FAQ - frequently asked questions about companies in The Netherlands:
> Taxation
> Company formation
> Office service, mail handling, accessibility
> Personnel issues, employees & social security
> How to save costs
> General questions
Taxation:
May I save on personal income tax in The Netherlands?
Of course, except you're living in a tax haven country
May my company save taxes in The Netherlands?
Absolutely correct - please ask for detailed information and comparison
Is it true that The Netherlands don't impose
a trade tax?
Yes
How many days of presence in The Netherlands
do I need to be a non resident taxpayer for the tax office in my
home country?
In the most cases ( there are some exceptions ) 183 days or more.
Much more important in practical life: if you are a citizen of a
tax treaty country you are taxable in The Netherlands if you'll
realize more than 90% of your world income ( again, there are some
exceptions, please ask )
Do I need a tax advisor or accountant?
The Dutch tax laws are relatively simple, but you'll need a tax
advisor. Anything must be filed in Dutch language
Are tax advisors available who may provide
assistance in my language?
There is an inhouse accounting firm for all your needs. The staff
is speaking English, German, Polish and Dutch
Is it expensive to use a tax advisor in The
Netherlands?
No, accounting and tax advisory services are available at reasonable
prices and usually cheaper than in the surrounding European Union
countries. Please ask for exact information, of cours there are
huge differences based on the size and labour volume of different
companies
How can I get a tax - ID?
At the tax office, you must present a valid passport. This tax -
ID is a unique tax and social security ID
What kind of paperwork do I need at the tax
office?
For your personal tax ID you have to present your valid passport
and it must filed a form. Our tax advisor may do it for you, in
this case personal appearance is not necessary
Is it interesting to hire my wife or other
relatives?
Yes, please use the lowest tax bracket as much as you can
May I obtain advantages with a multiple company
construction?
There are more than 100 favourable option based on tax treaties
or special purpose holdings - please ask for details
Which corporate construction may be the best
for me?
Prior to answering this question we'll have to analyze your individual
situation - please fix an appointment with us.
How can I protect my assets?
There’s a plethora of possibilities, but as we have neither
influence on your knowledge and creativity nor on your luck we are
limiting our efforts on protection against possible fical and other
creditors in the future. Of course we are offering solutions within
jurisdictions recommended for a predictable legal security. Because
any case must be validated individually we are ready to provide
personal information in a confidential atmosphere.
Company formation:
Which legal forms of companies are available
in The Netherlands, what kind of legal construction is the best
for me?
Basically anything is available from the mom and pop shop with unlimited
liability via the limited liability corporation ( the most common
one ) up to a public corporation - we'll provide detailed information
and assistance to meet your expectations! There are a couple of
favourable solutions besides operational business, the most popular
are special purpose holdings, for example in the licensing area,
and the so called stichting - similar to a trust - for your private
wealth protection
What do I need for a company formation in The
Netherlands?
First you'll need a domicile - you may rent it from us, of course
the funds to pay the fees and the corporate capital, a valid passport
and a proof of residence either by an actual bank statement or an
excerpt of the residents register of your home town
I would like to found a company in The Netherlands.
How may I realize it?
If you need it really urgent: please call us regarding price and
minimum capital, put the necessary cash, your passport and an actual
bank statement in your pocket - we'll take care of you immediately
and you'll be owner of a registered company the same day. If you
prefer the serious way: we'll provide as much information as necessary
enabling you to make a decision on the legal form - formations and
takeovers of BV's or NV's ( LLC or PLC ) will last form 2 to 8 weeks
- if you need a one man company or a limited partnership the above
mentioned information is true, you'll be able to use your brandnew
company the very same day
May I buy a ready made company at your office?
Yes, please ask for our actual choice
What kinds of foreign companies may I register
in The Netherlands, what about the advantages?
You may register companies from any country as far as the purpose
doesn't violate Dutch laws. There are a couple of advantages but
the number of pres varies from country - please call for detailed
information to avoid wasting money in useless corporations
May I operate a UK Ltd. from The Netherlands?
Of course, you may buy such a company formation directly at our
office. Please discuss the purpose of the company with us prior
to any order, because in many cases it is not very useful to make
decisions in favour of a UK Ltd. - most prospective customers know
about the lack of liability
May a take tax advantages by structuring of
several companies?
In many cases it is true, you may use vertical structures either
to use tax treaties or special purpose companies - please ask for
exact information
Which combination is the best in my case?
We'll need some information from your side to analyze the situation-
please fix a date with us
May I operate my company from The Netherlands
without getting trouble with my tax office at home?
There are more than 110 tax treaties in place - please ask and we'll
tell you where you'll have to pay taxes
May I order an offshore company at your office?
Yes, we offer a choice of more than 80 jurisdictions - please ask
for detailed information
What does a foreign company cost?
