How to Register a Self-Employed in the Netherlands: Step-by-Step Guide
The Netherlands is an attractive destination for self-entrepreneurs, thanks to its thriving business environment, robust infrastructure, and a well-organized Chamber of Commerce (KvK). If you asked yourself “how to open a self-entrepreneur in the Netherlands”, the answer is simple. Just follow below steps.
1. Register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
Complete registration form with KvK (Kamer van Koophandel). Note that you will need DigiD to login.
2. Schedule an appointment with the KvK
At the end of the registration process, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with the KvK. Offices are available in many major cities. During the appointment, they will ask for more details about your business activities to assign the appropriate activity codes. They will also review your application.
The registration fee is €80.10 in 2024.
3. Open a Business Bank Account
While not legally mandatory, having a separate business bank account is highly recommended. It helps to make a clear distinction between personal and business expenses. Many Dutch banks, such as ING, Rabobank, and ABN AMRO, offer business banking options.
As you see, to register as self-employed is easy in the Netherlands. Here are answers to another important questions you might have:
Do I need to register with the Dutch Tax Authorities (Belastingdienst)? You do not need to register separately with the Dutch Tax Authorities. You submit information when preparing your registration with KvK, which will be forwarded in digital form to the Tax Authorities. You will receive a letter of confirmation for your registration.
How should I do accounting? Every quarter, you will need to file a VAT (BTW) report and pay it if required. Once a year, you will also need to submit an income tax return. You can handle these tasks with the help of Our App together with a professional accountant.