Commerce, it would be entitled to operate any activity (some activities are regulated). Most services are allowed without an extra required business licence, such as ‘production’, ‘import export’, ‘consultancy’ and most other services (unless it’s more obvious, the services are regulated, such as banking, Church, University, security/detective, etc.)

January 1, 2019

Congratulations! You are now ready to do business in the Netherlands and grow your Dutch business into a fully-fledged international enterprise!

Now, we discuss the compliance requirements for a Dutch company with our Company Officer to meet your bookkeeping needs.

A better alternative: company formation

Are you an entrepreneur ready to start a business in the Netherlands? You might be considering forming a new local company or registering your cAre you an entrepreneur ready to start a business in the Netherlands? You might be considering forming a new local company or registering your current headquarters as a branch in the Netherlands…

A branch registration has certain advantages, but it’s not considered a separate legal entity. This means that Dutch company law is not applicable, and Dutch banks (or suppliers) might have reservations in dealing with a branch of an overseas entity.

So how do you decide which option is best for you?
In many cases, it’s better to incorporate a new local company, rather than registering a branch. But this depends on your situation, and your priorities. In many cases, it’s better to incorporate a new local company, rather than registering a branch. But this depends on your situation, and your priorities. Let’s navigate this together so we can launch a branch or a local company in the Netherlands. Learn more in this guide.

Ready to launch into the Netherlands?

Register your branch for only € 1.250

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How can we help you?

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