If you are living in a specific country, you can often only open a bank account in that specific country. That is not the case for the Netherlands. At most banks, non-residents can also open up a Dutch bank account to handle their money. And that's not just for personal versions, but also for business versions.

Some of the services related to Dutch bank accounts for non-residents, are collection and payment services, electronic banking, foreign currency exchange, debit and credit cards, guarantees, and fixed term deposits. The costs for such accounts for non-residents would depend on what type it is.

Opening a Dutch bank account

It is possible to start a company without living there. However, in many cases there is no online process to do this. You will have to consult with the bank to find out what service or type of accounts might be best suitable for your needs and requirements. Of course, you can also request the assistance of Intercompany Solutions to do this.

We can help you apply for Dutch bank accounts for non-residents and make sure that the bank gets all the signatures and paperwork that it needs. With our help, this will likely only take a few days. Your company or Dutch subsidiary can be up and running in no time! We offer a 24-hour response time, and can assist succesfully in most cases. Please note that the bank ultimately decides which clients to accept.

Benefits of Dutch checking accounts for non-residents

Having Dutch bank accounts has a number of benefits. For starters; it makes receiving payments from Dutch residents a lot cheaper and easier. This will help you in doing business. The Dutch local payment system is considered as one of the most effective systems in the world. By using this, you can reduce your costs and improve your speed and efficiency.

Opening a Dutch checking account also offers you the possibility to improve your competitive position in the Netherlands. Besides that, you can have current accounts in any convertible currency and you can use the electronic banking and cash management facilities of the bank. In many cases, no commission is charged for currency conversion.

Conditions for opening accounts for non-residents

Opening a bank account for non-residents is fairly easy in the Netherlands. However, you do have to meet some conditions before your company is allowed to open a corporate non-resident account in the Netherlands. To find out more about this, you can request a Corporates Non-Resident Account Information Form from the bank you want to open an account with.

Filling in this form will be the first step in the application procedure. Of course, Intercompany Solutions can be of assistance in this matter. We can contact the bank for all the necessary documentation and we can make sure that all the required information gets presented to the bank.

Let us help you!

So, if you are looking to apply for a Dutch checking account for your business as non-residents, we would gladly help. Who are we? We are Intercompany Solutions, and we act as your advisor when it comes to everything business-related. If you want to open a business in the Netherlands, but do not live there, we can take care of everything you need. The Netherlands is considered to be an excellent jurisdiction to start a business.

We can register your company in just a few days, and we can help you with all the required practical aspects, such as applying for Dutch company checking accounts. Up until now, we have assisted in forming more than 1000 companies. We offer a free initial consultation and can help you with every aspect of your business. Contact us now!

When registering a Dutch company investors have the option to set up either a branch or a subsidiary.

The particular circumstances regarding the interests of the international firm may definitely determine the final choice of legal entity. However certain aspects have to be considered when choosing between a Dutch subsidiary and a Dutch branch.

The general characteristics of Dutch subsidiaries and branches are listed below.

Dutch branches

Branches are permanent establishments forming single entities with the international companies that register them.

This option brings advantages and drawbacks.

Advantages of opening a branch:

• it is fairly easy to incorporate and the involved costs are generally lower;
• remitted earnings are not subject to withholding tax;
• no requirement for publication of the branch’s financial statements (there are exceptions);
• losses of the branch in the Netherlands can be compensated by profits/taxes of the main office;
• no tax for capital registration.

Disadvantages of opening a branch:

• the branch does not have a Dutch identity and functions as an international company;
• the establishing company carries full liability with respect to the obligations and debts of its branch in the Netherlands;
• it may be more difficult to gain the acceptance of the locals due to the branch’s international identity;
• permanent branch establishment may lead to double taxation problems

Read more on Dutch branches.

