Are you planning on expanding your business to Europe? Do it through the Netherlands: A Gateway to Europe

The Netherlands remains one of the most attractive destinations for international entrepreneurs and investors aiming to establish a strong foothold in Europe in 2025. With its strategic location, business-friendly policies, and innovation-driven economy, the country is consistently ranked among the top places to do business globally. It is also a prime entry point to the EU single market, offering access to over 440 million consumers.

The Netherlands combines world-class infrastructure, including the Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport, with a favorable tax climate, multilingual educated workforce, and robust digital infrastructure, making it a natural hub for European expansion offering both, security and opportunity.

Why the Netherlands?

 • Consistently ranked among the world’s top five business climates.
 • Broad EU market access with seamless trade across 27 member states.
 • Strong reputation for innovation and R&D, supported by government incentives such as the          
       Innovation Box regime (reduced tax rate on qualifying IP income).
 • Corporate income tax rates of 15% on profits up to €395,000 and 25.8% on profits above.
 • Highly skilled, multilingual, and internationally minded workforce.
 • Extensive network of double tax treaties with 90+ countries.
 • Progressive sustainability and ESG-focused policies attracting impact-driven investors.
 • A dynamic startup ecosystem with venture capital support and government grants.

The Dutch BV: The Most Popular Business Structure

The Besloten Vennootschap (BV) is the most common legal and flexible company structure for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. Key benefits include:

 • Limited liability protection for shareholders.
 • No minimum share capital requirement since 2012 (as little as €0.01 per share, though in
     practice €1–€1,000 is common).
 • Flexibility in ownership and management, allowing foreign shareholders and directors.
 • Option for remote or digital incorporation, reducing the need for physical presence and 
       minimizing travel needs.

Step-by-Step: Incorporating a Dutch BV in 2025

1. Choose your entity type – The Dutch BV is the standard option for most businesses.

2. Check company name availability – Ensure the name is unique and register it with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK).

3. Establish a business address – Can be a physical office, coworking space, or a registered virtual office.

4. Prepare statutory documents – Draft and notarize the Articles of Association and the deed of incorporation with a Dutch civil law notary.

5. Register with the KVK – Obtain your company registration number and official profile.

6. Register for taxes – Apply for your VAT number and tax ID with the Dutch Tax Authorities.

7. Comply with UBO registration – Declare any ultimate beneficial owners holding more than 25% ownership.

8. Open a corporate bank account – Deposit share capital and manage financial operations.

9. Understand labor obligations – If hiring employees, register for Dutch social security and pension schemes.

Timelines, Costs & Practicalities

 • Timeline: Incorporation typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
 • Costs: Average setup ranges from €1,000 to €2,000, depending on notarial and service fees.
 • Foreign entrepreneurs: Can incorporate without residency, appoint non-resident directors, and rely on digital filing services for compliance and secure setup.

A Leading Destination in 2025 - Case Studies WAFA

Recent success stories highlight how international entrepreneurs are leveraging Dutch company structures to reach European customers. For instance, business owners from the Middle East have set up Dutch BVs paired with fulfillment networks to distribute products across the EU seamlessly. The Netherlands’ favorable logistics, taxation, and compliance systems make it a preferred base for regional expansion.

Beyond streamlined incorporation, the Netherlands’ favorable corporate tax rates, strong digital infrastructure, and position as a logistics hub make it a natural choice for companies entering Europe. Entrepreneurs from around the world are using the Dutch BV to expand into the EU with confidence, supported by reliable legal and tax frameworks.

Final Thoughts

Establishing a Dutch BV in 2025 offers businesses a secure, flexible, and future-ready entry point into Europe. With its stable economy, competitive tax regimes, and central location, the Netherlands is not only a springboard for European operations but also a global hub for innovation and trade.

How DBI Supports You

At Doing Business International, we provide expert support throughout the process, end-to-end assistance, from entity formation and tax compliance to banking, HR, and ongoing legal guidance; drafting and filing documents to tax registration, compliance, and corporate governance. Our local experts ensure your Dutch company is set up quickly, securely, and fully compliant, so you can focus on scaling your business across Europe.

Our goal is to make international expansion simple, strategic, and successful.