How to start a business in NL

Starting a business in the Netherlands is a structured process. You pick a legal form, register with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), and set up your tax and administration. Most people can do the core registration in a single appointment.

You need a valid form of identification and, depending on your nationality, the right to live and work in the Netherlands. Nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need only a valid passport or identity card. Nationals of other countries need a residence permit for self-employed people, a residence permit that allows self-employment, or a residence document stating that no work permit is required. To register an eenmanszaak or a partnership you also need DigiD, which requires a BSN. Check the latest requirements with IND.

1. 1

   Check whether you can legally start a business

   Before anything else, confirm you have the right to start a business in the Netherlands. Nationals of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland need only a valid passport or identity card. Nationals of other countries need a residence permit for self-employed people, a residence permit that allows self-employment, or a residence document stating that there are no employment restrictions and no work permit is required.

   Do this: Check your residence permit conditions and confirm self-employment is allowed.

   Open the Build path

   Common mistake: Some residence permits restrict or prohibit self-employment. Starting a business without the right to do so can affect your residence status.

   Official source

   Business.gov.nl · Permits for foreign self-employed professionals
2. 2

   Choose your business structure

   The most common forms are the sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) and the private limited company (BV). A sole proprietorship is simple and cheap; a BV limits your personal liability but needs a notary.

   Do this: Decide between eenmanszaak and BV based on liability, tax and cost. Talk to an accountant if unsure.

   Common mistake: With an eenmanszaak you are personally liable for business debts.

   Official source

   Business.gov.nl · Which legal structure suits your company
3. 3

   Prepare your information

   Collect what KVK will ask for: your business name, your visiting and postal address, your business activities and SBI codes, your start date, contact details, and your proof of identity. To register an eenmanszaak or a partnership you complete the form online with DigiD or a European eID, so arrange DigiD first if you do not have it. DigiD requires a BSN, and if you are not registered in a Dutch municipality you must first be registered in the Non-residents Records Database.

   Do this: Write down your business name, activities, start date and address, have a valid proof of identity ready, and check that you can log in with DigiD.

   Documents needed

   • Valid ID or passport
   • Business address
   • List of business activities

   Official source

   KVK · Completing the registration form for an eenmanszaak
4. 4

   Register with KVK

   Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). For a BV, a notary must first draw up the deed. After registration, KVK passes your details to the Belastingdienst.

   Do this: For an eenmanszaak or a partnership, complete the online registration form with DigiD and then attend an appointment at a KVK office to finish the registration. For a BV or an NV, the civil-law notary sets the company up and usually also handles the registration in the Business Register.

   Cost

   €85.15 one-off for a new registration in 2026; a BV also has separate notary costs.

   Processing time

   Register from 1 week before to 1 week after your business starts trading. You can also go to KVK up to 3 months before your start date, in which case you receive your KVK number by post on that date.

   Official source

   KVK · Register your business
5. 5

   Set up tax and administration

   KVK passes your details to the Tax Administration, so you do not register with it separately. Recording your business in the Tax Administration's records takes up to 10 working days. It then writes to you about the taxes your business will deal with and issues your VAT number, derived from your BSN or RSIN. Set up bookkeeping, charge VAT where required, and file returns.

   Do this: Set up bookkeeping, open a business bank account, and start tracking VAT from your first invoice.

   Common mistake: The Tax Administration decides your VAT return period and writes to tell you whether you file monthly, quarterly or annually. Most entrepreneurs file quarterly. If you file or pay late you receive an additional assessment with an estimated amount, plus a fine.

   Official source

   Belastingdienst · VAT in the Netherlands

• Valid proof of identity: a Dutch or foreign passport, an EEA identity document, a Dutch driving licence, or a Dutch foreign nationals document
• Residence permit (if applicable)
• Business address details
• Description of your business activities

• KVK registration: one-off €85.15 (2026)
• Notary fees for a BV vary by provider
• Bookkeeping/accounting costs vary

Register with KVK from 1 week before to 1 week after your business starts trading; the registration itself is completed at your KVK appointment. The Tax Administration then records your business within 10 working days and writes to you about the taxes that apply and the VAT return period assigned to you.

Requirements depend on your situation. Check the latest requirements with the relevant authority.

• Picking a legal structure without understanding personal liability differences
• Forgetting that a BV requires a notary and a deed
• Not separating business and personal finances from day one

• Open a business bank account
• Set up your bookkeeping
• Check whether you need to charge VAT