Dutch subsidiaries

The most important advantage of opening a subsidiary in the Netherlands is that the liability of the shareholder(s) is limited. However other aspects should also be considered. Below is a list of some pros and cons with respect to establishing a subsidiary:

Advantages:

• the liability of the shareholders is limited to their actual contributions to the capital;
• the mother company does not carry liability for its subsidiary in the Netherlands unless specified otherwise;
• the amortization of any intangible asset can be allocated for tax purposes in the Netherlands;
• nationals are likely to prefer conducting business with subsidiaries rather than branches;

Disadvantages:

• more costly and complicated procedure for establishment;
• remitted earnings are subject to withholding tax;
• large and medium companies are required to publish financial results;
• the law requires the company to appoint a director.

Read more on Dutch subsidiaries.

International entrepreneurs are advised to consider the main pros and cons listed above before deciding whether to open a Dutch branch or subsidiary. In case you require further information or support to decide which option is best for you, please, get in touch with our incorporation agents in the Netherlands. If you would like to explore other company types in the Netherlands, please visit our designated article on the Dutch company types.

Dutch notaries are members of the KNB (The Royal Association of Latin Notaries). They provide specific services different from the ones offered by other law practitioners, including attorneys, lawyers and tax advisors. Their most important features are their independence and impartiality. They might also be referred to as Public Notary Netherlands or Notary Public.

Dutch notaries have university degrees in law and some of them specialize in particular areas, e.g. real estate, family or company law. If necessary the notaries can request services of other, more specialized law practitioners, including law firms. Notaries are not able to perform the duties of lawyers; hence they are not allowed to represent people in court. Furthermore, they cannot substitute Dutch attorneys.

Dutch notaries / Junior notaries

Notaries can sign deeds, while junior notaries are not entitled to this authority. Dutch notaries can also have personal offices, but the local law does not recognize them as entrepreneurs, regardless of this fact.

Junior notaries, in principle, are training to become notaries. They are required to complete a certain period of service at a duly accredited notary office. Junior notaries have a university degree in law but may prefer to remain working in accredited offices instead of opening personal offices.

Tasks of the Dutch Public Notary

Notaries act in the interests of parties concluding transactions or agreements. Similar to Dutch medical doctors or attorneys, they are bound by confidentiality clauses that do not allow them to betray their clients.

Notaries draft and execute deeds. They issue the respective papers to the involved parties, while also keeping copies of them in their office. After the preparation of notarial agreements, notaries have to update the respective registers (e.g. for private and public companies, marriage contracts, etc.)

Notaries have expert knowledge in particular fields and therefore may perform the functions of legal advisors. Even though they are unable to perform the services offered by attorneys or lawyers, they can provide advice with respect to signing deeds.

If you plan on signing contracts in the country it is appropriate to first seek professional advice. If you need more information regarding the local legislation or additional counselling, please, call our Dutch law company.

As an expat, one incurs significant costs, especially upon relocation. Depending on the situation, an expat may have to pay for visa, residence permit application, driving licences, Dutch courses, housing and bills.

The 30% ruling is created to mitigate the negative effects of these expenses on one’s income.

Conditional on eligibility, the 30% rule means that the tax base of your gross salary as an expat in the Netherlands may be reduced by 30%.

How does the 30% rule work

The Netherlands taxation department (“Belastingdienst”) coordinates and supervises the application of this rule.

You can calculate how much you will gain from using the 30% ruling yourself – just multiply your gross yearly salary by 30% – this will be the amount not taxed. 70% will still be taxed, using the legally applicable rates.

Take into account while calculating your gross yearly income, that this rule also applies to allowances for holidays, benefits and bonuses. A car, provided by your company, is also counted into your salary. Severance pay and pension-related premiums, however, are NOT counted.

A maximum tax (effective) rate of 36.4% is applicable to the rule. This is significantly lower than regular taxation brackets in the Netherlands (highest being 52 percent).

How long can you benefit from this rule as an expat

The maximum length of application of this rule for one person is 8 years. However, this length can be reduced, in case the expat has worked in Holland before. For those employees, who have been using the rule before 2012, the maximum length of application used to be ten years. Read more on the latest developments concerning the 30% reimbursement ruling and its duration.

