This article is also available in: Italiano
Hi Going Expat People,
today I want to dedicate my Blog article to how to start a business online. In fact this is a questions that appears more and more in groups online and also among my clients. I have my own experience as well to talk about and therefore, why not?
Starting a business in the Netherlands is relatively straightforward, whether you want to run an online store, a physical shop, or work as a freelancer (ZZP’er).
Choose Your Business Structure
Before registering, decide on the best legal structure for your business. It might sound like the most difficult thing to do, maybe it is. But I can tell you that the dedicated official websites are very easy to use and read through, and they all get a translation in English.
Here a few of the most common structures used:
Eenmanszaak (Sole Proprietorship) – Ideal for freelancers and small businesses.
BV (Private Limited Company) – Best for businesses wanting liability protection.
VOF (General Partnership) – Suitable for businesses with multiple owners.
Stichting (Foundation) – Used for non-profit organizations.
For most freelancers and small business owners, an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) is the easiest and fastest option. In fact this is also how I have registered Going Expat.
I had a look online and I figured the most important steps to take, I got an idea also on how to manage taxes etc, and therefore I moved forward with the second step, which includes registering at the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) . At that point I realised that the idea was becoming reality!
Register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
All businesses in the Netherlands must register with the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK). This is the Dutch name of the Chamber of Commerce. To start a business in the Netherlands, either online or offline this must be done. As said earlier the website is available also in English and people there might speak a good level of the language, but do not underestimate the importance of the Dutch language to better understand everything. In small cities, in fact it might be possible to have some issues in getting all info in English, if you do not speak Dutch, consider to make an appointment in one of the main cities, then.
Back to the process.
Visit kvk.nl and complete the online registration form.
Choose your business structure
Schedule an appointment at a KvK office.
Bring your passport/ID and a brief business description.
Pay the one-time registration fee (€75 in 2024).
After registration, you will receive a KvK number and be automatically registered with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst).
Get Your VAT Number (BTW-nummer)
Congratulations! Now you are officially a business owner in the Netherlands. Exciting, isn’t it?
Here the less fun part starts, in fact it is all about Taxes, and working hours and technicality. I strongly advise everyone who is reading to always double check the info at the Belastingdienst website because this is just a short and simplified guide.
Once registered, you will receive a BTW-ID (VAT number) from the tax authorities. If your turnover is under €20,000 per year, you may apply for the Kleineondernemersregeling (KOR), which exempts you from VAT obligations. Will go in details a bit furthere in the article.
This is the easiest and cheap way to start your business, especially if you work B2C, it is a side job or you are just getting started on your own and you are not sure about the “how and what” yet.
Other steps to take
What else to do to start your business in the Netherlands at this point?
Open a Business Bank Account, it is always suggested to have a separate bank account than your own, especially if you are not under the KOR, in fact it would be easier to track anything that is related to work and you can diversify the offer as a business. If you are wondering which one could more convenient for you, ask for free to the team at Utility Direct, they will come back to you with some questions and the best offer possible.
Arrange Taxes & Insurance in shorts the 2 main situations you are going to encounter are to fill just the income tax. As a self-employed person (ZZP’er), you must file annual income tax returns.
Fill in for tax benefits: If you work at least 1,225 hours per year, you may qualify for the Zelfstandigenaftrek (entrepreneurial tax deduction), which lowers your taxable income.
Insurance, once again this is just a list, and I am not going to dive in details. Make sure you get support whenever you have doubts about anything that follows.
As you know, in the Netherlands the health Insurance is mandatory for everyone who lives and works here, therefore you must have one already.
Next to that you might take in consideration to get AOV (Arbeidsongeschiktheidsverzekering) –Disability insurance for self-employed individuals, Bedrijfsaansprakelijkheidsverzekering –Business liability insurance.
Now you are really ready, it is time to be seen and get clients!
If your business is (only or also) online, you must register a domain name, build a website and set up a calendar and online payment method.
Do not forget to comply with the GDPR and Dutch consumer protection laws
For offline businesses, you first need to have a business plan, find a location, get the permits (normally you find all info at the websites of the municipality where you are opening your shop), register on Google so people can find you.
Let’s go back to the KOR
As anticipated, you might find the Kleineondernemersregeling (KOR) the right first step to start your business in the Netherlands. Since I have also taken advantage of it with Going Expat, I can share a few more details about it.
Let’s start saying that KOR is a small business VAT exemption for businesses with annual turnover under €20,000.
Being VAT exempt gets advantages as well as downside:
✅ No VAT Administration – No need to charge or file VAT returns.
✅ Simplified Accounting – Less paperwork.
✅ Lower Prices – Since you don’t charge VAT, your prices can be more competitive.
❌ No VAT Deduction – You cannot reclaim VAT on business expenses.
❌ Limited to Dutch Businesses – If you work internationally, KOR may not be beneficial.
The very moment you exceed 20k per year, you must immediately communicate with a tax expert to change your business status and figure out what is the best for you moving forward, as well as what are the tax exemptions you might have (and there are quite a few).
Starting a business in the Netherlands is a structured but manageable process. The first step are the same for everyone.
I hope this clarifies some doubts you might have and helps you to move your first step towards an exciting entrepreneurial experience!
In this video I talked about entrepreneurship with Maaike
Here, instead, I talked about Networking for expats and in business.
Have you got more questions or you need some support? Reach me out and ask!
Talk to you soon
Rossella
