How to Start a Business in the Netherlands as a Foreigner?

Starting a business in the Netherlands as a foreigner sounds complex at first but in reality, it doesn’t have to be. At FirmNL, we work daily with international founders, startups, and companies who want a smooth entry into the Dutch and EU market. Most of them come to us with the same questions: Can I register a company without living in the Netherlands? Do I need a local partner? How do taxes and compliance work?

The Netherlands is recognized as one of the most supportive countries for start-ups in Europe. Besides being a stable economy with clear regulations, the country also has a strong banking infrastructure and provides direct access to the entire EU market. Still, the major question is not why to start a business here but rather how to do it the right way without encountering any delays, rejections, or compliance issues.

This is where we come into play. FirmNL acts as your local partner. We support foreign entrepreneurs to establish Dutch companies via the internet, managing legal and tax matters, and ensuring that everything is set correctly from the very beginning. In this post, we will break down the steps in a clear, practical manner—not just like we do during our phone calls with founders—and you will be aware of what to expect and how to proceed with assurance.

Why the Netherlands Is a Top Choice for Foreign Entrepreneurs

When foreign founders ask us where to start a business in Europe, the Netherlands almost always comes up as the most practical choice. The country offers direct access to the entire European Union market with one company setup. Once your Dutch business is registered, you can trade across all EU countries without setting up separate legal entities. This is especially useful for e-commerce, import–export, tech startups, and holding companies that want to grow fast in Europe.

Another significant benefit is the regulatory system in the Netherlands. The rules are clear, the processes are online, and the timelines are trustworthy. In contrast to several nations where foreign investors endure unpredictability, the Dutch government offers complete foreign ownership, formation of companies from afar, and open tax schemes. If you have the appropriate structure in place, you will be able to maintain compliance without the hassle of continuous communication with the authorities.

Based on our experience, the Netherlands is also a great place for banking, logistics, and talent acquisition. The country holds powerful financial institutions, EU-wide logistics hubs, and a business culture that is friendly to international founders. This combination makes it easier to operate, sell, and scale from the first day.

This is why at FirmNL, we don’t just help you register a company we help you enter Europe with a structure that actually works.

Can Foreigners Start a Business in the Netherlands? (Clear Answer)

Yes, foreign nationals can initiate a company in the Netherlands and this is among the top reasons why international entrepreneurs prefer this nation. FirmNL assists foreigners in establishing Dutch businesses every week, even if they have never been to the Netherlands before.

The Dutch government does not discriminate when it comes to foreign ownership of companies and permits 100% foreign ownership. The determining factor is the company’s formation and registration. The Dutch tax authorities check your documentation, business activity, and tax compliance, but do not care about your nationality. This is the point where most foreign founders who attempt to do everything by themselves get stuck. Missing documents, wrong registrations, or unclear structures may result in delays or rejections.

At FirmNL, we are your local partner in the Netherlands. We take care of KYC checks, notarial coordination, Chamber of Commerce registration, and tax onboarding so that your company setup is compliant from the very beginning. Your focus is on your business while we take care of the local implementation.

Best Business Structure for Foreigners: Dutch BV Explained

A Dutch BV is a type of company that limits the liability of its owners. This implies that if the company suffers losses or gets involved in legal matters, your personal property will still be safe. A foreign entrepreneur is allowed to have the total number of shares, be the director, and control the company from abroad. No local partner or shareholder is a must to be present.

Another aspect that makes the BV a good option is trust. A Dutch BV is the one preferred by banks, payment providers, suppliers, and EU partners. It suggests that your business is properly registered, compliant, and serious about operating in Europe. This is particularly important for e-commerce, SaaS, trading, and holding companies.

The BV provides a sharp advantage not only from a tax but also from a compliance viewpoint. The corporate tax regulations are explicit, VAT registration can be made hassle-free through proper support, and depending on your business model, the legal optimization of the structures is possible. This is precisely the point where we come into play. At FirmNL, our role is not merely that of a BV registrar; we also strategize and customize the setup according to your business activity and future growth plans.

Step-by-Step Process to Start a Business in the Netherlands

Starting a business in the Netherlands is straightforward, but only when each step is done correctly. At FirmNL, we manage the full process for foreign founders, so you don’t have to deal with Dutch paperwork or authorities on your own. Here’s how it works in practice

Business Assessment & Consultation
We understand your business model, target market, and EU expansion plans to define the right structure and tax setup—nothing extra, nothing missing.‍

Document Collection & KYC Verification
We guide you on the required documents, review everything in advance, and make sure submissions meet Dutch compliance standards.

