Startup visa

The Netherlands offers a residence permit, also known as startup visa (officially called; residence permit for start-up entrepreneurs). The permit was introduced in 2015 to attract foreign entrepreneurs. The permit is valid for one year and is tailored to international entrepreneurs who want to start a company in the Netherlands. Citizens of the EU/EEA countries and Swiss nationals are already entitled to live and work in the Netherlands under EU law and do not require a startup visa. 

What types of business are there in the Netherlands?

When you have ensured that you can reside and work in the Netherlands, the next step is to decide which legal business structure your company will take. The legal structure determines your liability and tax obligations. The most chosen / common business structures in The Netherlands are:

• Eenmanszaak (sole proprietor)

• Vennootschap onder Firma (partnership)

• Besloten Vennootschap (private limited company)

Many people are doubting whether to operate as a sole proprietor (eenmanszaak) or as a private limited company (BV). The main difference is that a sole proprietor qualifies as an entrepreneur for income tax purposes, where the profits are taxed in Box 1. When operating as a private limited company, you are an employee for income tax purposes (salary is taxed in Box 1), and as the holder of a substantial interest (profits and dividends are taxed in Box 2). Most people start as a sole proprietor or partnership (Vennnootschap onder Virma) because of the tax benefits.

Also, there is a big difference in liability between a sole proprietor and a private limited company. For example, when your company would go bankrupt, you are personally liable with a sole proprietor. If you are the owner of a private limited company, you are employing yourself to the company which will give you more certainty. Which structure is better for you depends on how high the profit will be and on the volume you will make. Do you need help choosing the right structure? Our accountants would like to advise you. 

Dutch health insurance

If you come to work in the Netherlands, you need the Dutch health insurance no later than 4 months after arriving. Below, a list of the main Dutch health insurance companies:

• LoonZorg

• OHRA

• FBTO

• Zilveren Kruis

• ONVZ

To see which health insurance suits you the best and to company prices, you can visit Independer or Zorgwijzer. 

Being self-employed from abroad

Many people want to settle in the Netherlands from abroad, but there are also plenty of people who want to move back or emigrate to another country. Do you want to work from abroad in the Netherlands? By working as a self-employed professional or freelancer, you can do your work anywhere in the world. All you need is a laptop and a stable internet connection. However, there are several things that you should pay attention to when registering as self-employed professional or freelancer.

Registering a foreign address with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK)

If you are moving to a foreign country, it is important that you pass on your new business address to the Chamber of Commerce. Your company is registered there and is linked to your business or private address. You may register a foreign address with the Chamber of Commerce, but only when your actual activities continue to exist in the Netherlands. Isn't this the case? Then you have to deregister and re-register at the Chamber of Commerce in the country concerned. The Chamber of Commerce checks whether you are active in the Netherlands or not.

Tax as a self-employed person from abroad

In addition, you will have to take into account different tax rates if you are going to work from abroad. If you are established in the Netherlands, you will be taxed in the Netherlands for your work, even if it takes place abroad. Is your business address abroad? Then you have to pay your tax on your income to the country in which you work.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce shortly and discuss your plans with your bookkeeper or accountant.

Keeping accounts in the Netherlands

To start a business, you will also need a business bank account (IBAN). The Dutch Banking Association (Nederlandse Vereniging van Banken) created a Quick Scan to help you find out if you are eligible. With an IBAN account, the national and cross-border euro payments are easy and secure. 

A business account is not mandatory for an entrepreneur in the Netherlands, but it can be really useful. We advise every entrepreneur to have separate business and personal bank accounts. A business account gives your company a professional appearance. Moreover, you will keep better track of the finances when business and personal accounts are separated. You can easily open up a Dutch business account with the same bank as that you use for your personal finances. Some Dutch banks that offer expat-friendly accounts are: ING Bank, Rabobank and ABN-AMRO.