Doing Business in the Netherlands

 

Opening, starting, and establishing a business in the Netherlands is fairly straightforward. Assuming you are ‘allowed’ to work in the country, then the next steps are very clear. 

To start a business in the Netherlands, you must register your company at the KVK, and register for Dutch taxes. Use this checklist (provided by the Dutch Government) to find out more.

Unsure if this is the way to go? Want to explore and understand things more? Below, you’ll find details of our Start Your Own Business seminars and a directory of website links/resources which we recommend you take a look through.

Start Your Own Business Seminars

The WBII acquired the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) seminars, initially for the KvK (Chamber of Commerce), to provide a resource to the International Community in English, back in 2012.

Our SYOB seminars are now organised in collaboration with Webster University and are held twice a year, usually in April and November.

N.B. This is an inclusive event for ALL members of the international community (this means men are also most welcome to join us!)

Learn about:

  • Business set-up in the Netherlands: general differences between Dutch and other markets
  • Legal, administrative and tax considerations from a personal and business perspective
  • Innovative Marketing
  • Reality check – gather tips, tricks and financial insights from those who have already set up
  • Brainstorm and identify the actions you need to take to move forward
  • Elevator pitches – practice pitching your business ideas
  • Build your network – Dutch style!

See our events calendar or check below for the next scheduled seminar. Our SYOB events usually take place in April and November.

 
No current events

You can also visit the IN Amsterdam site for updates on the presentations in English they offer through the Chamber of Commerce.

How starting a business in NL was for me?

Once I had actually made the decision to start my own business as a Virtual Assistant, I became very excited at the prospect of working for myself, having the freedom and flexibility I was seeking.

I realised that there would be so much for me to think about and plan and learn but this did not deter me from following my heart.

One of the best things I ever did to help me on my new path as an entrepreneur in the NL was to join the amazing Women’s Business Initiative of NL (WBII).

I have felt the warmth of WBII since the start. From the welcome, to the introductions, to the monthly networking events, the learning, the development and so much support along the way. Meeting so many other amazing entrepreneurs on a similar journey to myself, sharing their own experiences, is priceless.

If you are thinking of joining, don’t think any more. Just join! You surely won’t regret it and we look so forward to welcoming you soon.

Michelle Baird

Global Virtual Assistant Solutions

HOW TO START A BUSINESS IN THE NETHERLANDS

  • Government information for entrepreneurs: What qualifies you as a Dutch entrepreneur?
    You can register as an entrepreneur if you meet the requirements of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK). The Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst) also checks if you are an entrepreneur for VAT and/or income tax purposes. Learn more about what information KVK and the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration consider. And discover what this means for your situation.

BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

  • https://business.gov.nl/ – Government site with all business related information. Includes several webinars as well as resources.
  • American Chamber of Commerce
    The American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands (AmCham) is a non-profit, non-governmental, non-political, voluntary organisation of companies and individuals who invest in and trade between the United States of America and the Netherlands.
  • NFIA
    The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), a Dutch government agency, can be of tremendous assistance in establishing or expanding your pan-European operation.
  • Benelux Trademarks Office
    The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) is the official body for the registration of trademarks and designs in the Benelux territory (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg).
  • Business in The Hague
    The Municipality of The Hague’s English-language information for companies and businesses.
  • Answers for Business
    Very useful website from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. All about starting, developing, running your own business etc – in English.
  • Den Haag Ondernemen
    Het ondernemersportaal biedt Haagse ondernemers één startpunt voor het verkrijgen van informatie.
  • The Hague Business Agency
    The Hague Business Agency attracts international companies and organisations and assists them in establishing, expanding or relocating their (foreign) operations within the Greater Hague region. The Hague Business Agency works closely together with The Hague Marketing Bureau and The Hague Convention Bureau under the umbrella of “The Hague & Partners’. Together they aim to stimulate The Hague’s economy and boost the job market by attracting and retaining more national and international visitors, companies/organisations and conferences through marketing and acquisition.
  • Ondernemers klankbord
    We know through our active entrepreneurial experience how important it is to meet the right person that wants to think with you and offers advice.
  • John Adams Institute
    The John Adams Institute is the center for American culture in Amsterdam. We are an independent, nonprofit foundation dedicated to presenting some of the most compelling speakers in the world to European audiences.

      LOCAL BUSINESS NETWORKS

      • MKB Factory
        For entrepreneurs and businesses. Borrels, workshops and exclusive networking events in special locations to bring business club companies closer together
      • The Hague International Network (THIN)
        The Hague International Network’s target group includes expats working for companies, international organisations and embassies, as well as Dutch citizens who live or work in The Hague area and have contact with expats.
      • Haagse VrouwenZaken
        Haagse VrouwenZaken (HVZ) is een netwerk van vrouwelijke, zelfstandige ondernemers uit Den Haag en omstreken.
      • ZZP Nederland
        The largest independent business organization for self-employed without staff. Information & advice. Advocacy. Collective discount. Free tools.
      • TEDx The Hague
        At TEDxTheHague, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group.
      • Amsterdam American Business Club
        The Amsterdam American Business Club (AABC) is a professional networking organization whose main purpose is to help improve business contacts between Dutch and American companies in and around Amsterdam.

              ADVOCACY

              • UN Women Advocacy Tool
                Strengthening Support of Women Entrepreneurs in COVID-19 Response and Recovery: Advocacy Tool

              Looking to start your own business in the Netherlands?

              Find out more about our SYOB Seminars