In the 2023 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking published by the World Competitiveness Center, the Netherlands ranked number 5 among 64 economies measured for their global competitiveness. This outcome demonstrates that the Netherlands as an excellent location for business activity.  

We answer the most frequently asked questions about the Dutch business landscape: 

Why should you start a business in the Netherlands?  

Doing business in the Netherlands offers numerous benefits, including: 

• excellent business climate 
• strategic location 
• vast tax treaty network 
• stable legislative system 
• one of the most politically stable countries in the world 
• highly educated workforce; and  
• highly developed infrastructures.  

Why is the Netherlands an ideal entry point to the EU market?  

The Netherlands has some of the best infrastructure globally, supported by world-class seaports, airports and a vast network of highways and rails. With its strategic location in the centre of the European Union, the country offers businesses access to Europe’s more than 500 million consumers.  

What are the available entity types in the Netherlands?  

Selecting the right company structure for your business is crucial and will depend on the business’s size, needs and objectives. The following are the most common structures in the Netherlands:  

• Private Limited Company (BV or Besloten Vennootschap): The BV is liable for any debts.  
• Public Limited Company (NV or Naamloze Vennootschap): The NV is a larger company than a BV, with several directors.  
• Cooperative (Coöperatie): Members of the cooperative are allowed to enter or leave the cooperative easily.  
• Association (Vereniging): An association is a type of organisation in which its primary objective is to organise social activities rather than generate a profit.  

What are the things to consider when starting a business in the Netherlands? 

When establishing a business in the Netherlands, there are numerous factors to consider, such as (a) incorporation, (b) registration, (c) legal contracts and compliance, (d) tax and accounting, (e) address and office and (f) banking and insurance.  

What are the maintenance costs for a business in the Netherlands?  

Once the Dutch company is set up, the primary maintenance costs will include the office address rental, banking fees and accounting fees (bookkeeping, annual accounts and filing tax returns).  

Does operating a business in the Netherlands require any licenses or permits?  

Permits and licences are not necessary for a company such as BV, sole proprietorship, partnership, etc., to be able to operate. However, in order to operate in a particular field, like pharmaceutical or selling alcohol or tobacco, a business might need to get specific licenses or permits.  

Enter the EU market through a Dutch business with Bolder Group  

Bolder Group helps operational companies enter the EU market through a Dutch business. We assist with sector-specific and location-specific needs within the NL market, as well as the daily corporate administration.  

As a subsidiary of Bolder Group, Bolder Launch specialises in assisting businesses in entering or expanding in the Dutch market. Our team of experts can help you start a Dutch BV, Dutch NV or other legal entities and ensure a seamless entry to the Netherlands.  

Reach out to our team to start your Dutch company or contact Patrick van Maurik to learn about our comprehensive business operations services or operational support solutions.  

Bolder Group does not provide financial, tax or legal advice and the information contained herein is meant for general information purposes only. We strongly recommend that before acting on any of the information contained herein, readers should consult with their professional advisers. The Bolder Group accepts no liability for any errors or omissions in the information, or the consequences resulting from any action taken by a reader based on the information provided herein.

Bolder Group refers to the global network of independent subsidiaries of Bolder Group Holding BV. Bolder Group Holding BV provides no client services. Such services are provided solely by the independent companies within the Bolder Group which are each legally distinct and separate entities and have no authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind Bolder Group Holding BV in any manner whatsoever. The operations of the Bolder Group are conducted independently and have no affiliation with third party financial, tax or legal advisory firms or corporations.