How to Open a Company in the Netherlands

We are a team of Dutch company formation specialists based in Amsterdam, ready to help you open any type of business in the Netherlands.

Which documents are required for the company formation? 

The standard incorporation process generally requires the following documentation:

• passport copy of the shareholder(s) and director(s);
• proof of residential address;
• proposed company name(s);
• brief description of the intended activities;
• shareholding structure (individuals or corporate shareholders).

Besides the main documents, we might need additional ones in accordance to the type of entity to be established in the Netherlands.

Attorney-at-Law Rolf Peter

What are the main steps for company incorporation in the Netherlands?

STEP 1

Providing all the necessary information:

• full information on the shareholders and directors of the future Dutch company;
• passport copies of shareholders (if natural persons), directors, and UBO’s (Ultimate Beneficial Owners) if applicable;
• in the case of foreign companies, an extract from the Trade Register in the home country is necessary;
• required social capital, which in the case of the Dutch BV is a minumum of 1 euro.

STEP 2

Visit a Dutch Public Notary to sign company incorporation documents or sign the documents abroad and send them in original to our company’s address in Amsterdam. In the latter case, these documents will be supplied by our office and will have to be properly legalized. Nevertheless, in this case, your visit to Holland will not be necessary.

STEP 3

Our company will file for incorporation with the Dutch Trade Registry.

What are the costs for starting a company in the Netherlands?

The following costs must be considered upon starting a business in the Netherlands:

1. the company formation cost starts from EUR 2,495 (excluding VAT),which includes the notarial incorporation and registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.
2. the virtual office cost is approximately 75 EUR per month (for a minimum package) and it depends on the services requested by the client;
3. the share capital: there is no minimum amount of money required to be deposited at the registration of the company, therefore the amount must be decided by the businessmen;
4. the accounting services fees – you can benefit from our accounting services starting with a monthly fee of approximately 90 EUR.

An exact quotation can only be offered once we understand your company’s structure and the services you will be purchasing from us. We encourage you to send us a quick email.

Attorney-at-Law Rolf Peter

How long does it take to set up a Dutch company?

Once all documentation has been received and the KYC (Know Your Customer) process has been completed, incorporation typically takes approximately 5–8 working days depending on the availability of the notary.

Important: The future business owners must also consider the opening of the bank account which can take a few days.

What types of companies are available for company formation in the Netherlands?

There are different types of entities you can open in the Netherlands, according to the type of business you will perform:

1. The Dutch BV (limited liability company) can be registered if you are interested in starting a business in the Netherlands, with a minimum share capital of 1 EUR, according to the recently amended Company Law. There are a series of requirements related to the Board of Directors and local company headquarters, both being required for what the local regulations describe as “substance”.
2. The General Partnership is for companies with two or more partners united under the same name and having the same economic objectives, with unlimited liability on the firm’s debts. Read more about it here. 
3. The Dutch Limited Partnership requiresat least two partners.  
4. The Professional Partnership is formed by two partners, at least, who are responsible for their claims.
5. The Public Liability Company is proper for large investments and it needs a share capital of 45,000 EUR.
6. The Branches/Subsidiaries of foreign companies can be opened in the Netherlands. The main differences between these two business forms is the degree of independence of the local branch or subsidiary  from the parent company. Read more about it here.

Can I form a company in Holland even if I’m not a resident?

Yes, you can, as a matter of fact, you can open a business in the Netherlands no matter where you reside in the world. The Netherlands takes pride in having a legislation very open to foreign investments.

The scheme below shows the main reasons for company formation in the Netherlands:

Can I avoid double taxation as a foreign investor in the Netherlands?

Yes, if your country of origin has signed a double tax treaty with Netherlands.

Please contact us for assistance in opening a business in the Netherlands.We also offer other services, among which: strategic advice on entering the Dutch and EU market, corporate structuring for international groups, regulatory and compliance guidance etc.