Some agencies specialise in jobs for non-Dutch speakers. You can either forward your CV to the job agency or apply for their advertised vacancies. Both can be done via their websites; however, it is a good idea to give them a call to introduce yourself and stand out as a potential candidate. For a comprehensive list of recruitment agencies, contact the ACCESS Helpdesk here. If you are looking for a recruiter or headhunter for your next career step, then refer to the werving- en selectiebureaus (recruitment agencies). You can find all agencies available in the Netherlands on: allewervingenselectiebureaus.nl.

Many agencies require an MBO (vocational education) or HBO (professional higher education) diploma to apply for vacancies. If you are looking for part-time work as a student, job boards such as Monsterboard.nl may be more helpful.

Via networking

In the Netherlands, establishing a network of contacts is invaluable. This can happen anywhere (e.g. in sports clubs, your children’s school, interest groups and clubs). Be ready for the question: What do you do? Spend time on perfecting your profile and practising your ‘pitch’ but remember to keep it simple and natural.

Attending multilingual job fairs can be helpful. Some of the organisations/employers participating in these fairs may have positions for English-speaking job seekers, and the added networking opportunities may provide valuable information.

Via LinkedIn

LinkedIn is widely-used in the Netherlands so make sure your profile is up to date,  including that you live in the Netherlands. Ensure your profile and experience are consistent with your CV and include a professional photo. Recruiters and hiring managers are constantly reviewing profiles and placing job advertisements there. You can also join groups, take part in discussions, and use LinkedIn for your job research. Sign up for job alerts by filling in key words and areas of work interest, and you will be notified of jobs matching your requirements.

Via the internet and job boards

There are internet platforms with available job opportunities especially for internationals. You can upload your CV and sign-up for job alerts on various job boards such as: Togetherabroad.nl, https://www.iamexpat.nl/career, https://www.dutchnews.nl/jobsinholland/, https://www.expatica.com/nl/working/.

Open application

If you have identified particular organisations which interest you, seek a connection in your network (LinkedIn can be a good start). This can lead you to an introduction to someone working there. Simultaneously, you could also consider an open application, and if possible, deliver it in person. This method is more effective in small- to medium- sized companies.

Career optimisation

ACCESS career coaches and trainers offer courses/workshops about professional skills development, cultural awareness and global mobility. You can email them directly if you would like details about how they can help you.

The Europass CV is understood in every European country and it pays particular attention to your skills and competences. You can create a Europass CV on europa.eu/europass/en

There are several professionals and companies offering career counselling or coaching for expats looking for work.  ACCESS has several trainers who can provide you with job hunting support.

‘The orientation year for highly educated persons’applies to all recently graduated students in the Netherlands from non-EU countries.
The residence permit orientation year for highly educated persons can be submitted within three years after completing the studies or after obtaining the PhD.
The scheme gives those graduated in the Netherlands the opportunity to first return to their country of origin after having completed their studies, and to then come back to the Netherlands. A work permit is not needed, which means that if you hold a residence permit for the orientation year for higher educated persons you are allowed to work in the Netherlands without any restrictions.
More information is available on the IND’s website.

Work permit application

Should you need a work permit to work while studying, your employer needs to apply for it at www.uwv.nl/werkgevers.

Exception for internships

If you are studying at a Dutch host institution and you need to do an internship as part of your study programme, you do not need a work permit. Your host institution and your employer do need to sign an internship agreement. Please note that this exception does not apply for exchange students. For more information click here.

Study In Holland:https://www.studyinholland.nl/dutch-education/doing-an-internship will point out to you what to pay attention to when contemplating looking for internships in the Netherlands as part of your study programme.

The following links are a selection of websites offering internships in the Netherlands:

• https://www.indeed.nl/Internship-vacatures
• https://graduateland.com/s/internships/netherlands
• https://www.togetherabroad.nl/internships.html
• https://www.iagora.com/work/en/jobs-and-internships/for-english-speakers
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/international-intern-jobs-utrecht
• https://stageplaza.nl/ : click on “ik zoek een stageplek” and write “English” in the ‘ zoekfilter’ to the right
• https://stage.nl/ : you can type ” English” in “trefwoord”/ Keyword box.

Please note that if you decide to accept a paid internship and currently have a student health insurance, you must take out a new, ordinary Dutch health insurance.”

https://ind.nl/en/residence-permits/work/single-permit-gvva

The IND website also provides detailed information on coming to work in the Netherlands as well as  the financial and other conditions that need to be met.

