Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Capital
Amsterdam
Official language
Dutch
Salary Cycle
Monthly
Our Guide in Netherlands
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Netherlands 2025: Government Websites and Practical Steps for Foreign Companies
This guide collects the key Dutch government portals and outlines the operational steps for foreign companies that want to do business in the Netherlands in 2025. It focuses on company registration, tax filings, labor-law compliance and visa/work-permit procedures. Use the official sites listed here as your first source of truth; policy interpretations and administrative practice can change, so always confirm items on the relevant authority page.
Essential government and agency websites
| Area | Agency / Portal | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company registration | Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) | Register companies, trade names, obtain KvK number, search business register | KvK registration is typically the first administrative step. Many processes require a KvK number before dealing with banks and tax authorities. |
| Taxation (VAT, corporate, payroll) | Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs) | Register for VAT (BTW), file corporate income tax, payroll tax, VAT returns, customs | Register for a VAT ID and payroll tax numbers. Use the Belastingdienst portal for filings and digital correspondence. |
| Immigration, visas, work permits | Immigratie- en Naturalisatiedienst (IND) | Residence permits, single permit (GVVA), Highly Skilled Migrant, EU Blue Card, orientation year | Many work-authorisation routes require employer sponsorship or a recognized sponsor status. |
| Employment & social security | UWV (Employee Insurance Agency) / SVB (Social Insurance Bank) | Unemployment and social insurance rules, registration of employees, social security contributions | UWV handles employment-related benefits and employer registrations; SVB manages national insurance entitlements. |
| Municipal registration | Local municipality (Gemeente) | Registering employees and residents in the Personal Records Database (BRP) | Employees staying long-term must register at their municipality to obtain a citizen service number (BSN). |
| Customs and trade | Douane (Customs) via Belastingdienst | Import/export rules, customs duties, EORI registrations | Obtain an EORI number before importing goods from outside the EU. |
| Business support & incentives | Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) | Information on grants, permits, permits for regulated sectors, sustainability and export support | RVO provides guidance on subsidies and regulatory permits for specific sectors. |
| Data protection | Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens | GDPR compliance guidance and data-processing obligations | Ensure contracts and data flows comply with EU/Netherlands data protection rules. |
Step-by-step: Registering a company and starting operations
| Phase | Steps | Practical tips /Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Legal form & name | Choose legal form (e.g., BV, NV, branch, representative office). Check name availability with KvK. | BVs are the most common for foreign firms. Seek legal advice on liability and capital requirements. |
| 2. KvK registration | Prepare articles of association (notarized for BVs), proof of identity, and register with KvK to obtain a KvK number and RSIN. | Non-resident directors may need extra documentation and apostilles. Book KvK appointments early. |
| 3. Tax registrations | Register with Belastingdienst for corporate income tax and VAT. Request payroll tax numbers if hiring staff. | Registering for VAT can take several weeks. Consider whether to opt for flat-rate schemes or special VAT regimes (consult Belastingdienst). |
| 4. Bank account & payment setup | Open a Dutch bank account (may require in-person verification), or use fintech alternatives for limited operations. | Banks apply KYC and AML checks. Prepare company documents and director IDs. Some banks require proof of local presence. |
| 5. Employment compliance | Register as an employer with UWV/SVB, set up payroll, withhold payroll tax, and make social-security contributions. | Understand Dutch collective bargaining agreements (CAOs) if applicable. Record-working-time and minimum-wage rules apply strictly. |
| 6. Local registrations | Register employees with the local municipality to obtain BSNs and arrange health insurance enrollment. | Employees must have health insurance within four months of arrival. Keep proof of registration on file. |
Tax filings and deadlines — practical workflow
- VAT (BTW): periodic returns (monthly/quarterly/yearly) depending on turnover; submit via Belastingdienst portal.
- Corporate Income Tax: annual tax return; deadlines vary — consider filing extensions through a tax advisor.
- Payroll taxes and social contributions: typically filed and paid monthly.
Notes: late filings can trigger interest and penalties. Keep accounting records for at least seven years as required by Dutch law.
Visa and work-permit routes: overview and steps
| Permit type | Who it's for | Basic steps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highly Skilled Migrant (Kennismigrant) | Qualified professionals sponsored by recognized employers | Employer applies for recognized sponsor status; submit residence permit application via IND; employee may enter on MVV if required. | Salaries must meet published thresholds; family reunification rules apply. |
| Single Permit (GVVA) | Third-country nationals needing both work and residence permit | Employer typically applies to the IND on behalf of the employee; combined decision replaces separate permits. | Processing times vary by nationality and complexity; plan hires well in advance. |
| EU Blue Card | Highly paid specialists from non-EU countries | Employer and employee submit documentation proving salary and qualifications; IND issues residence permit with work rights. | Salary thresholds and qualification checks are strict. |
| Orientation Year for Graduates | Recent graduates or researchers seeking work after study | Applicant applies to IND for a residence permit to search for employment or start a company. | This permit is time-limited and has specific eligibility windows after graduation. |
Common compliance pitfalls and practical precautions
- Underestimating lead time: registrations (KvK, tax, permits) and bank onboarding may take several weeks — plan hires and contracts accordingly.
- Misclassifying staff vs contractors: Dutch law and tax authorities scrutinize worker status; misclassification can lead to back taxes and fines.
- Payroll accuracy: payroll tax, pension obligations, and statutory leave must be properly calculated — use a local payroll provider if unfamiliar.
- Data protection: ensure GDPR-compliant contracts and notices when handling employee and customer data.
- Language & documentation: many official forms and letters are Dutch — use certified translations where required.
Illustrative case examples
Case study (illustrative): A small UK SaaS start-up established a BV to serve EU clients. The founders notarized articles in the UK, completed KvK registration, then applied for a Dutch VAT number. They used a local payroll provider to register employees with UWV and set up monthly payroll tax withholdings. The startup avoided delays by engaging a tax advisor to advise on transfer-pricing and permanent establishment risks.
Case study (illustrative): A manufacturing company outside the EU exported goods to the Netherlands. The company registered for an EORI number and coordinated with Dutch Customs to classify goods and declare import VAT. They used RVO guidance to check whether specific permits applied to their products.
Where to get help
- Use KvK or RVO advisory services for business setup guidance.
- Consult licensed immigration lawyers for IND procedures and sponsor applications.
- Engage Dutch tax advisors for VAT, corporate income tax and cross-border structuring.
Note: if you need offshore personnel services for assignments at sea or international postings, consider SailGlobal.
Final reminder
Procedures and interpretations evolve: always verify current rules on the official agency pages listed above before taking formal steps. If in doubt, seek local professional advice — timely compliance prevents unnecessary costs and interruptions to operations.
Disclaimer
The information and opinions provided are for reference only and do not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice. Sailglobal strives to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the content; however, due to potential changes in industry standards and legal regulations, Sailglobal cannot guarantee that the information is always fully up-to-date or accurate. Please carefully evaluate before making any decisions. Sailglobal shall not be held liable for any direct or indirect losses arising from the use of this content.Hire easily in Netherlands
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