Registering a company in the Netherlands from India is no longer a far-off dream; it’s a strategy backed by strong trade ties and proven market presence. In FY 25, bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands reached USD 27.78 billion, making the Netherlands India’s largest merchandise export destination in the European Union. Over 300 Indian companies now operate in the Netherlands, including major names like TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Wipro, highlighting deep operational integration between the two countries.
Today’s Dutch regulatory environment is uniquely investor-friendly: firms benefit from excellent infrastructure, favourable tax treaties, and stable EU access. This guide walks you through exactly how to register a Dutch company from India in 2025, covering entity selection, incorporation steps, costs, compliance, and cross-border structuring.
Can You Register a Company in the Netherlands from India?
Yes, you can absolutely register a company in the Netherlands from India. Dutch company law fully permits foreign nationals, including Indian citizens and residents, to establish and own businesses without foreign ownership restrictions. The legal framework is transparent, straightforward, and exceptionally welcoming to international entrepreneurs, particularly Indian businesses.
Indian entrepreneurs have access to major Dutch business structures, including the Besloten Vennootschap (BV, equivalent to a private limited company), Naamloze Vennootschap (NV, similar to a public company), and Vennootschap onder Firma (VOF, general partnership). The BV is the most common and recommended structure, offering limited liability protection and straightforward governance. Each structure provides limited liability protection, separating personal from business assets.
There’s no residency requirement to establish a Dutch company. You must designate a registered office address in the Netherlands and have at least one director, who can be a foreign national without Dutch residency. This flexibility makes the Netherlands exceptionally accessible for Indian entrepreneurs expanding into Europe.
Why Start a Business in the Netherlands from India?
The Netherlands offers Indian entrepreneurs a highly strategic platform for European expansion, all because of top-tier infrastructure, a pro-business regulatory environment, and a global tax treaty network. The country ranks among the world’s most open economies and is consistently cited for its favourable environment for international firms.
Diplomatic and investment ties between India and the Netherlands are strong. The Netherlands is India’s fourth-largest investor, with cumulative FDI inflows of USD 53.30 billion from April 2000 to March 2025. Bilateral trade in FY25 also reached USD 27.78 billion. These figures underscore a deepening economic partnership and a real opportunity for Indian firms to expand into Dutch / EU markets.
Key Benefits of Incorporating in the Netherlands
- EU gateway access: Entry into the single European market and seamless trade across member states
- Tax structure & treaty relief: The Netherlands offers a corporate tax bracket system (19 % up to €200,000, 25.8 % above) and extensive treaty protections, including avoidance of double taxation.
- Pro-business climate: Recognised for strong infrastructure, transparency, legal protections, and a highly educated multilingual workforce.
- Innovation & R&D incentives: Policies favouring innovation, intellectual property regimes, and investment in tech and sustainable sectors.
Types of Business Structures in the Netherlands for Indian Entrepreneurs
When incorporating in the Netherlands from India, choosing the correct legal form matters: each entity type differs in liability, tax treatment, compliance obligations, and operational flexibility.
The Besloten Vennootschap (BV) is the most commonly recommended structure for Indian entrepreneurs. It offers limited liability, minimal capital requirements, and strong acceptance in international business. Other forms like NV, VOF, and Eenmanszaak serve different needs (e.g. large public firms, partnerships, sole operators).
Step-by-Step Process to Register a Company in the Netherlands from India
Registering a company in the Netherlands from India follows an efficient legal process typically completed within 4-5 business days. The Netherlands maintains one of the world’s fastest company registration systems, enabling rapid market entry for foreign entrepreneurs.
Step 1: Select Your Business Structure
Choose between BV, NV, and VOF based on liability requirements, capital availability, and long-term European strategy.
Step 2: Choose and Verify Company Name
Select a unique company name available through the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) database. Names must comply with Dutch naming conventions.
Step 3: Draft Articles of Association
Prepare foundational corporate documents (in English or Dutch) outlining business purpose, share structure, management, and shareholder rights. Templates are readily available.
Step 4: Appoint Director and Shareholders
Identify and formally appoint at least one director (can be a foreign national) and designate shareholders. No residency requirement exists.
Step 5: Open a Business Bank Account
Contact a Dutch bank to open a company account. Present your planned incorporation details and business documentation.
Step 6: Register with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK)
File registration documents with KvK, the official Dutch business registry. Filing can be completed online, by mail, or through service providers.
Step 7: Execute Notarization
Articles of Association must be signed before a Dutch notary. Indian entrepreneurs typically handle this through power of attorney or remote services.
