Obtaining a Dutch business license is an important step to complete when opening a company in the Netherlands. Find out below when this procedure is required and how our local specialists can help you.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Business licensing stage in the company formation process | Business licensing is the last step in starting an economic activity in the Netherlands. |
Procedures to complete before applying for a Dutch business permit | – obtaining a business number (BSN), – registering for VAT, – registering for employment purposes |
Do all companies need business licenses? | No, only companies operating in certain industries. |
| Sectors requiring special business permits | – finances, – some trading operations, – HoReCa, – transportation, – financial services, – pharmaceutical, and others |
| Temporary business permits availability (if any) | Yes, for temporary activities, such as various types of festivities |
| Authorities in charge of issuing business permits | Each sector has its own authority issuing specific business permits in the Netherlands. |
| Availability of municipal licenses | Yes, certain permits are issued by the local municipality. |
| General documentation required to obtain a business license | – Registration Certificate, – tax identification code, – business/feasibility plan |
| Specific documentation required (YES/NO) | In certain cases, special paperwork must be drafted. |
| Possibility to apply for one multi-purpose license (YES/NO) | Yes, for the all-in-one permit required to build or renovate office buildings, factories, etc. |
| Time frame to obtain a Dutch business permit (approx.) | The issuance of a business license depends on the authority in charge of it and can range from a few weeks to a few months. |
| Renewal requirements (if any) | Yes, in certain cases, business permits may require renewal. |
| Availability of specific licenses for sole traders/self-employed persons (YES/NO) | Yes, such categories of service providers may also need to apply for certain licenses for their activities. |
| Other types of permits that can be obtained by Dutch companies | Dutch businesses are also advised to consider work and residence permits for their foreign employees/managers. |
| Support in filing for a business license in the Netherlands (YES/NO) | Yes, you can rely on our Dutch company formation consultants for filing for a business permit. |
| Business licensing regulations | – the Dutch Company Act, – sector-specific regulations |
Special licensing requirements for foreign companies (if any) | No, foreign companies must file for licenses just like local businesses. |
Special licensing conditions for foreign citizens (if any) | Required for certain activities |
| Categorization of Dutch business permits | Dutch business licenses can be general or industry-based. |
| Special requirements for Dutch sole traders (if any) | Yes, for certain professions qualifying diplomas are required to obtain a Dutch business license. |
| Activities that require a professional business license | – accounting, – law, – engineering, – architecture, – financial services, etc. |
| Local address requirement to obtain a license (YES/NO) | Yes, companies need Dutch registered addresses to obtain business permits. |
| Requirement to obtain an environmental permit | Only for companies renovating or altering businesses premises |
| Special licenses for fintech companies (if any) | Yes, the PSD2 license for supplying online payment services |
| Availability for special licenses for private security firms (YES/NO) | Yes, the private security license |
| Special licensing requirements for catering businesses | Such companies must apply for special catering establishment licenses that are separate from restaurant permits. |
| Availability of a dedicated alcohol license in the Netherlands (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Possibility for companies to apply for more than one business permit (YES/NO) | Yes, in certain sectors this is a mandatory requirement to operate legally. |
| Special requirements for hiring staff in certain industries (YES/NO) | Yes, a certificate of competency and/or specific training may be required. |
| Other legal requirements to comply with in certain industries (YES/NO) | Yes, codes of conduct and GDPR regulations must be respected by certain businesses. |
Table of Contents
Are all Dutch companies required to obtain a business permit?
No. The requirement to apply for a business license in the Netherlands is strictly related to the operational sector of the company.
Are there any procedures to comply with before applying for a Dutch business permit?
Yes, before reaching the stage of applying for a Dutch business or trade license, a business must pass through other stages, such as:
- obtaining a tax identification number;
- registering for VAT (if necessary or relevant for the licensing phase);
- registering for employment purposes;
- securing a specialized workforce (as is the case of HoReCa businesses).
Is there a universal trading license that companies must apply for in the Netherlands?
No.
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
Are sole traders also required to obtain business licenses in the Netherlands?
Yes, they usually need to obtain professional or craft licenses, depending on their trade.
Is it mandatory for foreign companies to comply with the Dutch business licensing requirements?
Yes, it is. The sole exception is when opening a Dutch representative office, as it is not created for commercial activities.
How are business licenses categorized in the Netherlands?
- general/municipal/regional permits: issued by the municipality where the company operates;
- industry-specific/national licenses: issued by authorities and/or organizations that regulate certain sectors.
What are the sectors that require trade licenses in the Netherlands?
Setting up a company in the Netherlands is quite simple, as most enterprises do not require special licenses. However, there are a few that do, and among them, we mention the following:
- financial businesses that include banks and insurance agencies;
- financial service providers, such as investment management companies;
- restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels and other tourism-related entities;
- trading companies for import and export activities (additionally, these must also apply for EORI numbers or use EORI numbers obtained in other EU states);
- transport licenses are also available for businesses operating in this sector.
How do I know what type of business license I need to obtain in the Netherlands?
The activities of your company are assigned by the Commercial Register upon incorporation. Another way to find out is to verify the NACE codes.
What are the documents required to obtain a Dutch business license?
Depending on the kind of business activity, there are different requirements in the Netherlands for acquiring a business license. Nonetheless, you can be requested to provide documentation such as the following:
- evidence of the company’s identification (KVK number);
- evidence of registration, if any, with the Dutch tax authorities;
- proof of social security contributions registration, if applicable;
- feasibility study or business plan.
What to consider when applying for business permits in the Netherlands?
Among the general aspects to take into account when applying for business licenses in the Netherlands are:
- making sure you respect the procedure, as imposed by the issuing authority;
- ensuring you have all the documents required;
- knowing that some licenses need to be renewed.
All these aspects can be left in the care of our agents, who can help you.
Here is a video on this topic:
Are there any fees to pay when applying for a business license in the Netherlands?
Yes, each authority, including the Trade Register, imposes certain fees for the issuance of a trade license or business permit.
Are Dutch business licenses renewable or not?
Most licenses are renewable. However, there may also be exceptions to this rule. You can check such requirements with the help of our local agents.
What happens if I do not obtain a business permit for my Dutch company?
You may face various penalties ranging from fines to criminal liability.
If you need assistance in applying for a business license in the Netherlands, please contact us!