Q: We are orienting on doing business in the Netherlands. Could you let me know more about your services?
A: Holland Gateway provides you with the eyes and ears in an unfamiliar territory. We advise you on what steps to take for setting up a business in the Netherlands. We can outline an A to Z road map on how to do this. Next to that we provide information on the many facets of the Netherlands, ranging from business sectors to commercial climate. We can provide you with written reports or refer you to experts in any particular domain. Another service we provide is the use of our facility for seminars, conferences, match making sessions, network meetings and incoming and outgoing trade missions. Last but not least Holland Gateway provides an access point to a vast network of international and internationally active business men and service providers. This network is also at your disposal.

Q: How can you help us to set up our business and get buyers in the Netherlands?
A: We will provide you with a road map on how to set up your business. We will provide you with the necessary contact and even arrange for meeting with the necessary parties. To a certain degree we can even help you find buyers, by guiding you to the right channels and advising you on how to best use them. Also our network might be approached for trade inquiries.

Q: Do you help domestic companies set up abroad, or do you help foreign companies set up in the Netherlands?
A: The Holland Gateway concept is mainly designed to assist foreign companies to set up in the Netherlands. Rarely we will assist Dutch companies who wish to find trade partners abroad.

Q: How do you set up a business in the Netherlands?
A: You will need to decide on a legal entity and subsequently register it with the Chamber of commerce. Depending on the legal entity you choose you will most likely need starting capital (€18.000 for a Private limited company). Should you wish to set up a sole entrepreneurship requirements will be less demanding. Holland Gateway specializes in these procedures. Please contact us personally for a full description of the procedure.

Q: What is the first step to setting up a business in the Netherlands?
A: The registry at city hall should be the first step. However there is a problem with registry that will always pop up. You will not be able to finalize your registry at city hall and get a public service number (burgerservicenummer, BSN) without having a valid residential address. So that then becomes the first thing to take care of. If you already have an address of the company then you could register that as the address providing you have a letter (with letterhead mentioning address) to show as proof.

Q: Is the Chamber of Commerce different from City Hall?
A: Yes, the Chamber of commerce is a separate entity from City hall. Should you wish to register a private limited company (in Dutch: BV) you will need to acquire the assistance of a notary to draft your deed of incorporation. Also, for a BV you need proof of €18.000 in invested capital.

Q: We would like to set up a Dutch subsidiary of our company, what can you do for me?
A: To register a Dutch branch you will have to follow a procedure for registering  with the Chamber of Commerce. We will help you with the contact and the appointment. We will also provide you with a road map detailing every step to take.

Q: What are the costs of setting up a BV (Private Limited Liability Company) in the Netherlands?
A: The BV requires the assistance of a notary. The notary can charge from between €1.500 to €2.000 for his services. Next to that, there is a requirement to have a starting capital of €18.000 (2011). Finally, there are several smaller costs that need to be taken into account.

Q: What legal entity do you recommend for my startup?
A: To help you answer this question we can provide you with a comparison chart of the separate legal entities. The choice will have to be based upon your desired business model, concept and financial means. The private limited liability company and the sole entrepreneurship are the most common choices. Holland Gateway will assist you in finding the right form.

Q: What license requirements are there to conduct business in the Netherlands?
A: To be able to run a business inside the Netherlands your company must be registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. The registry has certain financial requirements and in some case requires certain official background checks.

Q: With registering at the chamber of commerce (KVK) does this have to happen individually, or is it only the business entity that needs the registration?
A: Only the business and its founders need to be registered in the trade register.

Q: I would like to protect my brand name. What must I do?
A: To protect your brand name you will have to register it with the Benelux authority for brand protection the BOIP. Using a brand name in active commerce is already an implicit statement of ownership and by law makes you owner of the brand. Should another company active in the same business as you use the same name or a similar name, then you can invoke your legal right of ownership thereof. A company logo on the other hand, does require submission for patent application to prevent others from infringing on your creative identity.

Q: I am an entrepreneur and would like to start employing people. What are the requirements for employment in the Netherlands?
A: An employee in the Netherlands can have 3 temporary contracts before receiving a permanent contract. A Dutch employment contract contains stipulations about wages,  dismissal, sickness procedures, pensions and holidays.

Q: I would like to hire a trainee to fill a function. How do I proceed?
A: The best procedure is to contact educational institutions and offer your company as a potential host for trainees. The schools will usually have a bureau responsible for these placements. Another option would be to peruse the options on the following website: www.studentenwerk.nl Holland Gateway will assist you further should the need arise.

Q: Could you tell me what kind of incentives there are for foreign companies to set up in the Netherlands.
A: Dutch government policy has made a considerable effort in stimulating the influx of foreign investment. There are a few notable regulations that have been designed specifically to increase the attractiveness of the Netherlands for foreign investors. One such ruling is the so-called 30%ruling, providing a substantial tax relief for companies employing foreign labor. Another notable one is the knowledge migrant scheme, making it easy to employ foreigners with higher levels of expertise/ education. In the very near future, the requirements for setting up a private limited company will be drastically reduced making it possible to set up this legal entity with virtually no starting capital.