Investing in the Netherlands

Why invest in the Netherlands?

Investing in the Netherlands means choosing one of the EU countries most prone to international investment and the internationalization of companies, not only because of the advantageous tax system with a tax rate of 21% for companies and 16%, but also a complex system of advanced infrastructures.

The Netherlands is mainly chosen as the headquarters of the holding and distribution companies and as an international hub for the re-export of goods, thanks also to the platforms of Rotterdam (by sea) and Schilpol (by air). On this last platform, there is also a type 2 Free Trade Zone.

Political stability, belonging to the European Union and geographical location makes the country ideal for carrying out entrepreneurial activities.

The Netherlands is now also the first global partner for investments in India. Anyone wishing from Holland, investing in Indian companies will not be subject to taxation upon the sale of their shareholding, either in India or in the Netherlands.

The Dutch system.

The Netherlands adheres to the Union Customs Code and the main international treaties such as CETA.

The country conforms to the main European directives on labelling, transport documents, invoicing, and origin certifications. The legislation protecting consumers, the market and competition are also stringent, always in line with that of the Community.

Investing in the Netherlands.

The Dutch State pays great attention to investments, whether they come from within or whether they are foreigners and whether they are individuals or legal entities.

The latter is required to open a company in the Netherlands through the constitution of a capital company (BV or NV) and registration in the chamber of commerce (Handelsregister).

The Ministry and local authorities provide incentives for companies that want to locate their business in the Netherlands, especially in certain areas of the country, granting concessions for purchasing plant and machinery, research and work.

The forms of companies in the Netherlands.

To invest in the Netherlands, one of the company forms made available by the Order must be used, we see in detail:

• The Individual Company, of the rapid formation, is the least bureaucratic form ideal for the very small professional and artisan enterprise. It requires only the registration in the register of the Companies and foresees an unlimited responsibility of the entrepreneur.
• The VF (Vennootschap onder firma) or General partnership must be made up of a plurality of shareholders who will be unlimitedly liable for the company’s debts. No minimum share capital is required, and each shareholder may administer the company unless otherwise agreed.
• The CV (Commanditaire Vennootschap) or Limited Partnership, characterized by the classic two categories of limited partners and limited partners, is limitedly responsible and delegated to administer. Here, the minimum capital is not required to be paid, and the written form for the constitution is required.
• The NV (Naamloze Vennootschap) or Public limited company, the preferred form of large companies, requires the constitution by public deed. The Ministry must approve its statute of Justice. The minimum share capital must be € 45,000 in registered or bearer shares. The Board of Auditors is required for companies with more than 100 employees or more than 16 million of capital or assets.
• The BV (Besloten Vennootschap) or Private limited company can be set up with a minimum capital of € 1.00, with sole shareholder or a plurality of shareholders divided into registered shares and not quotable, ideal for small and medium enterprises in the form of company choice.
• The Holding and Foundations these structures are normally set up to manage and control the activities of a group and foreign holdings. The Holding companies, in particular, thanks to a series of international conventions, enjoy the participation exemption, that is, in the prohibition of double taxation and of the corporate system of multiple voting that allows easy control of the corporate structures and also, in the presence of particular conditions, exploits the possibility of operating in a tax-exempt condition.

A country with all the papers in order, therefore, to be chosen as the hub for international operations.