You generally need to have your residence permit before you can start to work. If you do not need a separate work permit, you can start working as soon as you get your residence permit. The maximum length of a work permit is one year, and your employment status is indicated on it. After three years of employment on a Dutch work permit, you no longer need a work permit. Your residence document will state: ‘Arbeid is vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist’ (Employment freely permitted. No work permit required).

Who doesn’t need a work permit

• EU/EEA citizens plus those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland Note: citizens of Croatia do need a work permit for the first working year
• Highly skilled migrants
• Self-employed workers (eligibility for residence is assessed by the IND)
• Workers on short assignment (journalists, guest lecturers, performers, musicians)
• Persons with a residence permit or passport sticker stating: ’Arbeid is vrij toegestaan. TWV niet vereist’ (Employment freely permitted. No work permit required).

Latest information about working in the Netherlands can be found at Werk.nl https://www.werk.nl/werkzoekenden/eu/working-netherlands/.

The Netherlands has strict employment rules and it is important to check if your contract is in accordance with this law.  When working in the Netherlands for a Dutch company, you have the same rights and obligations as Dutch employee, such as salary, holidays, paid sick leave and old age pension. You can find more information about this on the website of the government  (Dutch only). An introduction to Dutch employment law can be found on the website of the municipality of Amsterdam

If you work for a foreign employer different rules apply. You can find more information on the website of the government (Dutch only).

We suggest to ask a lawyer to look at your employment contract before you sign it. You can also use the free legal services from  Het Juridisch Loket for questions about your employment contract.

You can find information about what should be included in an employment contract  here

It is important to carefully check all the conditions of your employment contract before signing.

If you take your own car or bicycle to work, your employer can reimburse a  maximum amount per kilometre.These costs are not deductible from your income for tax purposes. You can find the actual amounts here  (Dutch only)

Travel costs are tax deductible if you receive insufficient or no reimbursement from your employer under the following conditions:

• you use public transport to and from work with both addresses being in the Netherlands
• you travel more than 10 km. one way
• you have an openbaar vervoer verklaring – OV-verklaring (transportation provider declaration) or reisverklaring (from your employer) as proof that you have used public transport. Bear in mind that you should keep any paper/digital tickets that you have used to travel to and from work

If you have a personal OV chipkaart, you can find an overview of all your trips and the costs at the website of the OV chipcard. If you are unsure of what situation applies to you, visit the Belastingdienst (tax office) website for more information on where to apply for the openbaar vervoer verklaring or reisverklaring. This will depend on the ticket you use (Dutch only)

Please note that you cannot claim a deduction if the employer bought the tickets for you. If your travel expenses have partially been covered by your employer, you can only claim the part that has not been covered.

You can find more information about temporary contracts here 

More information about on-call contracts is available here .

If you have a permanent contract, an employer must have good reasons to dismiss you when you have a permanent contract. More information about the rules for dismissal is available here  .

If this doesn’t help, you can seek information and advice at het Juridisch Loket (the legal advice office) free of charge. If they conclude that you need professional legal assistance, they may be able to give you some suggestions. Their website lists 30 offices throughout the country as well as contact details. It is possible to send an email by filling in the online form (form is in Dutch only). Sometimes contact by email is not possible. In this case, it is suggested to make a phone call.

It is good to know that individual labour disputes in the private sector are generally dealt with by a single court judge. Individual labour disputes in the public sector are regulated by administrative law and dealt with by an administrative court. Labour law is an intricate and complex field subject to changes. It is advisable to consult legal professionals when issues or disputes arise.

More information about special leave is available here.

In general, to receive unemployment benefits you need to stay in the country which pays them. Under certain conditions you can transfer your benefit(s) to another EU country, that is continue to receive your unemployment benefits from the country where you became unemployed. You can find more information at:
europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/unemployment-and-benefits

In brief, the rules require that you have a U2 form before you leave your country of origin, register as a jobseeker in your new country of residence, fill in your U2 form and submit it to the national unemployment agency in your new country. See below what you may bear in mind:

Staying abroad for three months

You can carry on receiving your unemployment benefit for at least three months from the EU country where you were last working – and up to a maximum of six months, depending on the institution paying your benefit.

