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Starting a business

The Netherlands welcomes and supports international entrepreneurs who are interested in bringing their established business and industry expertise to the Maastricht Region. The regulations are also accommodating for starters taking their first steps into entrepreneurship.

If you are eligible to work in the Netherlands you may also be able to start your own business. There are several services that can guide you through the process of starting your own business, maintaining your business entity and dealing with taxation and cross-border questions. 

Where to start

All companies and legal entities in the Netherlands must be registered in the Handelsregister (Business Register) through the Kamer van Koophandel – KVK (Chamber of Commerce). According to Dutch law, a company is an entity that independently supplies goods or services to others, with the intention of making a profit.

When planning to set up a business, including working as a freelancer, in the Netherlands, there are several things that must be considered:

  • What requirements need to be met in order to start a business in the Netherlands?
  • What legal forms need to be completed?
  • Which taxes need to be paid?
  • Is a licence or other particular qualifications such as a diploma or degree required?
  • What requirements are there for setting up a location or office?

Use the personal to-do list from Business.gov.nl and Digitaal Ondernemersplein

You can now easily check the  'Personal to-do list: begin a company tool' on Business.gov.nl and Digitaal Ondernemersplein. The tool guides you as a starting entrepreneurs through everything involved in starting a business. You will receive a personalised checklist with all the important actions and points of attention. 

It is available in 2 languages: 

English Dutch 

Information services

  • The KVK is an independent source of information and advice for new businesses that offers help in 4 key areas:

    • New businesses
    • International trade
    • Transfer of ownership and takeovers
    • Government rules and legislation

    If the staff are unable to help, they refer to in-house specialists or third parties. An initial enquiry is free of charge.

    They do not have a physical office in the Maastricht Region, but they can be reached by telephone. On the KVK website you will find a lot of information on legislation and various possible structures, as well as marketing tips on the best ways to network or how best to promote your activities on social media and your website.

  • Starterscentrum Limburg is a starting point for those who want to learn more about starting a business in the Maastricht Region. Their expertise covers:

    • Rules and regulations
    • Business modelling
    • Business plans
    • Making contacts
    • Building networks

  • Gemeente Heerlen, Gemeente Sittard-Geleen and Gemeente Maastricht have established business service centres with the aim of helping entrepreneurs navigate their way through the process and procedure of starting and running a business in the Maastricht Region. They are familiar with the procedures and administrative pathways within the municipality, can answer questions or direct queries to a colleague who specialises in a specific subject. The business service centres aim to bridge the gap between entrepreneurial ambitions and the framework within which they can be achieved. All advice is free. 

  • Advice regarding living, working and entrepreneurship cross-border for both residents and people from neighbouring countries, specifically concerning topics asuch as tax, social security, pensions, benefits and legislation.

    GIP Maastricht  GIP Aachen-Eurode

     

Residence permit for self-employed persons

Individuals who want to move to the Netherlands from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, and work as an entrepreneur, self-employed professional (ZZP) or freelancer need to apply for a verblijfsvergunning zelfstandig ondernemer (residence permit for self-employed persons). To be eligible for this type of residence permit, the applicant needs to meet certain conditions. Read more at Business.gov.nl

Meet us at Starting a Business in the Netherlands

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An event Expat Centre Maastricht Region organises twice a year together with expert partners and service providers in the Maastricht Region. Keep an eye out on our event calendar to see when we organise the next one. Registration is free of charge but seats are limited.

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