Starting your own business

Independent enterprise is the backbone of the Dutch economy. There are thousands of small and medium-sized firms, the so-called “MKB-ers” (Midden en Klein bedrijven). The Netherlands recognises the contribution these entrepreneurs make to the economy and actively encourages them. The majority of new businesses are found in the Randstad area (Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam).

The following information is reprinted with permission from "Starting Your Own Business", a fact sheet published by ACCESS, a non-profit organisation helping anyone from anywhere settle with ease in the Netherlands.

The WestHolland Foreign Investment Agency provides a wide range of free of charge services to international companies expanding their business operations in Europe with a base of operations in the WestHolland Region. With its expertise, experience and extended network, it is able to provide assistance regarding immigration and registration procedures, finding office locations in close proximity of your market, answering questions regarding tax and labour issues, and above all making you and your family feel at home.

Royal Association MKB-Nederland is the largest employers organisation in the Netherlands and promotes the interest of 125,000 employers. It offers its members legal advice and through contacts with government officials, MKB-Nederland tries to introduce new policies to a better socio-economic climate.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (Ministerie van Economische Zaken) initiated action in 1996 to help small and medium-sized businesses enter the export market. It is a positive environment for smaller businesses. However, there are regulations which have to be complied with. At the same time, you should be aware that whilst meeting the relevant regulations when establishing your business, the government also assists new businesses with finance, tax relief, subsidies and sometimes loans.

For more information also see the website of ACCESS.

General requirements

A listing of the general requirements that must be met to start a business in the Netherlands.

Special permits & foreign diplomas

Information on some special permits and apostille stamps for foreign diplomas.

Finances

How does a start-up business obtain money to carry out its plans?

Insurance

Anyone starting a new business takes risks. To an extent, these risks can be insured.

Taxation and other acts

Each year you must declare your business income and other income to the tax authorities.

Hiring employees

If you hire any employees, you must register at the Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen (UWV).

Finding business accommodation

From the beginning of your enterprise, the accommodation of your business is an important issue.

Administration

You are obliged by law to record any and all financial implications for your business in a systematic administration.

Register with the Chamber of Commerce

Nearly every business has to register with the Chamber of Commerce trade registry.

A long road to business success

Those of you thinking about going into business for yourselves must realise the road to success is long and difficult.