Step 8: Obtain Tax Identification Number
Register with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) to receive your VAT number and tax identification number.
Step 9: Register for Employer Obligations
If hiring employees, register with the social insurance agency (SVB) and the payroll tax authorities.
Step 10: Complete Industry-Specific Registrations
Register with relevant industry associations, obtain specialised licenses, or complete sector-specific authorisations as required.
Requirements for India Entrepreneurs
Before incorporating, you’ll need comprehensive documentation to satisfy Dutch requirements. Indian entrepreneurs face minimal additional documentation compared to EU nationals, as India and the Netherlands have well-established legal cooperation and mutual recognition of business documentation.
Most documents require a certified Dutch translation if originally in Hindi or other Indian languages. However, English-language documentation is typically acceptable for initial registration, with translations prepared post-incorporation.
Key requirements include:
- Valid Indian passport: Current identification for all shareholders and directors
- Proof of Indian address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (within last 3 months)
- Articles of Association: Drafted according to Dutch law
- Bank details for registered office: Business address in the Netherlands
- Director appointment documentation: Formal identification and consent to act
- Business plan: Detailed plan with objectives, market analysis, and financial projections
- Proof of financing: Documentation showing the source of share capital
- Indian corporate documents (if applicable): Certificate of incorporation, memorandum, board resolution
- Power of attorney: Notarised authorisation if using representatives for incorporation
Cost of Incorporating a Company in the Netherlands from India
Understanding full incorporation costs enables proper budgeting. Total expenses vary based on the incorporation method, professional service engagement, and business complexity.
Opening a Business Bank Account in the Netherlands from India
Securing a Dutch business bank account is essential for operations and straightforward for Indian entrepreneurs. Dutch banks have streamlined procedures for foreign business owners and actively welcome international clients. The Netherlands’ reputation for banking excellence and regulatory compliance means KYC procedures are thorough but efficient.
Major Dutch banks like ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank, and Bunq offer business accounts with English-language support. The account opening process typically takes 2-4 weeks with comprehensive documentation, including incorporation documents, director identification, business plans, and proof of registered address.
Indian entrepreneurs benefit from India-Netherlands trade relationship and the country’s track record of international business. Banks view Indian applicants favorably compared to many jurisdictions, particularly when establishing technology, IT services, or trading companies.
Modern fintech alternatives like Wise Business, Bunq, Pleo, and Dutch neobanks offer faster remote account opening, multi-currency capabilities, and English interfaces. These platforms suit international India-Netherlands transactions particularly well, providing competitive forex rates and streamlined payment processing.
Visas and Residency Considerations
Registering a company in the Netherlands does not automatically grant residency or work authorisation. Corporate law and immigration law are separate matters requiring independent attention.
Indian nationals need Schengen visas for entry into the Netherlands. However, if you plan to manage your Dutch company while residing there actively, you may qualify for residence permits through business immigration pathways. The Netherlands offers several visa options for entrepreneurs, including the Residence Permit for a Self-Employed Person (ZZP permit) for those establishing a business.
Key visa pathways include the ZZP permit for self-employed entrepreneurs (requiring proof of business plan and financial means), the Standard Work Permit (requiring employer sponsorship), and business visitor visas for managing operations from India while employing Dutch management.
Alternatively, you can own a Dutch company while remaining India-based, appointing Dutch directors to manage day-to-day operations. This structure is common among Indian entrepreneurs establishing European subsidiaries while maintaining Indian headquarters.
Compliance and Ongoing Responsibilities
Your Dutch company must maintain compliance with Dutch corporate, tax, and commercial law. Dutch authorities maintain high standards, and the Netherlands has automated systems ensuring proper filing and regulation adherence.
Annual Compliance Obligations:
- Annual financial statements: Prepared within 5 months of the fiscal year-end per Dutch GAAP
- Statutory audit: Required when exceeding thresholds (€12 million revenue or €6 million balance sheet)
- Corporate income tax return: Annual filing with Dutch Tax Authority by deadline (typically 5 months post-year-end)
- Payroll tax returns: Monthly or quarterly, depending on employee count
- VAT returns: Monthly, quarterly, or annual, depending on turnover
- KvK register updates: Report changes to directors, shareholders, or company details
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
Late filing triggers administrative penalties. Tax authorities impose substantial penalties and interest for late returns. Non-compliance can result in company dissolution and director disqualification. However, Dutch automated systems and efficient processes make compliance relatively straightforward for businesses engaged with professional advisors.