Staying abroad longer than three months

If you want to stay abroad for longer than 3 months, you will need to apply for an extension from the national employment service in the country where you became unemployed: they may extend the 3-month period up to 6 months.
Apply for the extension as early as possible. You must apply before the end of the initial 3-month period. For full information please see :
europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/finding-job-abroad/transferring-unemployment-benefits

Before leaving, you must:

• have been registered as an unemployed jobseeker with the employment services in the country where you became unemployed for at least four weeks (exceptions can be made)
• apply to your national employment services for a U2 form (formerly E 303). This is an authorisation to continue receiving unemployment benefits while looking for a job in another country:
  europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/social-security-forms

On arrival in the new country, you will need to:

• register as a jobseeker with the national employment services within seven days from the date on which you ceased to be available to the employment services in the country you left. In the Netherlands, you will have to contact the UWV Werkbedrijf (Public Employment Service). More information at: https://www.werk.nl/werkzoekenden/eu/working-netherlands/uwv/index.aspx
• submit your U2 form when you register
• agree to any checks made on unemployment benefit claimants in your new country, as if you were receiving unemployment benefits there

Applications for benefits under the Werkloosheidswet – WW (Unemployment Insurance Act) have to be submitted to the Government’s Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen – UWV). If you move to another EU country or a country that belongs to the EEA in order to find a job there, you can take your WW-uitkering (Dutch unemployment benefit) with you for a maximum of three months. For more detailed information please have a look at https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/unemployment-and-benefits/transferring-unemployment-benefits/index_en.htm. Before you leave, you need to arrange this with Public Employment Service (UWV Werkbedrijf). Please bear in mind that the employee who becomes unemployed after resigning from a job is not entitled to receive this benefit.

More information at the UWV website (in Dutch only): www.uwv.nl/particulieren/werkloos/index.

Find the contact of the administration that you may have to get in touch on the country that you are moving to at: europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/national-contact-points.

Information on receiving unemployment benefits can be found by visiting the UWV website (in Dutch only):
www.uwv.nl/particulieren/werkloos/ik-word-werkloos/index.

You can apply for your unemployment benefit from 1 week before your last working day and up to 1 week after your last working day. Applying later than this can have an impact that your benefit will be lower. You can apply via the internet at werk.nl/werkzoekenden/uitkering-aanvragen/ww/ (in Dutch only).
You will need a DigiD (digital identification code). If you are not registered with DigiD, you can find out how to get one here. Please note that the application for your DigiD can take up to five days to process.

Step 2

Once UWV has received your unemployment benefits application, you will receive an email from them as confirmation of receipt. You will then receive an email with information about what to do to quickly find a new job and how to use your personal UWV environment (Mijn UWV) and the Werkmap. Werkmap is the environment where you can place a CV, look for jobs, and track your job search activity.
You can track the status of your application for unemployment benefits on Mijn UWV if you are logged in with your DigiD (mijn.uwv.nl/iam/inloggen/).
UWV will contact you if they need extra information from you in order to assess your request.

Step 3
UWV will get back to you with a decision letter within 4 weeks after you’ve submitted your application. The letter will contain information on whether you will receive an unemployment benefit, how high this benefit will be, and how long the benefit will last.
When you receive unemployment benefits, UWV will be monitoring that you are actively seeking a job. One of your obligations as a job seeker with unemployment benefits is to submit your job search activities to UWV via your Werkmap on werk.nl. Make sure to apply for a job at least 4 times per 4 weeks.

If the dismissal took place after 1 January 2020, you can make use of the Transition Allowance Calculation Tool (in Dutch only) on rekenhulptransitievergoeding.nl/.

There are some exceptional cases in which the transition compensation does not apply, as follows:

• you are less than 18 years of age on dismissal and you have not worked more than 12 hours per week during your employment,
• your temporary contract is expiring, and you and your employer agree in advance that your contract will be continued within a maximum of six months and that the new contract can be terminated prematurely,
• your employer is bankrupt, has a moratorium, or is involved in a debt rescheduling scheme for natural persons,
• you have reached the age of retirement,
• you have been dismissed due to a serious culpable act such as theft or fraud,
• your collective labour agreement (collectieve arbeidsovereenkomst – CAO) contains an equivalent provision for a transition payment.

