Resources
Guides for starting a business in the Netherlands
Plain-English guidance for expats and international founders, based on official Dutch sources. We help you understand and prepare the steps — we are not KVK, the Belastingdienst or the IND, and we do not register your business for you.
How to start a business in the Netherlands as an expat
The main hub: work rights, legal structure, KVK, BTW/VAT, address, banking and admin — in order.
Read guideOpen a company in the Netherlands: what to check before you register
What “opening a company” means in the Dutch system, and the four checks to make first.
Read guideRegister a company in the Netherlands with KVK
Structure, name, address, activity description, online preparation, identity check and VAT follow-up.
Read guideZZP in the Netherlands for expats
Why ZZP is not a legal structure, permit and work rights, client relationships, VAT and admin.
Read guideZZP or BV: how to choose your starting structure
Liability, partners and investors, admin cost, taxes at a high level, credibility and risk.
Read guideKVK registration checklist
Scannable before / during / after checklist for your KVK registration.
Read guideDutch VAT and accounting setup for startups
BTW-id and VAT number basics, VAT return rhythm, one-time accounting setup, invoice requirements and when to hire an accountant.
Read guideKVK registration documents for non-EU residents
Passport or ID, BSN, DigiD, residence status, Dutch address proof, appointment steps and foreign documents — per registration route.
Read guideDAFT and starting a business in the Netherlands
How the residence side and the business side fit together for US citizens, with IND as the source.
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