Export To Holland - Company Formation & Company Registration In Holland

Introduction to registering a company in Holland

Holland has long been a favourite home for foreign investors considering Dutch company formation. It has a stable and successful economy and a trade and investment policy that's one of the most open in the world. That's why thousands of international companies have set up business in Holland. For further information on company formation in Holland please contact us, to find out how you can join them.

In Practice, What does company formation mean in th Netherlands

Holland has a liberal tax regime including generous participation exemption - dividends received and capital gains realised are exempt from Dutch corporate income tax. There's also an extensive network of double-taxation treaties. There are many other aspects of Dutch tax law, but as always, you will need specialist advice.

Main Types of Dutch Company Incorporation

There are four major kinds of Dutch company formation as follows:

• public limited company (NV)
• private limited company (BV)
• Partnerships
• Branches

Main features of a NV company

• the minimum share capital for an NV company is €45,000
• at least 20% of the authorised share capital must be issued
• no nationality requirement for shareholders
• audited accounts must be filed with Chamber of Commerce

Main features of a BV Company

• the minimum share capital for a BV company is €18,000
• shareholders' liability is restricted to capital contribution
• the most common form of business enterprise in Holland
• no nationality requirement for shareholders
• audited accounts must be filed with Chamber of Commerce

Main Features of a Business Partnership

• available as a general, professional or limited partnership
• Dutch general partnerships have unlimited liability
• in professional partnership, each partner is liable for own debts
• limited partnerships have limited liability

Main Features of a Business Branch

• popular format for foreign companies opening up in Holland
• foreign parent responsible for all liabilities of Dutch branch
• branch required to register with Chamber of Commerce
• minimum of one director; no formal accounting requirements

Staff Recruitment in Holland

The unemployment rate in Holland, although rising, is low by the standards of other EU member states. This makes recruitment rather more of a challenge than elsewhere in the EU but we will be happy to refer you to one of our carefully chosen local recruitment specialists. The Dutch are famously multi-lingual and their education and workplace skills are high. Please contact us for further information.

Dutch Regulatory Environment

Reasonably easygoing with regard to foreign investment and taxation, but certainly not when it comes to labour laws. The Dutch labour market is heavily regulated and generally favours the employee. Companies employing more than 35 workers are legally required to establish a works council which must be consulted on a wide range of issues. If you need to dismiss an employee, count on the intervention of a civil court or government body. You should take legal advice before entering into any kind of employment contract - contact us for details of our network of Dutch legal and recruitment specialists.

Dutch Financial Incentives for Business Formation

The Dutch government and local authorities offer incentives to foreign investors considering company formation in Holland, based on a number of factors, most particularly the region where the new company is to be based. EU funds are also available. Key agencies here are the government-run regional development corporations which can help start up new businesses and act as risk-bearing partners.

Dutch Banking Facilities

Amsterdam is one of the world's top financial centres and most international banks have offices there. Holland has several specialist agencies that provide business funding. The National Investment Bank focuses on medium and long term lending, equity investment and capital market activities and the Industrial Fund provides risk-bearing capital to the larger high-tech companies. If you are considering company registration in Holland, you will need to open a local bank account and we can advise you on this.

More Information

Our specialist Dutch company formation service makes it easy for you to consider Dutch incorporation, so please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

To find out more about how Export To Holland can help your business, please call us on +44 (0) 870 879 5315
or e-mail us at info@exporttoholland.co.uk