Establish a Subsidiary in the Netherlands
Here are the main features of a subsidiary in the Netherlands. Contact our agents for support with the registration of a Dutch subsidiary.
If you want to open a subsidiary in the Netherlands in 2026, our local specialists can guide you through the entire procedure. Discover below what running such an enterprise in the Netherlands entails.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation (home country/foreign country) | Foreign country |
Best used for | Various types of activities (trading, commerce, IT, services, etc.) |
Minimum share capital | EUR 0.01 for a private company (BV); EUR45,000 when created as a public company |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | 3 – 4 weeks |
| Management (local/foreign) | Local or foreign |
| Legal representative required | No |
| Local bank account | Yes |
| Independence from the parent company | Fully independent legal entity |
| Liability of the parent company | No liability of the parent company on the subsidiary's obligations |
| Corporate tax rate | – 19% (for the first EUR200,000), – EUR38,000 + 25.8% for amounts of more than EUR200,000 |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | Yes |
What are the characteristics of a Dutch subsidiary?
The Dutch subsidiary is a type of company that:
- has corporate shareholding;
- is independent from the parent company;
- can undertake various types of activities, even if they are not related to those of the parent business;
- is treated the same as local companies in terms of taxation.
What legal form can a subsidiary take in the Netherlands?
When establishing a subsidiary in the Netherlands, the founders may choose between two common forms: the private limited liability companies and the public limited liability companies.
What are the steps to open a subsidiary in the Netherlands?
The following:
- trading name check (there is no formal name reservation);
- statutory documents drafting;
- paperwork submission to the Trade Register;
- bank account opening;
- tax registration (VAT registration, optionally);
- licensing, if required.
We have also created an infographic with the procedure of opening a Dutch subsidiary in 2026:
What documents are required to open a subsidiary in the Netherlands?
The following documents are required for registering a company in the Netherlands as a subsidiary:
- information about the parent company, which must include the address in the foreign country;
- an extract issued by the Trade Register in the parent company’s country confirming the existence of the foreign business;
- the articles of association of the subsidiary, which must be notarized by a Dutch public notary;
- a declaration through which a local representative is assigned to the subsidiary;
- the UBO information for the subsidiary (no declaration of no objection from the Ministry of Justice is needed; it was abolished in 2011).
What types of subsidiaries can I set up in the Netherlands?
Here are the types of subsidiaries available for registration in the Netherlands:
- the wholly owned subsidiary that has a sole shareholder;
- the partially owned subsidiary, in which the parent company owns 50% or more of the company;
- the joint venture subsidiary, where two or more companies operate together on a specific project.
Must I use the name of the parent company when setting up a Dutch subsidiary?
No. This requirement applies to branch offices only.
Must I appoint a resident director when opening a subsidiary in the Netherlands?
No, there is no need for a Dutch resident director; however, most foreign companies appoint nominees for local substance benefits.
Are there any licensing requirements for subsidiaries in the Netherlands?
Yes, setting up a Dutch subsidiary may require a business license depending on the activities it will undertake.
Can I hire Dutch employees, or must I transfer workers for my subsidiary?
A Dutch subsidiary can hire local employees or transfer people from the home country of the parent company. Apart from the fact that work and residence permits are required for non-EU/EEA workers, the subsidiary will respect the Dutch Employment Law.
The main advantage is that both personnel and employers can obtain various tax benefits.
You can also watch our video on how to open a Dutch subsidiary:
Must I travel to the Netherlands to register a subsidiary or is remote registration available?
No, you are not required to travel to the Netherlands, as our local specialists can represent you in the procedure of setting up a subsidiary company.
How long does it take to open a subsidiary in the Netherlands in 2026?
The procedure can be completed in about 2 weeks.
How are subsidiaries taxed in the Netherlands?
Subsidiaries will pay corporate tax on their worldwide income, which implies:
- a rate of 19% on profits of up to EUR 200,000;
- a rate of 25.8% on profits exceeding EUR 200,000.
You can find out more about the procedure of opening a company in the Netherlands by contacting our Dutch agents, who offer company formation and related services.
Rolf Peter Rothuizen, Attorney at Law · 8 October 2026Rolf Peter specializes in Business Law, Company Law and Tax Optimisation, has an LL.M. in Public, Private and European Law.