Establishing a company in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is located in Northwest Europe, to its north and west it borders on the North Sea, to its south is Belgium, and to its east is Germany. Although considered a parliamentary democracy, it is actually a part of a monarchy, and in 2013 the new King Willem-Alexander was crowned after inheriting the throne from his mother, Queen Beatrix. The Netherlands is one of the smallest of the European states, one of the most densely populated, and is considered among the most advanced countries in the world in terms of government, transparency, economy, civil rights and other issues that enable it to provide an excellent standard of living. Its history is closely interlinked with that of Europe, it is one of the EU’s founding member states, and it is also a member in NATO, the OECD and the WTO.
The Netherlands is characterized by low flat ground and its entire surface is very close to sea level, making it a country of classic European plains, green hills and picturesque towns alongside large and developed urban centers. Despite the fact that Amsterdam is usually the city most associated with the Netherlands, its actual capital is Hague. Its population is 17 million, the official language is Dutch, but the vast majority of natives speak excellent English, making it that much easier to register there.
- The meaning of the word “Netherlands” in English and Dutch is “low lands”. It contains 12 provinces within its jurisdiction, and the term “Holland” is actually the name of only one of the provinces. Additionally it has three islands in the Caribbean.
- A large percentage of its land is under water and protected from flooding by a network of dams. These areas used to be immersed under sea water, but were dried and prepared for agricultural use.
- The natives are known for their innovation and excellence in many fields, and include such important Masters as Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, leading athletes, daring politicians, and leading companies like Phillips, inventor of audio and video cassettes, the CD and CD-ROM, as well as a series of new lighting solutions.
The economy is very advanced and developed, constituting a key player in the European economy and it not part of the European debt crisis. The economy is ranked 24th in the world in GDP (709 billion USD) and per capita income (42,000 USD). The currency is, of course, the euro. Important economic sectors include trade and finance, advanced agriculture, industry, tourism and sea trade – with the port of Rotterdam the largest and busiest in the world. Amsterdam is the financial and business capital and the country houses several of the world’s largest corporations (Shell, Phillips, ING, Unilever and others).
General
Type of company |
BV - Netherlands Besloten Vennootschap |
Relevant Companies Law |
The Flex, BV Act 2012 |
Offices |
Local law requires companies to provide a local office address |
Language of original incorporation documents |
Dutch |
Finance and Taxation
Currency |
EUR |
Corporate tax rate |
15% for income under 395,000 EUR, 15% for income over 395,000 EUR |
Standard share capital |
0.01 EUR |
Office Holders
Company Secretary (Secretary) |
|
Obligation to appoint company secretary |
Not required |
Obligation to appoint local secretary |
Irrelevant |
Type of entity that may function as company secretary |
Irrelevant |
Director |
|
Obligation to appoint company director |
Required |
Obligation to appoint local company director |
Not required |
Minimum number of directors |
1 |
Type of entity that may serve as company director |
Individual and/or company |
Shareholders |
|
Obligation to register shareholders |
Required |
Obligation to register local shareholders |
None |
Minimum number of shareholders |
1 |
Type of entity that may register as shareholder |
Individual and/or company |
Type of shares |
Registered shares |
Accessibility of Information
Company registrar |
Information regarding company office holders may be accessible to the public Specifically, details |
Annual Assembly and Reporting
Obligation to hold annual assembly |
Required |
Obligation to prepare financial reports |
Required |
Obligation to submit financial reports |
Required |
Accept
