Setting up a business in the Netherlands can be an ideal way to take control of your expatriate life and create for your family and yourself a pleasant sense of freedom and independence. However, one has to keep in mind that this feat may carry with it certain risks as well. For instance, starting a business in the Netherlands can be complex if you do not speak Dutch. On the other hand, the Netherlands is a well developed country with a solid financial infrastructure. Although there are several bureaucratic and legal hurdles entrepreneurs have to face in order to start their own business, the actual paperwork is not that difficult and, depending on the structure you select, your business can be up and running in a matter of days. Having said that, before taking the plunge, it is crucial to do your homework properly and gather the necessary information about the requirements you need to satisfy in order to start a business, the legal forms you need to submit, consider the taxes to be paid, how to set up an office and other key aspects to successfully set up a business in the Netherlands.
The brochure issued by the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) about ‘Starting your own business’ (PDF) is the perfect starting point to your new career and future that is uniquely your own.
A Step-by-step guide for starting a business in the Netherlands is provided by Answers for Business, the Point of Single Contact for The Netherlands which helps businesses to navigate the large amount of information provided by the Dutch government.