Notarial Setup & KVK Registration
We coordinate with Dutch notaries and register your company with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK). The full process can be completed remotely.

VAT, EORI & Tax Onboarding
We handle VAT registration, import–export numbers, and tax authority onboarding so your business can operate legally across the EU.

Business Bank Account Support
We prepare bank-ready documentation and assist with account opening, which is often the toughest step for non-residents.

By the end, your Dutch company is fully registered, compliant, and ready to trade across Europe. This clear, structured approach is why foreign founders rely on FirmNL to start their business without delays or uncertainty.

Documents and Requirements Foreign Founders Should Prepare

The following list of documents is a straightforward and useful guide for foreign entrepreneurs who usually need to set up a company in the Netherlands. FirmNL takes care of reviewing and verifying every document before filing, ensuring that your registration is smooth and compliant.

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Residential Address
• Personal Details for KYC
• Business Activity Description
• Shareholding Structure
• Existing Company Documents (If Applicable)
• Power of Attorney (Remote Setup)
• Additional Trade Details (If Required)
  

This checklist covers most cases. We always review your situation individually to make sure nothing is missing, and nothing unnecessary is added.

Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK) Registration Explained

Every business in the Netherlands must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, also known as KVK. This step officially makes your company legal and visible in the Dutch system. At FirmNL, we handle KVK registration as a core part of our company formation service for foreign founders.

Once your Dutch BV is notarized, the company is registered with KVK. During this step, your business receives a KVK number, which acts as your company’s official identification in the Netherlands. Banks, tax authorities, suppliers, and partners all rely on this number to verify your business.

VAT, EORI & Tax Registration – What Foreigners Must Know

Once your company is registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, tax registration becomes the next critical step. Many foreign founders feel unsure here because EU tax rules look complex at first. At FirmNL, we simplify this process and make sure everything is done correctly from day one.

Here’s what you need to know, in simple terms:

• VAT (BTW) Registration: Most businesses need a Dutch VAT number. If you sell goods or services in the EU, run e-commerce, or trade internationally, VAT registration is mandatory. We coordinate directly with the Dutch Tax Authority to avoid delays.
  
• EORI Number for Import–Export: If your business imports or exports goods, an EORI number is required. Without it, shipments can get stuck at customs. We handle EORI registration together with VAT, so everything aligns properly.
  
• Artikel 23 VAT Deferment (If Applicable): Eligible businesses can defer VAT on imported goods, improving cash flow. This is especially useful for e-commerce, logistics, and trading companies. We assess eligibility and manage the setup.
  
• Tax Authority Onboarding & Compliance: Beyond registration, we onboard your company for corporate tax, accounting, and ongoing reporting to keep you fully compliant in the Netherlands and the EU.

This is where having a local partner like FirmNL matters. We don’t just register numbers—we make sure your tax setup supports smooth operations and future growth.

Opening a Dutch Business Bank Account as a Non-Resident

Opening a business bank account is often the most challenging step for foreign founders—but it’s completely manageable with the right setup. At FirmNL, we prepare your company specifically to meet Dutch banking requirements, which helps avoid rejections and long waiting times.

Dutch banks follow strict KYC and compliance checks, especially for non-resident directors. They look closely at your business activity, company structure, source of funds, and expected transactions. If anything is unclear or mismatched with your KVK or tax registration, banks may decline the application. This is a common issue we see when founders apply without local guidance.

We support founders by preparing bank-ready documentation and introducing them to suitable banking partners based on their business model. Not every bank works well for every industry, so choosing the right option matters. This is especially important for e-commerce, tech, import–export, and international trading businesses.

In many cases, business bank accounts can be opened without visiting the Netherlands, depending on the bank and company profile. We guide you through digital onboarding, help answer compliance questions, and stay involved until the account is active.

How FirmNL Helps Foreign Founders Start & Scale in the Netherlands

At FirmNL, we are not just a firm that offers company registration services. We act as your local partner in the Netherlands. The main reason why overseas founders contact us is that they want clarity, speed, and, above all, long-term support—not only documents. From our side, it is our duty to ensure that your company does not go into either the Dutch or EU markets in the wrong way, right from the start.

We offer the whole setup under one roof. Starting from the Dutch BV incorporation and KVK registration to VAT, EORI, and tax onboarding, we carry out every step with the help of local know-how. You are not required to liaise with several service providers or fret over the non-compliance of any aspect—we completely take over the process.

If you are seriously considering establishing a business in the Netherlands as a foreigner, then getting a local expert like FirmNL will not only save you time and money but also prevent you from going through unnecessary stress. We make the formation of Dutch companies and their expansion to Europe very easy, compliant, and scalable.

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