Company Registration in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a developed economy and one of the world’s leading exporting countries. Its major industries are food & Beverage, chemicals, metallurgy, machinery, electrical goods, trade and tourism. Because of its progressive business and political milieu, Netherlands has also grown to be a finance and trading hub. As such, it is one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Amsterdam, the country’s capital, houses the oldest stock exchange in the world, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.

Why Set Up a Business in the Netherlands?

  • Netherlands, or Holland, is one of the easiest countries to conduct a business in – with its supportive government and business-friendly policies.
  • Netherlands is ranked as one of the least corrupt nations, with one of the best literacy rate and standard of living.
  • Tax payment and settlement is completely online in Netherlands, with quick and convenient turnaround times.
  • A corporate bank account in Netherlands attracts one of the lowest maintenance costs in the EU.

Process of Setting Up a Business in the Netherlands

A company in Netherlands can be registered through the following steps.

  • Visit a Dutch Public Notary to ratify the business incorporation documents
  • Determine a name for the company. This requires it being checked at the Chamber of Commerce – to check the name’s validity according to the Dutch law. If OK, the name can then be reserved, with a certificate by that name being issued
  • Get a corporate bank account opened and deposit the minimum capital share required as per the kind of company entity
  • Get the company’s deed of incorporation notarized
  • Submit the documents of the company to the Chamber of Commerce to obtain a registration number for the business
  • Submit a registration form at the local tax authorities to obtain a tax number. For income tax, a separate registration form is required to be delivered

Documents Required for Company Registration in the Netherlands

  • Details of the shareholders and directors of the company
  • Passport copies of the shareholders, directors and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs)
  • Apostilled company trade register extracts (statutes issued by the Companies House), in case the shareholders are other foreign companies
  • Required social capital