For India-based owners managing Dutch operations remotely, engaging a qualified Dutch accounting firm or compliance service provider is highly advisable given regulatory requirements and tax implications.
Challenges When Registering a Company in the Netherlands from India
Although the Netherlands is one of the most business-friendly countries in Europe, Indian entrepreneurs may face a few practical challenges during incorporation.
- Time zone coordination: The Netherlands runs 5.5–6.5 hours behind India, making real-time meetings and filings slightly harder to align.
- Language compliance: While most Dutch professionals speak English, legal documents must be drafted in Dutch, often requiring certified translation.
- Banking formalities: Dutch banks request detailed business plans, KYC documents, and ownership proofs, which can delay account setup.
- Registered office requirement: Every company must maintain a Dutch business address; virtual offices work for registration but not always for banking.
- Distance logistics: Occasional in-person verifications or notarizations may be needed, though most steps can be handled remotely.
Overall, these hurdles are manageable, especially given the strong India–Netherlands business ties and efficient digital administration systems.
How Commenda Helps with Incorporation in the Netherlands from India
Commenda simplifies cross-border expansion by handling entity registration, tax, and compliance from start to finish. Indian entrepreneurs can register and manage their Dutch company remotely through a single digital platform.
- Comprehensive Incorporation: The team advises on entity structure (usually BV), prepares required documents, coordinates with Dutch notaries and the Kamer van Koophandel (KvK), and manages tax and social security registrations.
- Beyond Formation: Commenda supports business bank account opening, offers registered office services, helps appoint local directors, and ensures timely filings for tax returns, financial statements, and annual reports.
- Cross-Border Expertise: With strong India–Netherlands experience, Commenda navigates DTAA treaty benefits, transfer pricing, VAT compliance, and optimal structures for minimising tax and operational friction.
- Banking & Compliance Support: Their network with Dutch banks improves account approval rates for Indian clients, while ongoing compliance management ensures regulatory accuracy and efficiency.
Together, these services ensure your Netherlands incorporation remains smooth, compliant, and aligned with evolving EU business standards.
Conclusion
Registering a company in the Netherlands from India gives you direct access to the EU’s single market and a strong base for long-term growth. With bilateral trade surpassing USD 27 billion and hundreds of Indian firms already active there, the India–Netherlands business corridor is well-established.
The Netherlands’ central location, efficient infrastructure, and tax-friendly policies make it a smart choice for Indian entrepreneurs aiming to expand into Europe. Backed by experts like Commenda, your Dutch incorporation can be fast, compliant, and future-ready, helping you build a credible and lasting European presence.
Book a free demo with Commenda to launch your Netherlands entity smoothly and manage EU operations with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (Shortened)
Q. Can I register a company in the Netherlands from India without visiting?
Yes. You can incorporate remotely through a Dutch notary using a power of attorney. The Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) accepts online filings, and banks now offer video verification, making physical visits unnecessary.
Q. Which business structures are available to Indian citizens in the Netherlands?
Indian entrepreneurs can form BVs (private limited), NVs (public), VOFs (partnerships), or sole proprietorships. The BV is the most preferred due to limited liability, low capital, and global credibility.
Q. How much does it cost to incorporate in the Netherlands from India?
Expect €1,500–€3,000 for setup, covering KvK registration, notary, and legal fees. Ongoing costs include 19% corporate tax, accounting (€2,000–€10,000), and tax filing (€1,500–€5,000).
Q. Do I need a local partner or director in the Netherlands?
No. Indian citizens can fully own Dutch companies. Only one director is required, and they can be non-resident, though appointing a local director adds credibility.
Q. Can I open a Netherlands business bank account from India?
Yes. Traditional banks like ING and ABN AMRO allow remote onboarding with video verification. Fintechs like Wise, Bunq, and Pleo provide faster multi-currency accounts suited for global operations.
Q. Does registering a company in the Netherlands give me a work visa?
No. Incorporation doesn’t grant residency. Indian nationals need a Schengen or self-employed (ZZP) residence permit, which requires a viable business plan and financial proof.
Q. What are the annual compliance requirements in the Netherlands?
Companies must file annual accounts within 5 months of the year-end, submit tax and VAT returns, and report company changes to the KvK. Late filings can lead to fines or dissolution.
Q. LLC vs Corporation in the Netherlands: Which is better for Indian entrepreneurs?
The BV (like an LLC) suits most small and mid-sized businesses. It requires just €0.01 capital and offers flexibility. The NV (like a corporation) fits larger companies or those planning a public listing.