For further information, please visit the government’s website (in Dutch only):

www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/ontslag/vraag-en-antwoord/hoe-hoog-is-de-transitievergoeding-als-ik-word-ontslagen

After 104 weeks of sickness (two years), a review takes place to determine whether the employee qualifies for the benefit under the Wet Werk en Inkomen naar Arbeidsvermogen – WIA (Work and Income according to the labour capacity act). See more information on this section.

If you become ill in the Netherlands and want to recuperate in your own country, you need permission from your employer’s health and safety service (ARBO service) or from UWV. A doctor checks if this will not delay your recovery.

Applications for benefit under the sickness benefit act have to be submitted to the UWV. You can contact them on 0900 9294, or visit their website (in Dutch only) at: www.uwv.nl.

Applications for the WIA have to be submitted to the Government’s Employee Insurance Agency (Uitvoeringsinstituut Werknemersverzekeringen – UWV) at: www.uwv.nl/particulieren.

During the years you have been living in the Netherlands, you and your partner build up an Algemene Ouderdomswet – AOW (state pension) , that is a basic state pension. In addition to this, you can set up a private pension for yourself and your partner. You can do this via a bank or an insurance company. They can advise you about the possibilities in your situation. Find more information about it at the  Social Security Office (Sociale Verzekeringbank – SVB) website. That is the organisation that implements national insurance schemes in the Netherlands: www.svb.nl.

In 2021 the statutory retirement age is 66 years and 4 months. In 2022 it will increase to 66 years and 7 months; in 2023 to 66 years and 10 months; in 2024 to 67 years. As from 2025 the pension age will be linked to the average life expectancy and thus could be greater than 67. Five years before your retirement date, the pension age will be final. You can calculate your expected retirement date on https://www.svb.nl/en/aow-pension/aow-pension-age/your-aow-pension-age.

The AOW is not designed to be a standalone income for retirees in the Netherlands and should be supplemented by a company/occupational pension (labour-based pension) or private pension scheme, or both.

The ACCESS trainers network also provides Dutch culture training. Other websites such as ExpatFocus.com or Interculturalprofessionals.com can also provide you with information and consultancy services about Dutch business culture.

1. The general old age pension (AOW). If you leave the Netherland, you stop building up your AOW. You will then get a reduced AOW pension when you reach the age at which you are entitled to this benefit. At the time you are retired, you might be able to receive the AOW you built up during your stay here. However, this is only possible if you are living in a country with which the Netherlands has a treaty at the time of your retirement.  For an overview of the current regulations for several countries please look at https://www.svb.nl/en/aow-pension/claiming-an-aow-pension-if-you-live-outside-the-netherlands/you-are-going-to-live-outside-the-netherlands.
2. The pension built up via your employer. If you leave the Netherlands, you might be able to transfer the pension you built up here to a pension fund in your new country. This is called international value transfer of your pension. It is advised to ask an expert to check if this is possible and if it is beneficial for you. He can also inform you about the steps to take.

For more information on this subject please visit the following website:

https://www.belastingdienst.nl/wps/wcm/connect/en/individuals/content/i-have-built-up-a-pension-in-the-netherlands-can-i-take-my-pension-to-another-country

There are many organisations across the Netherlands suitable for volunteers from the international community. ACCESS was specifically set up to provide support to the English-speaking international/expat community, but there are many more organisations throughout the Netherlands which are looking for and value the contribution of your time/expertise.

Several local organisations are increasingly providing volunteering opportunities, for which little to no Dutch is required, and which are available to the international community.  Here you have some examples:

• In The Hague:  www.volunteerthehague.nl  and www.xpatarchive.com
• In Amsterdam:  www.vca.nu/english  and www.stcamsterdam.nl/volunteering
• In Utrecht:  volunteering.nl/home/volunteer-work-in-utrecht/
• In Leiden:  www.leideninternationalcentre.nl/work-study/volunteering-internships
• In Rotterdam:  volunteering.nl/home/volunteer-work-in-rotterdam/

For general information on volunteering in Netherlands, you can contact the national Dutch volunteer office on (085) 4000 338 and check the daily papers for ads regarding volunteering opportunities.

There are many social clubs who focus on internationals. In these clubs volunteering is also possible: they are all about volunteering together. An overview of groups and clubs is available on the website of I am Expat 

The major cities also have a wide range of clubs and societies covering a diverse range of activities and cultural interests. Information can be obtained from ACCESS or via internet sites and Facebook aimed at the international community. For groups located in your area, you can also contact the ACCESS Helpdesk.

