Cost of Setting Up a Company in the Netherlands

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Netherlands is renowned for its business-friendly environment and strategic position at the heart of Europe. Many international entrepreneurs choose to establish their companies there to take advantage of these benefits. However, before getting started, it’s crucial to fully understand the costs associated with starting a business in this country. This article will guide you through the various expenses to anticipate and provide tips for optimizing your budget.

Essentials: Registration Fees and Administrative Procedures

The first step to creating your company in the Netherlands is to officially register it with the competent authorities. This process involves several fees that shouldn’t be overlooked:

Registration with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)

Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) is mandatory for all new businesses. In 2025, registration fees amount to approximately 50 euros for a private limited company (BV) or a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak).

Notary Fees

To create a BV, you’ll need to hire a Dutch notary who will draft and register your company’s articles of association. Notary fees typically range between 300 and 1000 euros, depending on the complexity of your structure.

Minimum Share Capital

Although the minimum share capital for a BV was reduced to 0.01 euros in 2012, it’s recommended to allocate a more substantial initial capital to build confidence with potential partners and clients. An amount of 1000 to 5000 euros is often considered reasonable.

Obtaining a VAT Number

Registration with the Dutch tax authorities to obtain a VAT number is free, but may require assistance from an accountant or tax advisor, resulting in additional fees.

Compliance and Expertise: Hidden Costs to Anticipate

Beyond registration fees, starting a company in the Netherlands involves other expenses related to legal and tax compliance:

Accounting and Tax Services

It’s highly recommended to hire a Dutch accountant to manage your bookkeeping and tax filings. Annual fees can range from 1500 to 5000 euros, depending on the size and complexity of your business.

Legal Advice

You’ll likely need legal advice for drafting contracts, understanding local legislation, or resolving potential disputes. Budget approximately 2000 to 5000 euros annually for these services.

Professional Insurance

Certain insurances are mandatory in the Netherlands, such as professional liability insurance. The cost varies depending on your industry, but budget on average between 500 and 2000 euros per year.

Continuing Education

To remain competitive and compliant with constantly evolving regulations, it’s important to invest in continuing education. Budget approximately 1000 to 3000 euros annually for yourself and your employees.

Starting Off Right: Initial Investment to Plan For

The initial investment to create your company in the Netherlands will greatly depend on your industry and ambitions. Here are some expense categories to consider:

Office Rental

If you need professional premises, prices vary considerably depending on the city and location. In Amsterdam, budget between 200 and 500 euros per square meter per year for a downtown office.

Equipment and Furniture

Budget at least 5000 to 10,000 euros to equip your offices with basic furniture and computer equipment.

Website Development and Marketing

A professional website and initial marketing strategy are essential. Budget between 3000 and 10,000 euros for these crucial aspects of your launch.

Recruitment and Training

If you plan to hire staff from the start, don’t forget to include recruitment and initial training costs in your budget. Budget approximately 2000 to 5000 euros per employee.

The Bottom Line: Mastering Your Operational Expenses

Once your company is established, you’ll need to manage regular operational expenses. Here are the main categories to monitor:

Salaries and Social Charges

Salaries in the Netherlands are relatively high, with a gross monthly minimum wage of approximately 1900 euros in 2025 for a full-time job. Don’t forget to add about 30% for employer social charges.

Rent and Utilities

If you rent premises, budget not only for rent but also associated utilities (electricity, water, internet, etc.). These costs can represent 10 to 20% of your operational expenses.

Marketing and Business Development

To ensure your company’s growth, you’ll need to continuously invest in marketing and business development. Budget at least 5 to 10% of your revenue for these activities.

Banking Fees and Insurance

Banking fees for a business in the Netherlands can range from 10 to 50 euros per month, depending on the services used. Don’t forget to also include insurance premiums in your monthly budget.

Optimizing Your Budget: Smart Strategies to Reduce Your Costs

Creating and managing a business in the Netherlands can be expensive, but there are several strategies to optimize your budget:

Take Advantage of Tax Incentives

The Netherlands offers numerous tax benefits for businesses, particularly for research and development (R&D) and innovation. Look into the WBSO tax credit or the “innovation box” which can save you thousands of euros.

Choose Coworking

Instead of renting traditional offices, consider coworking spaces that offer more flexibility and reduced costs, especially for small teams.

Outsource Certain Functions

Rather than hiring full-time for every function, consider outsourcing certain tasks like accounting, marketing, or customer support. This can significantly reduce your fixed costs.

Invest in Technology

Automating certain processes through technological tools can save you time and money in the long run. Explore project management, CRM, or accounting solutions tailored to your industry.

Conclusion: A Wise Investment for a Promising Future

Creating a company in the Netherlands represents a significant investment, but the opportunities offered by this dynamic and innovative market make it worthwhile. By properly anticipating costs and adopting rigorous financial management, you’ll lay solid foundations for your business’s success.

Remember that every business is unique and costs can vary considerably depending on your industry and business model. Therefore, it’s crucial to conduct thorough market research and develop a detailed business plan before getting started.

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek help from local professionals to guide you through the administrative and financial complexities of starting a business in the Netherlands. Their expertise can prove invaluable for optimizing your costs and maximizing your chances of success in this promising market.