Starting a business in the Netherlands involves more than registering with the Chamber of Commerce. Confirm your residence and work position first; business registration does not itself create a right to reside or work in the Netherlands.
1. Check your residence and work position
US nationals need an immigration basis that permits the intended activity. The conditions depend on the route you use. Confirm this before signing client contracts or assuming you can register as self-employed.
2. Prepare a business plan and choose a legal form
Assess market demand, pricing, risk, funding and expected profit. A sole proprietorship and a BV have different liability, tax and administrative consequences; there is no universal profit threshold at which a BV is always better.
3. Register and keep your activity description current
Most businesses register with KVK. The 2026 one-off registration fee is €85.15. KVK passes registration data to the Dutch Tax Administration where appropriate, but still check your VAT correspondence and registrations.
4. Set up VAT and recordkeeping
Determine whether you charge Dutch VAT, use an exemption or have cross-border VAT obligations. Keep invoices, bank records, contracts and supporting documents in an orderly administration. Dutch retention rules generally require seven years, with exceptions in some situations.
5. Check your client relationships and insurance
Do not rely on a contract label alone when working as a contractor. The real working relationship matters. Consider appropriate professional liability, business liability, disability and legal-expenses cover based on your work.
6. Coordinate Dutch and US compliance
US citizens can have continuing US filing obligations. Coordinate Dutch bookkeeping with a US tax specialist early, especially where you have US accounts, entities, investments or employees.
Boekhoudheld can support the Dutch bookkeeping and VAT process. We do not provide US tax filing services unless this is explicitly agreed with a qualified US adviser.
Bronnen: KVK – registration fee · Business.gov.nl · IRS – citizens abroad.
Geschreven door de redactie van Boekhoudheld. Inhoudelijk gecontroleerd door Anass Bounhilat RA, registeraccountant — laatst gecontroleerd op 22 september 2026.