There are also many volunteering opportunities that require a short-term commitment, such as the ‘NLdoet days’ www.nldoet.nl (in Dutch only) and one-off festivals, such as the International Film Festival in Rotterdam (IFFR). The above-mentioned sites will also have information about such opportunities.
You can also check if there is a Vrijwilligers Centrale – VC (volunteers’ centre) located in your area. They are usually stichtings (foundations) subsidised by the government that offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities.

Yes, as a foreigner you can start your own business in the Netherlands, or bring your business from abroad. There are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled, the primary being legal residence, and ‘permission’ to work in the Netherlands. This differs to the ‘Start-up Visa‘ through which a resident permit is related to the business brought to the Netherlands.

Legal residence – condition number one

Legal residence is always the basic requirement, which may mean obtaining a residence permit, and often also an entry visa/permit.

The type of enterprise (legal form): whether a one-man business, a Dutch private limited company (BV), or a branch-office of a foreign company, makes no difference when it comes to residence requirements. The rules do not differ either if you start an enterprise shortly after arriving in the Netherlands, or after having been employed in the Netherlands for some time.

The law on residence differs for EU/EEA citizens and those of other countries.

Citizens of EU states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway (known as the European Economic Area states, EEA) and Swiss citizens do not need a residence permit to enter, stay, live and work in The Netherlands. Passport or ID card are sufficient proof of rightful stay.

Citizens of other countries intending to stay longer than 90 days usually need an entry permit, (MVV), and a residence permit, issued by the Dutch Immigration Authority, IND, (Immigratie en Naturalisatie Dienst), the authoritative source on residence permits.  The information is available on their website: 

IND website: ind.nl/en/work/working_in_the_netherlands/pages/self-employed-person.aspx

Also: business.gov.nl/regulation/residence-permit/

MVV –provisional residence permit

Non-EU/EEA or Swiss nationals, who want to stay in the Netherlands for more than three months will typically require a Dutch residence permit. Unless exempt, an entry permit (MVV) is also required, as well as an integration exam beforehand.

More information about the MVV is available on https://ind.nl/en/pages/mvv.aspx

• your business is still active
• you still earn sufficient income
• your personal situation did not change
• you did not apply for unemployment benefits
• you were not charged with any violation of the law

With this residence permit you are exclusively allowed to work for your own enterprise. If you take up any other form of work/employment, you need to apply for a separate work permit (TWV tewerkstellingsvergunning)

Please check with the IND for more information.

The facilitator plays an important part, but the entrepreneur is the one who takes an active role in the development of the business. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) grants the status of facilitator based on certain criteria.

For more detailed information consult the following links:

Residence permit for start-ups

IND- start-up visa

Government- supporting start-ups

Government- residence permit for foreign start-ups

More information is available on the website of IND

If you are applying for the start-up visa, you do not require an entry visa (MVV) regardless of your nationality, provided all the requirements for residence are met. More information is available on the website of IND.

Once you fulfil the conditions for residence it is good to get  acquainted with the legal requirements for setting up a business in the Netherlands.

Informing yourself about the Dutch economy, business climate, regulations and practices  in which you want set up your business is  important. So is market research, for orientation about your future place in the complex business mosaic.

Then you need to develop a business plan and prepare for fulfilling the administrative prerequisites to make  your business idea a reality.

A business plan is a requirement for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals. Even when legally not required, it helps you to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses. Banks require a business plan for granting loans.

You will need to consider issues such as checking if you require specific professional qualification, selecting a legal form for your business, choosing a trade name, taxation and insurance, employment laws and registering at the Chamber of Commerce.

There are  institutions and organisations that provide useful information for your market research:

Central Bureau of Statistics

The CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis regularly reports about the Dutch economy and provides forecasts. Only a limited number of publications is also available in English. Most publications are only in Dutch.

Half-yearly Economic Developments and Outlook is published by the Dutch central bank DNB:

If you prefer , there are also many business consultants and market research firms that can help you during this phase.

The Chamber of Commerce (KVK) has created a guide in English to help you starting your own business. Below we have summarised the most relevant information. https://www.kvk.nl/english/starting-a-business-in-the-netherlands/

The goverment has an English website,  providing answers to the many questions related to starting a business in the Netherlands.

 The Citizen Service Number

You need to have a Citizen Service Number (BSN) issued by the municipality in which you reside. The BSN is used by all public organisations in your dealings with them.