Additional advantages and benefits

There are other advantages to using this rule, namely:

One can select the “non-resident” option in their tax declaration (Boxes 2 and 3 of the income tax declaration). If this status is used, assets listed in Box 2 and Box 3 are not taxable. The only exception are investments in real estate.

An expat, as well as the members of his/her family, can receive a driving licence, issued in the Netherlands, in place of their old one, without going to a driving test. Normally, a driving test would be required for this.

If an employer agrees to fund international school attendance, the reimbursement will be free of taxation.

Note that if these options are used, the other deductions are still applicable.

Expats working in the Netherlands as entrepreneurs can also apply for this benefit if they are employed through their own limited liability business (BV).

It is also a way for an entrepreneur to attract valuable foreign specialists.

Application requirements

To apply for the 30% rule you have to meet the following conditions that characterise you as a skilled worker:

• The expat must be employed by a Netherlands-based company.
• The expat must have professional knowledge and experience that is not easily found in Holland. An employee is considered to have this type of experience when their salary meets certain requirements.
• The employee and employer agree, that the rule is applicable (agreement must be in written form)
• The employee has been transferred/recruited from another country.
• Before commencing work in the Netherlands, the employee has resided outside of a 150km distance from the Netherlands more than two years.

Do not hesitate to contact our advisory team if you have questions regarding this rule.

The application process

To begin the process, an expat employee and his/her employer should submit the “Application for implementation of the 30% ruling” (“Verzoek loonheffingen 30% regeling”) to the Netherlands taxation department.

Late application

It’s possible that you just found out that you’re eligible. You can still apply. Depending on the time of application, you may also be eligible for retroactive reimbursement.

For example, if you file the respective documents within 4 months from starting work, you will be reimbursed retroactively for the first months. In case of submitting the documents later than 4 months from beginning your job, you need to wait for the approval of your application.  The reimbursement period will begin on day one of the first month following this approval.

You can apply even years after you began work – the only condition is that you were eligible at the time you began working in Holland.

What happens if you change jobs?

In the event of termination of employment, where this rule has been applied, one can re-apply for continuing the application of the rule. For this, the new job must meet the requirements, set above. Additionally, in this case, the application must be filed no later than 3 months after the end of the previous employment.

Read our FAQ for more information on the 30 percent tax ruling.

For three years now an unprecedented number of firms have set up a new business in Amsterdam. Only in 2016, more than 150 multinational corporations have opened locations in the metropolitan area of the Dutch capital. This is a sign that Amsterdam is not only the prime business hub of the Netherlands but of the continent as well.

The city is an attractive destination for many international investors. Our local lawyers can assist you in opening a subsidiary or a branch of an international company in the country.

Amsterdam is an attractive location for international companies

IBM’s report on global trends confirms the competitiveness of Amsterdam as a destination for foreign companies. The city is ranked third in attracting international investments, but also fourth in PwC’s ranking for opportunities and EY’s European survey.

Amsterdam owes its global attractiveness to its agreeable business climate and its capability to remain stable throughout a year full of business challenges in Europe. Some international companies fearing the consequences of Brexit have opted for relocation and have chosen the Netherlands for their new bases of operations.

Establishing headquarters in the Dutch capital

The Netherlands offers many benefits for international companies. Some of its most attractive features are its convenient European location, developed connectivity and infrastructure, numerous opportunities for business and employment, and a suitable pool of qualified and talented Dutch and international workers.

The process for company registration in the Netherlands is easy, with different possibilities for incorporation. EU companies are free to open branches in the country, while other international corporations can register subsidiaries.

The increasing number of companies opening headquarters in the country does not come from Europe alone. Some of the biggest players of the year also come from the regions of North Africa and the Middle East. North American corporations account for more than a half of all expanding businesses in the metropolitan area of Amsterdam.

If you need more information on how to start your business in Amsterdam, please, contact our law firm in the Netherlands.

The central location of the Netherlands is one of the many assets that make the country perfect for setting up European and global offices. Holland has long been established as a main trading centre and is popular with its open economy. The country is highly developed and offers many opportunities to companies and people planning to stay or set up a business. There are also other important advantages to establishing a business in the Netherlands.

