Starting your own business in the Netherlands

Do you fall under temporary protection? Then you may work in the Netherlands under certain strict conditions to start your own business. Read here how that works.
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Source: Rein van Zanen
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This is what you need to arrange if you want to start your own business

Last updated: 25/09/2024, 11:32

Do you want to start your own business in the Netherlands? Then you need to register as a business owner with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (CoC). Read here how that works.

You will need this information to register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce

Do you want to work full-time as a business owner? Then you are required to register in the commerical register of the

Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
. You will need:

  • A proof of residence from the

    Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND)

  • A

    citizen service number (BSN)

  • A

    DigiD 

Please note: Do you have a business in your country of origin? Even then you can register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. You will then need the company's original documents. You can check with the Chamber of Commerce what the additional requirements are to register a foreign company.

You register at an address in the Netherlands

You need an address in the Netherlands to do business in the Netherlands. If you do not have an office address, you can use your home address. Your address will appear publicly on the CoC website. People searching for your business can find your address online.

If you live at a reception centre, you must check with the location to see if you can register your business at this address.

Here is how to make an appointment at the Chamber of Commerce

On the Chamber of Commerce website you can log in with your DigiD and make an appointment. In advance, you can find out what information and documents are needed to start a business. And that you bring the information you need for your registration with you to the appointment.

Then go to the appointment you made at the Chamber of Commerce. An employee of the CoC will finalise your registration with the CoC. From that moment you are registered as a business owner and can start your business.

The CoC also offers courses for business owners in the Netherlands. If you are registered with the CoC you can often take advantage of these for free.

Making an appointment at the Chamber of Commerce

You can make an appointment via this link at the Chamber of Commerce

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