Business plan

Providing a business plan is one of the prescribed criteria for entrepreneurs who are not EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and wish to begin their own business in The Netherlands.

Company Name

Choosing a good company name for your company is very important but not easy. A few tips:

• Your business name should fit you and your company, now, but also in the future.
• It is best if the company name is short, to the point, easy to remember and to search on the internet.
• Make sure that your company name is unique and does not already exist as brand or domain name. Check in the Commericial Register. You search for existing names/brands under “Handelsnaam”.
• Be alert to cultural sensitivity and inappropriate or silly words in Dutch. Think about how the name sounds in English and other languages should you ever consider taking your business abroad.

Find out more about how to choose a business name on the KvK’s website:

 Legal Form

Entrepreneurs in the Netherlands have to choose a legal form for their business. That applies also to self-employed professionals and freelancers. The choice will determine, for example, liability and tax obligations.

 Types of legal forms

There are legal forms with and without corporate (legal) personality. An important difference is that forms without corporate (legal) personality involve debt liability for both the company assets and your private assets. For legal entities liability is tied solely to company assets. Visit the question different types of legal forms to get more detailed information on this topic.

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:

• Private limited company (BV)
• Public limited company (NV)
• Association (Vereniging)
• Cooperative(Coöperatie)
• Foundation (Stichting)

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 .

business.gov.nl/guides-for-doing-business/starting-a-business-or-carrying-out-an-assignment/general-guide-for-starting-a-business-in-the-netherlands/

The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) has an English language section on its website which provides comprehensive information about setting up and developing a business in the Netherlands. You can also take advantage of the KvK’s Advice Team to speak with a free advisor.

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) helps start-ups with grants, finding business partners, know-how and compliance with laws and regulations.

The Startup Officers Network comprises officers who work for ministries, large municipalities, provinces and other government organisations and who serve as points of access for start-ups who want to cooperate with the government.

For information on the Dutch government supports for innovating and ambitious businesses see:

www.government.nl/topics/enterprise-and-innovation/the-government-supports-entrepreneurs

www.government.nl/topics/enterprise-and-innovation/supporting-ambitious-entrepreneurs-and-startups

You can find more information about taxes on the website of the Dutch government.

 https://business.gov.nl/financing-your-business/funding-and-loans/government-funding/funding-from-regional-development-corporations-roms/

There are numerous funding schemes, loans and subsidies for starters and small and medium size businesses in The Netherlands. Information about funding and loans is available here: business.gov.nl/financing-your-business/funding-and-loans/

Funding is available from the Dutch government, from European sources and from private investors and banks.

Bank Loans

There are several large banks (ABN-AMRO, ING Bank, Rabobank,) which offer business/starters packages. Expect to pay a monthly fee.  These banks often also offer insurance (liability, personnel, disability  etc.).

More information on how to open a bank account here.

Subsidies

The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) has a Help Desk Business Finance. Also business desks in the town halls of the larger cities in The Netherlands as well as expat centers in Amsterdam and The Hague, for example, offer a wealth of information about starting a business including financing options.

General information about subsidies, various types of programmes and tips about how to apply can be found at:

business.gov.nl/financing-your-business/subsidies/

Another starting point could be to make inquiries in the province in which you are setting up your business. There are numerous regional development corporations (RDCs), or regionale ontwikkelingsmaatschappij (ROM), around the Netherlands that invest in private businesses.  For more information and relevant links please see:

business.gov.nl/financing-your-business/funding-and-loans/government-funding/funding-from-regional-development-corporations/

There are also various subsidies and tax reduction schemes that you can profit from as a small, starting enterprise. There are subsidies for environmental initiatives, art and culture, research and innovation, etc.

www.government.nl/topics/enterprise-and-innovation/support-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-smes

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency ( RVO) provides personal advice and assistance to business owners about relevant subsidies, tax benefits, partners, knowledge and legislation.

english.rvo.nl/subsidies-programmes

A healthcare insurance (basisverzekering) is mandatory in The Netherlands. Every resident of the Netherlands pays a nominal premium of approximately EUR 1,300 per year on a basic health insurance. This premium is paid directly to the health insurance company of your choice. Extra insurance is needed to cover various risks. More information on the FAQ about Duth Health insurance.

You could also consider partial or private invalidity insurance and accident insurance.