Dutch people are quite knowledgeable, most of them have a good understanding of English, while many are also fluent in French and German. The high educational standards undoubtedly play a role, but people are also aware that knowing foreign languages gives them a significant advantage in a small open country. Besides, the Dutch are interested in travelling abroad and frequently cross borders. The Netherlands is also multicultural. Amsterdam boasts the greatest variety of nationalities among the world capitals. Furthermore, the financial and political system of the country is perceived as exceptionally stable.

The Dutch tax regulations are comparatively advantageous for international companies and investors opening new businesses. The Dutch community and its government welcome international entrepreneurs. They offer various means of assistance and provide information to facilitate the registration process. Moreover, big cities are not far apart and the infrastructure is excellent. The same is true for the Information Technology infrastructure and the locals are quite good with technology. Finally, the Netherlands is perceived as the perfect test market to introduce new services and products in Europe.

These are just several of the many reasons to choose the Netherlands for establishing headquarters in EMEA, Europe or Benelux. If you would like to receive more information on the opportunities the Netherlands provides, please contact our experts. You can also read here for more information on setting up a business in the Netherlands.

Background information on the Netherlands

The Netherlands is the country’s official name, while Holland includes only two western provinces (South and North Holland) with large cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam and The Hague.

The form of government in Holland is constitutional monarchy where the sovereign is the Dutch king. The parliament is democratic: headed by a prime minister and composed of representatives of parties voted by the people. The capital, the popular city of Amsterdam, in fact, has only about 750 000 citizens. Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands. The Hague is where the government is located. It is also the third largest city in the country after the capital and Rotterdam. The Netherlands is famous for its windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and Gouda cheese, as well as for its open policy regarding cannabis and other matters.

The Netherlands is in the global top 10 of the most developed countries. It also ranks sixth in the Index of Human Development. The country is densely populated and has an extensive network of highways, railroads and roads. Its main port, Rotterdam, is among the largest worldwide and its airport, Schiphol, located near Amsterdam, is a major airline hub in Europe. The population of the Netherlands is about 16 500 000. The country shares borders with Germany (east) and Belgium (south). Football is considered the national sport, while field hockey and ice skating are also popular.

It is easy to start a Dutch business, but every entrepreneur has choices to make. First of all, one must choose the legal entity that will operate the business; this determines the taxes he or she will have to pay. The main question is whether to register a Dutch sole proprietorship (one-man company or Eenmanszaak in Dutch) or a BV (limited liability company or besloten vennootschap in Dutch). Which one is better?

To consider to open a Netherlands sole proprietorship, you would need to first be a tax resident in the Netherlands. It is not recommended for foreign residents. The Dutch BV can be opened by a foreign resident.

The difference between a Netherlands sole proprietorship and a BV

The best solution is the one that fits the aims of the business. The Dutch BV is a company with limited liability (LLC). This option is attractive, since, in theory, the responsibility of the company members is restricted. But is this really the case in practice? Is it possible to operate a business without carrying private responsibility for its outcomes? Not according to us. The general conditions with respect to liability insurance may actually even out the differences between the BV and the sole proprietorship.

Having registered as a BV, you show your clients and partners that you own a reliable business, even if you are still operating alone. The sole proprietorship in Netherlands is frequently associated with a business operated by a single person, but this perception is incorrect. The business’ capital is indeed owned by a single person, but the entity may have numerous employees.

The BV has a series of fiscal rules involving the shareholder(s) and managing director(s). They regulate the distribution of salaries, the use of funds and other matters that can reflect significantly on the final tax liabilities.

The sole proprietorship has few rules. The whole profit of the company is subject to tax, but significant credits are available. Therefore an entrepreneur can generate taxable profit of approximately 22 000 EUR per year and be exempt from income tax for the first 3 years after the company’s establishment. Subsequently, the threshold drops to 18 000 EUR. With BVs every earned euro is a subject to tax.

