ACCESS NL > Dual careers in the Netherlands > Starting a business in the Netherlands > Dutch legal business structures > How can I choose the legal form or business structure for my company?

Dutch legal business structures

What issues should I consider in order to set up and develop a business?

What are the fundamental requirements that I will need to comply with in starting a business?

How can I choose the legal form or business structure for my company?

In order to make a decision on which legal form your company will take you will have to consider issues such as:

  • Will you be the only owner of the company?
  • Will you work with partners?
  • Will the company have stakeholders or financial partners?

Business with partners (unincorporated business structure) 

If you want to start a business with other self-employed individuals there are three options:

  • General partnership (VOF)
  • Limited partnership (CV)
  • Professional partnership (Maatschap)

General Partnership (VOF) and Professional partnership (Maatschap) will be merged into one entity called “partnership “.

More information about this change is available on https://business.gov.nl/amendment/difference-professional-partnership-general-partnership/   It is not yet known when this change will come into force as both the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) and Senate (Eerste Kamer) still need to approve the proposed change.

For more detailed information about several entities, have a look at the government website for entrepreneurs.

Incorporated business structures 

Incorporated business structures are legal entities because they require a legal form in the shape of notarial deed. There are five different types:

For more detailed information about several entities, have a look at the government website for entrepreneurs.

 

Sole proprietorship

A Dutch eenmanszaak  (sole proprietorship) is a legal structure in which you alone are responsible and liable for the company. Many starting entrepreneurs choose the eenmanszaak as their legal structure. You can find more information about this legal structure on the website of the government .

 

Are there any entities that can give support for starting a business?

How do I terminate/dissolve my company?

What are the steps to start my own business in the Netherlands?