Pension insurance

Every inhabitant of the Netherlands over a certain age (depending on your birth date) receives AOW, a national old age pension. This is a basic pension, which may not be sufficient to live on. Therefore, be advised to build up a supplementary pension through a pension insurance scheme. You could take out an annuity policy or another type of savings scheme.

For more information visit the Dutch government website:

business.gov.nl/regulation/pension/

Other insurances

Professional types of insurance include: business and professional liability insurance, business liability insurance, professional liability insurance, legal expenses insurance, insurance for goods, machinery and equipment; buildings insurance, credit insurance.

For more information visit the Dutch government website:

business.gov.nl/regulation/self-employed-professionals-insurances/

If you run a one-man business in your country of origin and you can prove it, for example by submitting a copy of registration in a commercial register in that country, you might be allowed  to bring this enterprise to the Netherlands and have it registered at the Chamber of Commerce as a Dutch eenmanszaak. More information is available on the website of the Dutch government  

Please note that IND rules on residence always apply.

You can find the forms related to this topic on the KvK’s website.

• Debtors can be granted a six month statutory grace period for paying back their debt. This has to be done by the court.  Keep in mind that the court doesn’t always grant this. During that time creditors cannot claim any money or confiscate any goods. If you cannot to pay your debts any more and you have an Eenmanszaak or are partner in a partnership , you are personally liable for your business’s debts. You can appeal to your municipality for debt restructuring. If this fails you can appeal to a court for debt restructuring. For more information: business.gov.nl/regulation/debt-restructuring/
• If you have employees you are expected to follow dismissal procedures. There are various dismissal procedures that you should familiarize yourself with.
• Finally, you will have to file a final tax return. Settling your tax obligations may vary depending on how/why the business is being terminated, whether it is closing down, being sold, or whether it is an issue of family succession or death or divorce.

Closing down

You have to report the end of your business to the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) which will pass on the information to the Belastingdienst (tax office). They will send you a written confirmation. In case you do not receive it, you need to inform them yourself.  For more detailed information about closing your business check the website of the KvK.

You must also:

• close the accounts of your discontinued business
• file the annual reports and accounts up to and including the cessation date as soon as possible
• make a final calculation and submit a final VAT return

You need to send in final tax returns for all relevant taxes, such as income tax, VAT or any other type of tax. If you have built up a retirement reserve, you need to settle that with your income tax. If you withdraw goods from your business for private use, you must pay VAT on these goods.

Selling your business

If you transfer your business (or a part of your business), you must calculate the discontinuation profit (stakingswinst) and pay income tax on that amount. As well as being relevant for income tax, wage tax and VAT purposes, selling  your business may also have capital gains tax consequences or affect social insurance benefits.

For further details visit the Dutch government website:

You can find more detailed information on the website of the IND

Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK Kamer van Koophandel)

Before you are allowed to start your business operations you must register your enterprise in the Dutch Trade Register at the Chambers of Commerce (KvK). Registrations in the Trade Register are public.

All entrepreneurs are required to register with the Chamber of Commerce  (KvK). You qualify as an entrepreneur if you supply goods or services independently with the intention to make profit. More  of  the information about the requirements from the the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) to register as an entrepreneur are available on the website of the government.

Self-employed without personnel (ZZP) and freelancers also have to register if their business satisfies the criteria for an enterprise. If unsure about whether you need to register your business contact the KvK.

You need to choose the legal form of your business before registering it at the KvK. A checklist of what you need to do when starting your own business is available on https://business.gov.nl/starting-your-business/checklists-for-starting-a-business/how-to-start-a-business-in-the-netherlands-a-checklist/

You should register with the Chamber of Commerce:

• No later than one week after starting your business; OR
• One week prior to starting your business; OR
• Earlier, in which case, the registration (with Chamber of Commerce registration number) will become official one week before the start of your business.

There is a registration fee that cannot be paid in cash.

Licences and Permits

Most businesses operate without permits or licenses, but for some, like the catering business, transport, or a taxi firm, a license is needed. If your products or business operations affect the environment an environmental permit may be required.

Permits and licenses are usually issued by the municipality or the provincial authorities.

Regulated professions and professional competence requirements

A diploma or permit is usually not needed for starting a business in The Netherlands. There are, however so called regulated professions and professions subjected to professional competence requirements.

A regulated profession is one you can practice only if you meet the professional qualifications established by law..