The BV offers more options than the Dutch sole proprietorship. for example, share transfer to another party if the business is sold. No tax on sales is due immediately for holding structures. Loan contracts can be concluded, internal pension obligations can be drafted and so on.

An entrepreneur can always switch from sole proprietorship to a BV in order to sell the company or take advantage of other opportunities.

Many international entrepreneurs establish their businesses in the Netherlands to benefit from the many offered advantages. The strategic location of the Netherlands provides access to many western European customers and the country boasts the biggest port on the continent: Rotterdam. The tax system offers numerous advantages for businesses in various sectors. Below is a description of the top five profitable industries currently suitable for opening a Dutch company.

1. Agriculture

The country is rated second in the global export of agricultural products and foods after the United States, mainly due to the adoption of innovative methods in the field. In 2015 local agricultural producers reported an unprecedented increase in food export reaching almost 82.5 billion Euro. Our lawyers can assist you in applying for the necessary licenses to open a company in the agriculture business.

2. Energy

The Netherlands is the top producer of green energy and gas in Europe. The gas technologies it uses are among the most developed in the world. International investors planning to open businesses in this sector can take advantage of different dedicated governmental programmes. Our Dutch lawyers can provide you with more information on the subsidies offered by the country in the field of energy.

3. Information Technology (IT)

The local legislation is favourable for investors planning to open IT companies in the country. Their businesses can take advantage of different governmental incentives granted in the field of high technology. Our law firm can help you obtain the necessary license for opening an Information Technology company in the Netherlands.

4. Logistics

The huge volume of goods in transport worldwide has had a significant effect on the Dutch logistics sector. Currently, the country is among the most advanced logistic centres on a global scale. Therefore setting up a company operating in the field of logistics will bring significant profits. Our firm can assist you with setting up a logistics company in the Netherlands.

5. Creative sector

The creative industry is turning into a lucrative ground for investment in the country. International entrepreneurs are welcome to open companies operating in the field of architecture, design and online gaming. Our Dutch lawyers can give you details on the requirements for opening such a company.

If you would like to set up a Dutch business, you can get in touch with our local attorneys to receive legal assistance.

If you would ask a regular Joe in the streets in the Netherlands, he would probably not define the Netherlands as a 'tax haven'. However, for some companies, the Netherlands was regarded as a tax haven.

The taxation system in the Netherlands focuses on attracting foreign capital, and a great way to do this, is by offering tax-breaks and subsidies. Holland has, for example, double tax agreements with many countries. One of the biggest breaks for many businesses is the fact that incoming royalties are untaxed in Holland. The Netherlands is currently addressing the criticism by implementing a variety of new regulations to combat tax avoidance.

What exactly is a tax haven?

Before we get into that more, it is important to know what exactly a tax haven is. A tax haven is a country that offers foreign businesses (and also individuals) a minimal taxation liability in a stable environment. Little or no financial information about this liability will be shared with foreign authorities.

Businesses do not have to operate out of the tax haven, to benefit from the local policies. This means that a business can be established in a country where taxes are high, but that it chooses to pay its taxes in a country with a very low (or even zero) rates for taxes. Especially many multionals look for tax havens, since that helps them improve their profits. Many US companies are very well known examples.

Usually they are mentioned in relation to using different low tax juridisctions such as BVI (British Virgin Islands), Hong Kong, Panama. Mentions about these practices are recently quite well known, such as in ''The Panama Papers'', and are described as well in older articles, such as in Rovnickwriting ''Sun sand and lots of money''. The latter referring to how many tropical countries, who primarily focus on the tourism industry, are accredited with billion dollar turnovers of (Western) multionals taking place there, despite little to none actual local business activity.

Multinational corporations are often accused of exploiting local regulations (by ''shopping'' the most favourable conditions). Many international corporations with stores worldwide, pay taxes only in a handfull of jurisdictions. Shifting the profit to more favourable jurisdictions. The criticism is that (usually) more poor countries are not paid their fair share of taxes by this corporations.

