Setting up a company in the Netherlands 

Expanding to or starting your business in the Netherlands offers significant opportunities, from access to the EU market to a business-friendly regulatory environment. Nevertheless, setting up a company in a new country involves more than just legal and tax structuring. To successfully establish your Dutch business, you need to follow several key steps:   

1. Choose the right legal entity and corporate structure: The type of company you set up affects liability, tax obligations and operational flexibility.   
2. Register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK): Every business in the Netherlands must be officially registered before it can operate.   
3. Complete additional registrations: Depending on your business activities, you may need a VAT number, sector-specific permits, or a registration number for international trade.  
4. Set up employment and social security arrangements: If you plan to hire staff, compliance with Dutch labor laws is essential. This includes obtaining work permits for employees from outside the EU and ensuring that each employee has a Citizen Service Number (BSN).  
5. Verify tax compliance: Corporate tax, VAT and payroll tax obligations vary depending on your structure and business model.   

Establishing an entity, structuring and registering with the Chamber of Commerce   

The first step in setting up your business is selecting the right legal entity. The most common choice for international businesses is the private limited company (bv) due to its flexibility and limited liability. However, alternative options, such as subsidiaries and branch offices, may better suit specific business models. A subsidiary is a separate legal entity, typically structured as a bv, offering limited liability and tax benefits. However, it requires full compliance with Dutch corporate regulations. A branch office, by contrast, is an extension of the foreign parent company, making it easier to set up but exposing the parent company to potential liabilities in the Netherlands.   

For businesses looking to relocate their headquarters to the Netherlands, structuring your corporate presence correctly from the outset is crucial. The Netherlands provides a stable business climate with a strong financial sector, robust legal protections and access to extensive tax treaties. Whether you need a standalone entity or a multi-company structure, Crowe Peak supports your setup to align with your operational, legal and financial objectives.

Additional registrations and compliance requirements   

Following the registration of your entity, additional registrations might be necessary to guarantee full compliance. These depend on your business model, typically involving: 

• VAT registration: Required if your business supplies taxable goods or services in the Netherlands or the EU.   
• Sector-specific permits and licenses: Businesses in finance, healthcare, transport and food industries may need additional approvals.
• Social security and employee insurance registration: Mandatory if you plan to hire employees in the Netherlands.   

Taxation and financial obligations   

The Dutch corporate tax system is structured to support business growth but comes with specific compliance requirements. Tax structuring is essential for minimizing liabilities and optimizing financial efficiency.   

Important considerations regarding tax include:   

• Tax treaties: The Netherlands has an extensive network of tax treaties that reduce withholding taxes on international transactions.  
• VAT obligations: Businesses must file periodic VAT returns and comply with EU invoicing regulations.   
• Payroll taxes and withholding obligation: If employing staff, businesses must deduct and pay employer contributions.   
• Transfer pricing: Transactions between related entities must comply with the arm’s length principle and be documented according to Dutch and international regulations. 
• Innovation box regime: Eligible companies benefit from a lower tax rate on profits from intellectual property.   

While these are the primary tax factors, each company has unique financial and legal circumstances. Crowe Peak ensures that your tax structure is optimized for compliance and efficiency, while minimizing administrative burdens.   

Social security and employment regulations   

If you plan to hire employees, compliance with Dutch labor laws and social security regulations is mandatory. Employment contracts must align with Dutch law, covering working hours, leave policies and dismissal procedures. In certain industries, collective labor agreements (CAOs) may impose additional requirements on wages, benefits and pension contributions.   

Key employment considerations include:   

• Health insurance: Employees are required to have Dutch health insurance and employers must comply with related obligations.   
• Expat tax benefits: The 30% ruling allows eligible expatriates to receive a tax-free allowance for up to 30% of their salary, reducing employer costs.   

Download: employing in the Netherlands

To assist you, we have outlined 6 key considerations for employing international employees in the Netherlands. Submit your contact details via the form below to receive the guide directly by email. 

plan it

Start your business in the Netherlands with confidence

Setting up a business in the Netherlands involves many moving parts—from legal structuring to tax compliance, employment- and regulatory registrations. With Crowe Peak, you gain access to a full-service team of legal, financial and tax experts who handle every step of the process.   

Our end-to-end services include:   

• Company formation and structuring: Selecting the right legal entity and optimizing your corporate setup.   
• Regulatory and tax compliance: Managing registrations, tax filings and reporting obligations.   
• Employment and payroll support: Ensuring full compliance with Dutch labor laws and social security.   
• Business licensing and sector-specific approvals: Obtaining the necessary permits for your industry.   
• Ongoing financial and legal advisory: Helping you stay compliant as your business evolves. 

Get in touch via the contact form to discuss your business setup needs and explore how we can assist with the process.