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The first step is choosing the legal form of your company. It is important to be well informed about the different options, so that you can choose the form that best suits your situation. Whether you choose a sole proprietorship, general or commercial partnership (vof) or private limited company (bv), this decision has consequences for your liability and tax obligations. Most starters begin as a sole trader, but it is possible that a general partnership (vof) actually suits your goals better.
Coming up with a unique and appropriate company name is also crucial. You can get creative, but keep in mind that there are certain rules to follow. For instance, your name cannot be too similar to existing trade names and deception is prohibited. You can use the online KVK Name Checker to check whether the name you’d like is already in use. This will prevent customer confusion and possible legal problems.
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The registration starts with the online preparation via the KVK website. You fill in basic information such as contact details, a description of your business activities, and the industry you’ll be operating in. Make sure you fill in this data as accurately and completely as possible.
After the online preparation, you need to make an appointment at a KVK office to finalise your registration. During this appointment, your details will be checked and your identity established. Bring the following:
The appointment usually takes about 15 minutes. A KVK employee will go through the registration form with you and discuss the business activities and the corresponding SIC code (SBI in Dutch). This code is a classification that indicates the industry in which your business operates. This is important for statistical purposes and may affect certain permits and taxes.
Registration at the KVK requires a one-off fee of €85.15, which is tax deductible. These are likely the very first business expenses you can add to your administration!
After registering, the KVK will pass on your details to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration. You don’t have to register your business at the Tax Administration yourself! Within a few days, you’ll receive a letter containing your VAT number and VAT identification number (VAT ID). You need these numbers for your VAT returns and when sending invoices to your customers. Now you are officially ready to go!
Kees de Boekhouder helps starters with their bookkeeping on a daily basis. Explore what we can do for you!
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The KVK offers several tools and checklists to get you started. For instance, there’s a practical checklist available to help you check whether you’ve thought of all the important aspects for a successful start-up.
By preparing properly and using the available tools, you will lay a stable foundation for your own business, and it makes doing business even more fun and easy. Do you also want to make sure that you have your business accounts in order from the start? The bookkeepers at Kees de Boekhouder can help you out!
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After reading this blog, are you curious about how Kees de Boekhouder helps entrepreneurs with their bookkeeping every day? Schedule a no-obligation, digital introductory meeting with us!
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You must bring a valid proof of identity (passport or identity card). If you work from business premises, bring the rental or purchase agreement. Depending on the chosen legal form, additional documents may be required, such as articles of association for a private limited company (bv).
This depends on your specific situation, liability, and tax obligations. Most starters begin as a sole trader, but a general partnership (vof) or private limited company (bv) might also be suitable. It is important to be well informed about the differences before making a choice.
No, you do not. After you have registered at the KVK, they will pass on your details to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration automatically. You will usually receive a letter containing your VAT number and VAT identification number (VAT ID) within a few days.
Schedule a no-obligation, digital introductory meeting with us.