The tax justice network classifies different tax havens which are used by multinationals to avoid tax.
''Corporate tax havens also foster a worldwide race to the bottom. As one jurisdiction introduces a new tax loophole or incentive or tax cut to attract mobile capital, others will try to put in place an even more attractive offering, triggering others in turn to join in, resulting in an unseemly race to the bottom that steadily shifts the tax burden away from wealthy shareholders of multinational corporations, who are mostly wealthy people, and towards lower-income groups. That is why, in many countries, corporate taxes are falling while corporate profits are rising. As a result of this race, tax cuts and incentives don't stop at zero: they turn negative. There is no limit to multinationals’ appetite for free-riding off public goods and subsidies paid for and provided by others. This race to the bottom gets called "competition" but it is a completely different beast from the market competition we are familiar with, and for the reasons given above it is always pernicious.'' Source

To avoid such occurances, and a race to the bottom. Europe is taking decisive actions to set a policy for taxing multinationals in the entire Eurozone. This prevents corporations from turning competing governments against one another to attract the multinational. The first step in such regulations is to have multinationals disclose their turnover, earnings and taxation in each country. Such collective action will also allow the Eurozone to push back against the interests of the United States, which wants its multinationals to be taxed as much as possible in the United States.

The Netherlands, beneficial tax regulations

The Netherlands is providing an attractive fiscal climate to multinationals. The methods through which it does that are competitive, yet above-board. not comparable to the traditional tax havens. In 2021 the Netherlands has lowered it's tax rates to 15% for up to €245.000 tax, as well as 25% corporate tax for amounts above €245.000. From 2022 it is 15% for €395.000 and if it exceeds that amount it becomes 25.8% for the corporate tax rates. (compared to BVI 0%). This new regulation seems to be aimed mostly at smaller corporations, positioning the Netherlands to attract more small businesses.

The Netherlands offers advanced tax rulings for multinationals, so the tax inspector will discuss with them how they should interpret the rules. What is allowed and what is not. Instead of providing a control in hindsight and risking fines, the Netherlands prefers to talk up front. Communicating clearly with new businesses, instead of providing an uncertain atmosphere.

The Netherlands will combat tax evasion

The Netherlands will cooperate internationally to reduce tax evasion. The government has announced a variety of measures to combat tax evasion. Among the actions named are:

''I. As of 2021, the Netherlands will introduce a withholding tax on outgoing interest and royalty flows to low tax jurisdictions and in abusive situations. This prevents the Netherlands from being used for transfer activities to tax havens.
II. The government wants to offer both the Netherlands and its contract partners an effective set of tools against tax avoidance.
III. In the implementation of the first and second European directive to combat tax avoidance (ATAD1 and ATAD2), the Netherlands will go further than this directive prescribes.
IV. The importance of transparency in the approach to tax avoidance and evasion is evident. The government is, therefore, continuing the policy effort of the previous cabinet. The government will clarify the legal responsibility law of lawyers and notaries. Penalty fines imposed on them are made public. This means that these financial service providers need to be better accountable for the structures on which they advise.
V. To strengthen the integrity of financial markets, the government is working on legislation to establish a so-called UBO register (Ultimate Beneficial Owner). Existing legislation for trust offices will also be tightened.''

Find here the original Dutch regulator position on the measures as announced on 23-02-2018.

Unfair to compare the Netherlands to other ''tax havens''?

We believe it is unfair to address the Netherlands as a mere tax haven, the Netherlands is famous for the colorful capital of Amsterdam and the port of Rotterdam – the biggest port in Europe and until recently, the biggest port worldwide. Also, the Netherlands is very popular for its favorable business environment. The Netherlands has a rich history of international commerce, dating back to the 17th century and the ''VOC'', the first public corporation in the world. Which was likely the biggest corporation to ever exist (inflation corrected).

