Doing business in The Netherlands - Introduction

Over the last decades many foreign companies have chosen The Netherlands to expand their business.

The Netherlands is the gateway into the European continent and although the European market has become highly competitive in the field of attracting foreign investment, The Netherlands is still a preferred location.

If you plan to do business in The Netherlands you may require information about the business environment, the nature and culture of the country and of course the tax and legal system. It is important to realise that although the Netherlands has an open economy with a flexible legal system, it does have its own typical characteristics, which require consideration when you want to do business in the Netherlands.

• What makes The Netherlands so attractive? In a nutshell we can mention the following:
• - International focus and open culture 
• - Stable political and economical environment
• - Availability skilled and educated workforce 
• - Highly developed infrastructure 
• - Excellent distribution network
• - Easy access to financial markets 
• - Situated in the heart of Europe 
• - Flexible tax and legal system
• - Sophisticated and internationally orientated service industry 
• - Relatively low cost of establishment and running a business

Once you have taken the decision to expand into The Netherlands you will have to orientate yourself on the appropriate legal, tax and financial structure of your business.

• Should you incorporate a company, start with a branch or maybe a partnership is the best alternative? At the same time the funding of the activities is to be considered: with equity, loan capital or by utilising hybrid instruments.
• What will be your management structure? Should you hire local personnel or do you intend to second personnel? What kind of work permits and residency permits need to be applied for? 
• Is your Dutch presence subject to tax? Are special tax incentives or subsidies available? Can you obtain an advance tax ruling? 
• And how about registration and filing requirements of the business?

We are specialised in this field and have tried to clarify some of the issues you may encounter when you plan to do business in the Netherlands. If you wish concrete and professional advice on your concrete situation please feel free to contact us.

We will assist you in a professional way, which may include the following services:
- Advice on Dutch corporate tax issues
- Co-ordinate the incorporation of a BV or the acquisistion of a shelf company
- Dealing with registration and filing formalities
- Dealing with tax compliance
- Coordinating accounting, legal and trust services
- Advice on employee tax issue
- Advice on employee option plan
- Feasibility study
- Due dilligence
- Negotiating tax rulings

If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us via e-mail or to call us at our offices on the number +31 (10) 2010466.