There are huge variations depending on jurisdiction, legal form
and minimum capital. Prices range from 1,500 € to over 100,000
€ - please ask for details
May I operate a handicraft company from The
Netherlands without proof of a certain qualification?
In the most cases you may do it, in some areas you'll need a formal
qualification (electricity, gas installations)
May I execute orders in foreign countries from
The Netherlands without getting trouble with local chambers of commerce
and the like?
Yes - we'll give the necessary instructions to you
Is it necessary to insure my employees aganst
accidents separately?
No - accident insurance is a part of the mandatory social insurance
May I execute my local business in a foreign
country via The Netherlands?
There are a couple of restrictions varying from sector to sector
- please ask for details
May I open a bank account for my Dutch company
immediately after formation?
Yes, we'll assist you
May I use your residency service and open a
bank account in The Netherlands on behalf of my foreign company?
Of course you can, in some cases there are special identification
requirements of the banks - please ask
What kinds of documentation do I need to open
a bank account in The Netherlands?
Your registration with the chamber of commerce, your SoFi - number
( Dutch tax and social security number ) and your passport - in
a few cases further documentation may be necessary - please ask
Is it possible to make loan arrangements in
The Netherlands?
Basically yes, but according to international banking standards,
your credit rating from abroad ec
Do I have a special liability versus private
customers?
The legal standards of the European Union are valid within The Netherlands,
too
Is it necessary to rent a private appartment
whilst operating a company in The Netherlands?
No
May I enforce receivables from The Netherlands
to companies in foreign countries?
The local law enforcement is accepted in Belgium and Germany, in
other cases you'll need foreign law assistance.
Office service, mail handling, accessibility
How expensive is your office service?
It depends on your requirements. You're welcome if you just need
a meeting room for an hour at 30 € plus VAT. You're always
welcome if you need more - we'll submit our price list
You are offering a domicile service in The
Netherlands. Does it include a physical office?
Is it necessary to rent an office elsewhere?
Our domicile service offers a legal residence for a company which
is mandatory for registration in The Netherlands. A physical office
is not included although we offer fully equipped offices in various
sizes at extra costs. The domicile service further includes weekly
mail and incoming fax service as well as handling of incoming calls
according to your instructions ( no hotlines, no supportlines )
How much do I really pay for your service?
The monthly bills are as individual as the customers - please let
us prepare a special offer for you
Is it necessary to pick up my mail?
No, you'll receive it weekly at no extra charge. If you need it
daily there is a moderate surcharge. In 2004 we'll offer a mail
scanning service providing your daily mail via your email account
Do I get mail notification?
No, because we are sending weekly. If you are expecting urgent documents
please let us know - we'll ring you up immediately after receipt
Do you accept parcels on my behalf?
No, except documents
Personnel issues, employees & social security:
Do I have private advantages in moving to The
Netherlands?
Usually not, except you are in urgent need to do something about
your pension scheme - please ask
May I use a Dutch drivers license permanently
in the country of my residence?
No!
Is it necessary to register my car in The Netherlands?
It depends on various circumstances - please ask!
Which legal forms of companies are available
in The Netherlands, what kind of legal construction is the best
for me?
Basically anything is available from the mom and pop shop with unlimited
liability via the limited liability corporation ( the most common
one ) up to a public corporation - we'll provide detailed information
and assistance to meet your expectations! There are a couple of
favourable solutions besides operational business, the most popular
are special purpose holdings, for example in the licensing area,
and the so called stichting - similar to a trust - for your private
wealth protection
What do I need for a company formation in The
Netherlands?
First you'll need a domicile - you may rent it from us, of course
the funds to pay the fees and the corporate capital, a valid passport
and a proof of residence either by an actual bank statement or an
excerpt of the residents register of your home town
May I buy a ready made company at your office?
Yes, please ask for our actual choice
What kinds of foreign companies may I register
in The Netherlands, what about the advantages?
You may register companies from any country as far as the purpose
doesn't violate Dutch laws. There are a couple of advantages but
the number of pres varies from country - please call for detailed
information to avoid wasting money in useless corporations
May I operate a UK Ltd. from The Netherlands?
Of course, you may buy such a company formation directly at our
office. Please discuss the purpose of the company with us prior
to any order, because in many cases it is not very useful to make
decisions in favour of a UK Ltd. - most prospective customers know
about the lack of liability
May a take tax advantages by structuring of
several companies?
In many cases it is true, you may use vertical structures either
to use tax treaties or special purpose companies - please ask for
exact information
Which combination is the best in my case?
We'll need some information from your side to analyze the situation-
please fix a date with us
May I order an offshore company at your office?
Yes, we offer a choice of more than 80 jurisdictions - please ask
for detailed information
May I operate my company from The Netherlands
without getting trouble with my tax office at home?