• The rate of the taxes for corporate income in the country may be among the lowest in Europe (15% corporate tax), but the tax rates are higher than offshore tax havens, who usually do not charge taxation at all.
• The Netherlands does not offer offshore companies
• The infrastructure in the country is among the best worldwide;
• The Netherlands has an actual thriving economy, it is not a mere 'tax haven' republic
• The Dutch citizens are highly educated
• The Netherlands has an excellent reputation as a trade nation ever since the early 1600's
• The Netherlands was the first country in the world to establish a publicly traded company in 1602, with the East India Trading company, where the Dutch
• Business entrepreneurs are always welcome in the Netherlands. The culture is open to international influences, as it has been for hundreds of years.
• The percentage of Dutch people who speak foreign languages is quite high. Almost everyone knows English, and many are also proficient in French or German;
• The results of an investigation performed by G. Thorton in recent years show that Holland is among the top countries worldwide for starting a business;
• The Netherlands attracts various foreign companies thanks to its stable politics and legislation and its good international relations.
• Further studies show that international companies have strong confidence in the Netherlands when starting their business thanks to its international environment and multiculturalism. The country hosts many international companies reporting a positive experience.

Would you like to start a company in the Netherlands?

If you are looking for a stable European country and prosperous economy to expand your business, it might be wise to look into the possibility of establishing a branch of your company in the Netherlands. Intercompany Solutions can help you do this. In the past years, we have helped forming over 500 companies and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Our business law experts will make sure that every aspect of setting up your business will be done according to all the relevant laws. We can help you with every aspect, from setting up your business to accounting services, company bank account application, citizenship and residency services, and legal services.

 

The Netherlands is welcoming foreigners intending to work and live on its territory and start private businesses. The country offers an ideal environment for setting up a branch or establishing the headquarters of a big company, but smaller businesses also develop well. The Netherlands is among the European member states where motivated investors and entrepreneurs can set up new businesses with comparatively small initial capital. Below is a list of five sectors suitable for opening a small company:

1. The Dutch food industry

Many people in the Netherlands are too preoccupied to cook at home. Therefore opening a restaurant or an agency for catering is an excellent option for a small business. Food storage, production and sale in the Netherlands require special licenses and permits.

2. Handmade Goods

The production of handmade goods requires a small initial capital and mostly depends on the ingenuity and talent of the entrepreneur. Original handmade clothing, bags, leather goods and jewellery can be offered to locals and tourists alike.

3. Online Sales

It is easy to open a Dutch website and turn it into a platform to facilitate online purchases or offer direct access to different providers of goods and services.

4. Mobile applications / IT business

Developers of mobile applications are discovering new useful and exciting solutions. The huge variety of apps covering areas from social productivity to finance attracts a broad range of customers. Read more on the high-tech industry of the Netherlands.

5. Childcare in the Netherlands

A lot of Dutch parents work full time and need babysitting services. Opening a centre for childcare is a good option for development of investors with previous experience (for example babysitters). This business requires special permits, mostly connected to the safety of children.

International entrepreneurs are treated in the same way as the locals and have the option to open any type of company. Regardless of the chosen field of operations, investors must complete the procedure for company registration and respect the national rules for taxation.

Some runner up ideas:

• Technical jobs such as plumbers, locksmiths, engineers, mechanics and much more are in high demand in The Netherlands. Due to a shortage of qualified personnel in these fields.

If you would like to receive more information on Dutch company registration, please, get in touch with our law firm.

Read here for more ideas on business opportunities in the Netherlands.

According to a research by Savills Investment Management, Amsterdam remains among the 5 most dynamic European cities for a number of years. The factors used in the ranking are focused mainly on the suitability for new investments. Cambridge, London and Paris are among the other top cities.

If you plan to do business in the Netherlands, our Dutch incorporation agents can give you an expert advice.

The top qualities of Amsterdam

The research performed by Savills covers 130 European cities and compares them with respect to six particular characteristics: inclusiveness, innovation, inspiration, interconnection, investment and infrastructure. The city of Amsterdam ranked 5^th among these jurisdictions with outstanding scores for innovation and investment.

The report underlines Amsterdam’s top qualities and mentions that it is the main Dutch commercial and financial centre with a growing community involved in technology and start-up.

The report states that the top dynamic cities have innovative companies, universities of high quality, ambitious projects for investment in infrastructure and good abilities to maintain a highly professional workforce.

