| Starting your business |
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Starting a business in the Netherlands Companies intending to conduct business activities in the Netherlands, are presented with several options as to how to go about it, as well as a number of legal requirements to be complied with. From a legal and taxation point of view, the first priority is deciding on which legal form to use to 'house' the proposed Dutch-based activities. Compared to other EU countries, the Netherlands has a flexible and liberal legal framework for the organisation of enterprises by non-resident companies or individuals. There are no special restrictions on foreign-owned companies that wish to start a business in the Netherlands. Business operations can be set up as having a legal entity or not. A private limited liability company, 'BeslotenVennootschap' (BV) and a public limited liability company, 'NaamlozeVennootschap' (NV), are the conventional forms of limited liability companies with a legal entity. The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) is the prime meeting place for business people in the Netherlands, whether they have just started up in business or have been operating for many years.  |