Checklist for starting a business
If you are an international aiming to start your business in Rotterdam, certain rules and conditions may be applicable. Please check this page for the most relevant information and use the 'coming to the Netherlands as an entrepreneur tool'.
EU/EEA citizens are allowed to start a business in NL. They only need their passport/ID to identify, in certain cases need to register with the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce and with the Dutch tax and customs administration and also have to apply for a citizen service number (BSN) for communications with the government, to have entry to hospitals, etc.
Citizens from outside the EEA may also need an entry visa, a provisional or permanent residence permit and a work permit to live and work in the Netherlands. A provisional residence permit (‘machtiging tot voorlopig verblijf’, MVV) is a sticker that the Dutch representation abroad places in your passport.
Innovative startups can apply for a relatively flexible startup visa.
About us
We are the official Investment Promotion Agency for the Rotterdam region. From location advice and fact-finding trips to connecting you with partners and networks, we help you start and grow your business.