Other Dutch cities ranked in the report are The Hague at the 50^th spot, Eindhoven at 48^th and Utrecht at 46^th place. The Hague is also 8^th on the continent with respect to innovation.

If you would like to learn more about the Netherlands, please read our article The Netherlands, An Introduction. In the article, you will find information on the Dutch workforce, tax regulations and background of the country.

Investments in the Dutch Amsterdam

The Dutch government welcomes and stimulates international investments. No special legal policies exist for international investments and the companies can hold 100 percent of their branches in the country. There are many options to obtain tax incentives in the Netherlands, e.g. subsidies or loans for projects in Research and Development and particularly in the field of protection of the environment. Employment premiums can be obtained for opening new job positions. The country has also adopted special policies for international employees. Our Dutch team of lawyers can give you more information about these benefits.

The most common business forms preferred by international investors in the capital and other cities in the Netherlands are private and public companies with limited liability and branches.

If you need more details on how to make an investment, please, do not hesitate to contact our Dutch law firm.

The Netherlands qualifies among the most progressive countries worldwide in regards to financial technology. The sector has a branch that uses blockchain wallets for buying and selling cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, the country has established WestHolland: a centre for development and research employing innovations to provide new technology for all areas of the economy. In the summer of 2017, the National Bank of the Netherlands officially announced the establishment of a new department for blockchain technology development.

If you are planning to open a business with cryptocurrency in the Netherlands our company incorporation agents can help you throughout the registration process.

The Netherlands as a top destination for cryptocurrency businesses

International investors, who consider opening a company that operates in the sector of finance, and particularly in the field of blockchain technologies can benefit from the fact that the country is among the few states worldwide that accept the usage of virtual currencies. Furthermore, the Dutch Central Bank has created a digital currency called DNBCoin. And the Dutch town Arnhem is famous as the ''Bitcoin City'' because all of its companies operating in the field of electronic commerce accept cryptocurrency payments.

The Dutch central authorities also recognize the potential contribution of cryptocurrency technologies to the future of the finance industry. Our consultants in company formation can provide you with detailed information on the procedure for starting a business with cryptocurrencies in the country.

Incorporation of a cryptocurrency company in the Netherlands

The opening of a cryptocurrency business in the country is not regulated by special requirements. Nevertheless, you need to register a company in the Commercial Registry in order to start operation. Our Dutch consultants in company incorporation can help you register your cryptocurrency business.

Investors planning to open Dutch companies involved with Financial Technologies with the aim of trading in virtual currencies need to be informed that the Netherlands has an established framework of such transactions.

If you need assistance in registering a virtual currency company in the Netherlands, please, do not hesitate to contact us.

Starting a crypto exchange in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has experienced a lot of Bitcoin and crypto initiatives in the early days of the new Digital currencies. The Netherlands is home to several Bitcoin and crypto vendors, who buy and sell cryptocurrency, as well as a Bitcoin exchange.

The platform has offered some insight into the regulatory framework of the Dutch Central Bank (The Financial Markets regulator).  The position of the Dutch Central Bank, according to the platform is that a crypto exchange does not need a license, as long as general KYC practices are met. Customers need to be adequately identified, and Anti Money Laundering policy and compliance need to be met, which is more or less comparable to the customer identification standards of Dutch law firms.

The lenient stance on cryptocurrency exchanges has not been noticed by the main crypto platforms to date. Not only the Dutch regulators are open to Crypto platforms, a variety of Dutch banks have- and are currently facilitating the Dutch Crypto vendors- and exchanges.

The Netherlands could be an easy access to the European market, with a warm stance on crypto companies and a stable investment climate and clear regulations.

Intercompany solutions can provide you with the practical know-how to start your Dutch Cryptocurrency business or exchange. Contact us for a free consultation on your case.

Crypto taxation related articles:

• Can Tax Authorities Identify Cryptocurrency Owners?
• How Developed Countries Collect Taxes on Bitcoin
• New Crypto exchange regulations (2019-2020)