Registering your business
If you want to do business in Rotterdam (or elsewhere in the Netherlands) without a permanent establishment, you first need to register with the Dutch Tax and Customs Admin. If you start a business in NL without corporate personality, you can register it at the CoC yourself.
To set up a Dutch corporate/BV you need to involve a civil law notary:
• to draw up the relevant papers to create the legal personality
• to register the company’s trade name at the Commercial Register of the CoC (you will get an RSIN business service number) and the Ultimate Beneficial Owners in the UBO register
• to register the company at the Dutch Tax Administration. You will get a VAT number, if applicable
You can already start doing business in the formation phase as a ‘BV under incorporation' (‘BV i.o.’), provided you are registered in the Commercial Register and the notary certifies to be handling the incorporation on your behalf. You remain personally liable until the incorporation is done, after which you can transfer all contracts to the BV if the contracting parties agree
Check this website for more details about registration procedures, costs, etc. Register as an employer with the Tax and Customs Administration and the CoC before you hire your first employee. You have to pay Dutch payroll taxes and social contributions for your employees.
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.
