frequently asked questions

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Does your Netherlands company require a VAT number?

Not every Dutch (non-resident) company will be VAT liable, and therefore not required (or able!) to apply for a VAT number.
Companies that do not perform any trading activities, in general to not have to apply for a VAT number (such as holding companies, etc.)
In case your company sells goods or services within the Netherlands, or the EU, your company might be required to apply for a VAT number. You can check our Tax Overview, or contact our Incorporation Officers for more information.

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How Can I Open a Dutch Bank Account?

The opening of a Dutch corporate bank account can be challenging. There is no legal requirement to open a Dutch bank account, so in case your Dutch company has no direct link with the Netherlands yet (such as a physical presence, staff, customers, etc.) we suggest that you consider using an overseas IBAN (for example at your current overseas bank), until you have a certain track record.  Dutch banks, like ING, do open corporate bank accounts, even for brand-new companies. You can read more about that here.

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What is the difference between a subsidiary or a branch registration in the Netherlands?

The obvious difference between a branch, and a subsidiary, is that a subsidiary is a separate legal entity. And a branch, is an extension of your current overseas company.

Simply put, you can only register a branch in the Netherlands, if you already own an overseas company. The advantage of registering your overseas company in Netherlands (at the Chamber of Commerce) is that you don’t have to work with a Dutch notary, and your overseas Company Law is leading (so Dutch corporate law requirements on publishing of Financial Statements, paying up share capital, etc. are not relevant). 

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Read More about the branch timeline 
Read More about choosing a branch or legal entity

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Are there any Company Ownership-restrictions in Netherlands?

There are no company ownership restrictions in Netherlands, and non residents can own real estate, company shares, etc. without any limitations. 

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What Non-Resident requirements do I need to consider?
Any non resident individual, or entity, can own or manage a company in the Netherlands. This means that there are no legal restrictions against this. However. Appointing a non-resident director (or shareholder) can have practical and tax consequences. 

 

Read more about Substance
 Read more about opening a bank account 

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What are the Legal Address Requirements in The Netherlands?

All companies formed in the Netherlands need to have a unique registered address, which will be used for the registration at the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel). In general, its expected that the legal address is in the Netherlands, but this is not a legal requirement in order to form a Dutch company. If your Dutch company is still in the startup phase, and does not have a physical presence in the Netherlands, it can use it’s overseas (residential or office) address.
In any case, a rental agreement, or permission letter, should be available which shows that the address can be used for this purpose.

In case you use a Dutch business address service, you need to consider that virtual office addresses are not allowed in the Netherlands. This means that any business address must be accessible by you, and provide at least a flexi-desk service. It also requires that a manned reception desk is available, and that the ‘business center’ can contact you if required.

Aside from the legal address, it’s possible to use a separate mailing address for any incoming mail from the tax authorities. Typically such letters are sent directly to the accountant or bookkeeper.

INCO can help you translate your Dutch government letters, or correspond with government agencies, as part of our Company Officer Service. 

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What are the Requirements for a Company Administrator/Tax Representative in Netherlands?

There is no legal requirement to appoint a Company Administrator or Tax Representative in Netherlands. However, when a non-resident company applies for a VAT or wage tax number, it’s common practice that it uses the services of a local registered bookkeeping firm to communicate with the tax authorities and file the appropriate tax returns. INCO can assist you in the application of tax number, and filing of tax returns. 

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What are the company name restrictions in Netherlands?

Before starting a business in the Netherlands, you need to consider your company name, and the restrictions that apply in the Netherlands. For example, you can’t simply use the name ‘bank’ , ‘university’, ‘accountant’ in your company name, unless you are licensed to perform these activities. You are also not allowed to use personal names of someone else in your company name, like ‘Albert Heijn’ or ‘Freddy Heineken’. Assuming of course, such names are still available, you can use these names if it’s your actual name. Do you use your own name in your company name? Keep in mind that you run a greater risk of unwanted sales and even identity fraud.

Do not choose a company name with a brand name from another company (or names similar to it). A customer or supplier can then get confused. They may think that the products with that brand come from the company that uses the brand name in its company name.

You may not use a company name that can cause confusion with the public (for example, with customers or suppliers) because the name resembles an existing company name. Whether confusion can arise depends, among other things, on:

• the similarity  in the name/brand;

• the extent to which the activities are similar;

• the overlap of the work area, ie the area where the company operates.

• If you find a company name misleading or confusing

 

Do you think the company name of another company is misleading or confusing? First try to solve it mutually. Is this not possible? Then you can start a procedure with the court.

 

Not all special characters and punctuation marks are allowed. You may only use @ & + and - in your company name. Characters like ()? ! * # / may not, for example, appear in your company name.

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Can I add multiple Trading names in Netherlands?

Yes, you can. The trade names don’t have to be similar to the statutory company name. This way you have use multiple brands/trade names, using only one company. Please note that using a trade name does not protect your brand in all situations, and brand registration might still be suggested.

When you register a trade name in the Netherlands, you are allowed to issue invoices, or sign contracts, in the name of that trade name (instead of the legal company name). 

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What is the process of starting a Company in the Netherlands?

As with everywhere else in the world, the process of setting up a company in the Netherlands can vary based on the type of activity that the company is going to operate. Several industries have their own agencies and specific licenses that are required in order to operate, but even if that’s the case, the Dutch company can be setup first, before applying for such license.

Below, you will find the steps needed to have a fully functioning service company formerly registered in the Netherlands.

1. Start-Up Consult with an Incorporation Officer

2. Complete the application form, and provide company details

3. Collection of Documents

4. Formation Process

5. Approval & Signing

6. Visit to the Netherlands; Meet the notary and/or bank

 

Check our full Company Incorporation Timeline
Request your personalized Timeline based on your corporate structure and requirements

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How long does it take to form a company in the Netherlands?

Forming a company in the Netherlands is not an integrated process and therefore it is difficult to give an exact time frame. Technically a company can be set up within 1 working day, if the formation is carefully prepared and all documents are provided by the incorporator. In reality it takes time to collect the right information, instruct the notary, receive the formation deed, and get the signed and/or legalized documents from the incorporator. In general it should be considered it takes between 5 and 10 working days to set up a Dutch company. 

 

How much does it cost to form a company in the Netherlands?
The costs to set up a Dutch company depend on the company form that will be used. A sole proprietorship or Dutch branch can be registered at the Chamber of Commerce, without involving a Dutch notary. In this case the fees can be limited to the Chamber of Commerce fees (50 EUR). In case a Dutch legal entity is established, such as the Dutch BV or NV, notary fees (approx. 1.000- 1.500 EUR) need to be considered.  The exact fees can depend on the complexity of the formation, and the amount of stakeholders.

READ MORE about setting up a Dutch BV within 1 day! Or check our Company Formation Timeline.

Do you require an Import License in Netherlands?

A common motivation for forming a company in the Netherlands is to be able to import products to Europe. For importing goods into Netherlands no import license is required. In case of certain foods, or goods, an import certificate might be required.