There are various legal forms or, in other words, company forms in the Netherlands. Company forms affect the liability, administration and some tax matters of the company. When you set up a business, you choose a legal form. The best choice for your business depends on how much income and risk you expect. Sole proprietorship, limited liability company or general partnership are well-known business forms, but there are many more choices. If you have lived in the Netherlands for a while, you are probably familiar with the concept of zzp. You probably also know what it is in general terms, but do you know how to become a zzp holder yourself? What is a chamber of commerce and industry (KvK)?
The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) promotes the interests of businesses in the Netherlands. It is an organisation that:
The KvK is best known for its management of the Trade Register. This lists all Dutch legal entities and companies. You can find this database on the KvK website.
Registration in the Trade Register is mandatory for everyone who starts a business with the primary objective of independently providing goods or services to others and with the intention of making a profit.
As soon as your company is officially registered, the following basic information will be made public:
Please note: Before you register, always check whether the company name you have in mind is still available.
By far the majority of starters start a sole proprietorship, so you can already fill in part of your details digitally. Go to the KvK website and fill in the online form.
Good to know: you can register from one week before the start of your business until one week after that.
In order to complete the registration, you must visit a Chamber of Commerce office in all cases, including those involving the start of a sole proprietorship. Do not forget to bring valid proof of identity. (If the signature is missing on a foreign identity card (e.g. from Poland or Romania), a second official proof must be added that does contain the signature). Do you want to know more about which identity cards are valid? Go to the website of the Chamber of Commerce (kvk).
A one-off registration in the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce costs € 51.95. You can also request an official paper extract from the Trade Register, which costs €15.60. Please note: you can only pay the registration fee by using your bank card on the spot.
You do not have to renew your registration (annually). Once you have been registered, this registration is renewed automatically. If, for any reason, you want to terminate your business, you can do so by deregistering. This can be done online.
When you register with the Chamber of Commerce, you will receive a Chamber of Commerce number. This is not the same as a VAT number.
The VAT number will be sent to you automatically within a few days, once your data have been forwarded by the Chamber to the Tax Authorities. You do not have to draw the attention of the tax authorities to your registration, the Chamber of Commerce will do this for you.
After you have officially started your own business, it is very important to have a good administration from the beginning. This will help you avoid problems later on. So make sure you make time for this or find a trusted person to do it. Do you want help starting your own business? Then contact us today!
Do you want to take advantage of many extras? Then click below and read all about our membership!