Professional competence requirements apply to professions, such as: personnel in healthcare and child care, architects and town planners,  financial service providers, bailiffs, bus and lorry drivers, driving instructors, crew of seagoing vessels, security guards and other.

European agreements on mutual recognition of diplomas enable access to regulated professions in member states.

You can have your foreign credentials evaluated by IDW (International Credential Evaluation)

Memberships

For some businesses/professions it is advisable to register at, or become member of an umbrella organisation. For example, tourism.

A tour operator will find it hard to attract customers without registration at the General Dutch Association of Travel Agencies, (ANVR), which prescribes travel and booking terms conditions, or membership of the Travel Guarantee Fund Foundation (SGR) which guarantees repayment in case of default of the tour operator. Over the years both memberships have become almost a necessity.

Yes, provided all other conditions are met. In principle, if the purpose of your stay changes you can apply for a different, that is new, residence permit. One condition in this regard is that they are supervised by a reliable business mentor (facilitator) in the Netherlands. Some facilitators work on commercial basis (not all), alternative is you go through the self employed person procedure: ind.nl/en/work/pages/self-employed-person.aspx

If you have a highly-skilled migrant (kennismigrant) residence permit and would like to start your own business under the start-up rule you can apply for the start-up residence permit if you fulfil the requirements for the start-up scheme.

https://business.gov.nl/amendment/30-ruling-highly-skilled-migrants-limited/

If you live in the Netherlands at the time you retire, you are entitled to AOW. As you haven’t lived in the Netherlands all the time you will receive a reduced AOW.  If you don’t live in the Netherlands any more when you retire, you may be entitled to AOW if you live in a country that has a treaty with the Netherlands regarding social security. You can check what the regulations are for the country you are living in on https://https://www.svb.nl/en/aow-pension/claiming-an-aow-pension-if-you-live-outside-the-netherlands/deductions-from-your-aow-pension-if-you-live-outside-the-netherlands.

For international employers there are options to arrange an international pension plan. Companies offering this are usually international banks and insurance agencies.  Examples are Swiss Life https://www.swisslife-global.com/corporate/solutions/expats.html and Mercer https://www.mercer.com/what-we-do/wealth-and-investments/defined-benefit-pension-plans.html. These pensions can be called international pensions, mobile pensions or offshore pensions.

Volunteering for ACCESS is a rewarding way of using your existing skills and adding to your experience during your stay in the Netherlands. Furthermore, it provides you with an opportunity to meet people, create community and give back. More information about the benefits of volunteering at ACCESS is available on our website .

If you are interested in volunteering at ACCESS, you can find the dates of the information sessions on our website.

Information about how to register for our information sessions can be found on our website.

The Dutch pension system is made up of three pillars: Pillar 1 – The State or AOW (Algemene Ouderdomswet) pension, which is the basic pension paid out when one reaches the retirement age. The state pension is administered by the SVB  (Sociale Verzekeringsbank).  Workplace or company pensions funded by both employer and employee contributions. They are private or collective pension schemes connected to a specific industry, company or independent professional pension funds and are mostly managed by pension funds or insurance companies. Employees are entitled to choose their scheme preference within their pension fund. Updating your employer details with your pension fund is vital. More information is available on this website  . Pillar 3 – Private pension schemes are funded by personal contributions that are voluntary. Self-employed individuals and employees in industries that do not have collective pension funds contribute to this option.

To summarise: If you have lived or worked in the Netherlands, you will receive a state pension (Pillar 1) which will be calculated proportional to the number of years that you have worked in the Netherlands.

If you receive pension benefits from a work pension fund (Pillar 2) depends on if you signed a pension agreement with your employer and if you keep track of your Dutch pension scheme. How much you will receive depends on your salary and the number of years you worked. Should you die, your partner may be entitled to a part of your Dutch pension. If you are not married, it is essential to inform the pension fund you want your partner to be egilible of a part of your pension after your death. If you fail to do so, your partner may not be egilible to receive any money from the pension fund. 

You will only receive benefits from personal/individual pension (Pillar 3) if you took out a private pension.

If you live in the Netherlands, you will receive a letter about claiming your AOW pension about four months before you reach your AOW pension age. After you receive this letter, you can claim your AOW pension.  If you submit a claim earlier, your claim will not be processed.

If you live outside the Netherlands, you should apply for your AOW pension six months before you reach your AOW pension age. How to apply will depend on the country where you live.