Netherlands

The Law on Employment governs the employee-employer relationships in the country. International employees have to apply for work permits prior to their arrival in the Netherlands and a written contract for employment must be prepared and duly signed. It is up to the employer to decide whether to conclude a permanent or a temporary contract; this depends on the nature of the performed activities.

The process is usually initiated with a claim filed by the plaintiff. You need the services of a lawyer to overlook the trial and to provide representation and advice with respect to infringement on intellectual property, contract breaches, etc.

Foreign investors have the same rights to start businesses as Dutch citizens. They have to get acquainted with the legislation relevant to business licences, investments and minimum capital requirements and to conduct lawful and legal business operations.

It depends on the nature of your business and activities. The business permit guarantees that you are allowed to trade, store and sell goods and services legally and to perform financial operations.

You can initiate a procedure for debt collection if a client has not paid due amounts for a long period. You can resort to extrajudicial procedures, e.g. a notification from your attorney, or bring up the case in court so that judicial matters are executed. In some cases the debtor has to declare bankruptcy. Our Dutch company can help you with both means mentioned above.

EU nationals are free to enter Holland. Residents of countries outside the EU can visit Holland using a short-term Schengen Visa allowing them to stay for 90 days. For longer periods another type of visa is issued. You can apply for both types at the Dutch Embassy in your country of residence.

A person can acquire Dutch citizenship through business immigration, naturalization, option procedure or marriage. Children to Dutch parents are entitled to claim citizenship. Our agents can provide you with more details regarding the above-mentioned procedures and assist you to follow them.

Yes. Your company has to be registered locally. You can also open a representative office or a branch of your foreign company.

The country allows marriage of foreign couples. In case of divorce you can hire a specialized attorney to assist you with the proceedings.

The rate of the corporate tax is either 20 or 25%, depending on the annual profits. In addition, companies are liable for other taxes, e.g. tax on transfer or real estate. The income of individuals is taxed using a progressive system and the highest possible rate is 52%.

The main documents necessary to establish a business entity in the Netherlands are: i) a rental contract; ii) memorandum of association, and iii) association articles.

Yes. Many international traders set up Dutch companies, as incorporation in the country offers numerous advantages.

The most widely used procedure is to first incorporate a company in the Netherlands and register your brand or trademark locally through it. There is also a possibility to do this without incorporating a company.

No. Currently there are no requirements for minimum capital for private limited companies. Public companies have to declare a minimum capital of EUR 45 000.

1. a) Filing the deeds of incorporation
2. b) Submission of the association articles
3. c) Tax registration
4. d) Bank account opening

The procedure for company establishment in Holland can be completed in several days.

The private limited liability company or BV is the most popular type of entity among international entrepreneurs. Other common types are the public limited liability company or NV and the Foundation or Stichting. You also have the option to register a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a cooperative.

Yes. You can set up a business in Holland, regardless of your nationality. There are even procedures for remote company registration.