There are more than 110 tax treaties in place - please ask and we'll
tell you where you'll have to pay taxes
May I execute my local business in a foreign
country via The Netherlands?
There are a couple of restrictions varying from sector to sector
- please ask for details
Are there special conditions to hire part time
or temporary staff?
Yes - please ask . Additionally our inhouse company Personal Division
BV, a temporary help service, may offer the necessary staff at your
convenience
Do I have a special liability versus private
customers?
The legal standards of the European Union are valid within The Netherlands,
too
How to save costs
Is a frequent appearance in your office necessary
for me?
Usually not, we'll keep you posted on a frequent basis. You'll have
to show up for company formation. Later you're always welcome, but
if there are no questions a yearly meeting with the tax advisor
should be sufficient
How expensive is bookkeeping and tax advice?
Pricing is based on the amount of papers provided by you and usually
cheaper than in the surrounding countries
Are there cost cutting options besides the
tax issues?
There are a couple of options, the most important are the moderate
labour and social security costs. Please get us know about your
project and we'll summarize individually the options to minimize
the costs.
General questions
I would like to found a company in The Netherlands.
How may I realize it?
If you need it really urgent: please call us regarding price and
minimum capital, put the necessary cash, your passport and an actual
bank statement in your pocket - we'll take care of you immediately
and you'll be owner of a registered company the same day. If you
prefer the serious way: we'll provide as much information as necessary
enabling you to make a decision on the legal form - formations and
takeovers of BV's or NV's ( LLC or PLC ) will last form 2 to 8 weeks
- if you need a one man company or a limited partnership the above
mentioned information is true, you'll be able to use your brandnew
company the very same day
May I open a bank account for my Dutch company
immediately after formation?
Yes, we'll assist you
May I use your residency service and open a
bank account in The Netherlands on behalf of my foreign company?
Of course you can, in some cases there are special identification
requirements of the banks - please ask
What kinds of documentation do I need to open
a bank account in The Netherlands?
Your registration with the chamber of commerce, your SoFi - number
( Dutch tax and social security number ) and your passport - in
a few cases further documentation may be necessary - please ask
Is it possible to make loan arrangements in
The Netherlands?
Basically yes, but according to international banking standards,
your credit rating from abroad ec
Do I need a tax advisor or accountant?
The Dutch tax laws are relatively simple, but you'll need a tax
advisor. Anything must be filed in Dutch language
Are tax advisors available who may provide
assistance in my language?
There is an inhouse accounting firm for all your needs. The staff
is speaking English, German, Polish and Dutch
Is it expensive to use a tax advisor in The
Netherlands?
No, accounting and tax advisory services are available at reasonable
prices and usually cheaper than in the surrounding European Union
countries. Please ask for exact information, of cours there are
huge differences based on the size and labour volume of different
companies
What are the main advantages for me or my employees?
It is different from sector to sector. You will like low taxes and
moderate labour costs ( compared to other european Union countries
), for your employees the pension scheme and the good accident insurance
should be interesting
What about the medical treatment of my employees?
Of course they are insured in The Netherlands and may continue their
relationship to their usual doctors ( based on bilateral treaties
) within the European Community
Hoe can I compare the social security system
in The Netherlands with the one in my home country?
The system here is among the best worldwide - please ask for details
Are the children included in the health insurance
of employees
Yes, but guidance is necessary
How many elements are included in the social
security system?
Health insurance, unemployment, pension, accident insurance and
nursing
May employees trade pension scheme payments
to their respective home countries?
They may do it to a large number of countries - please ask. Alternatively
they may cash in on the Dutch system once they are 65 years old
and have paid into the system for a couple of years
What about dismissals of employees?
Relatively easy compared to other european Union countries - please
ask for details.
May I enforce receivables from The Netherlands
to companies in foreign countries?
The local law enforcement is accepted in Belgium and Germany, in
other cases you'll need foreign law assistance
May I take care of the financial future of
my family with a trust formation?
This is a very good idea. We'll provide confidential information
What about avoiding heritage, accessions or
aquisition of property tax?
Basically it is possible to optimise or to avoid heritage or accessions
tax, but the choice of working solutions should be limited by realisation
of your most important personal priorities – a zero tax solution
is not always attractive in real live. Please ask for detailed information,
we’ll provide a selection of matching legal solutions. An
aquisition of property tax ( whereever applicable ) may be waived
only in certain situations, please ask for details.
Is it useful to hire my wife or other relatives?
Yes, as far as you'll keep them in the lowest tax brackets
May I pay for my company in several increments?
No
Hoe are the conditions of payment?
Company formations must generally paid in advance, domiciliation
quarterly in advance, consumptive services immediately respectively
for existing customers on a monthly base. In some cases we will
impose a deposit ( separate outbound phone lines ec. ). We'll always
offer detailed prices, please specify your requirements
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