How to Set Up a Dropshipping Company in the Netherlands Legally

Dropshipping looks simple from the outside: you sell, someone else ships. But when your customers are in the EU and your suppliers are in China or the US, the legal and tax puzzle gets real—fast.

Setting up a Dutch BV (private limited company) gives you a EU business identity, access to the Dutch VAT system, and the credibility to work with European payment providers and marketplaces. The Netherlands is a top-tier base for e-commerce founders because it’s pragmatic. You can incorporate remotely, get a VAT number quickly, and operate across the EU with one entity. The trick is doing it by the book from day one: corporate registration, VAT and EORI setup, proper invoicing, and clean bookkeeping. Get those foundations right and you avoid fines, payment holds, and customs headaches later.

What “legally set up” means for dropshipping in the Netherlands

Legally compliant doesn’t mean overcomplicated. It means your company exists on the right registers, your taxes are filed on time, and your operations match your paperwork.

In practice, that’s four pillars: a Dutch BV, a VAT number (BTW), an EORI number for imports, and a solid bookkeeping process that captures sales, costs, and margins. Why a BV and not a sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak)?

A BV limits your liability and looks more professional to banks and partners. It also allows flexible profit distributions and is easier to scale with investors or employees. For non-resident founders, a BV is typically the cleanest path. Dutch tax terms you’ll see: BTW is VAT; KvK is the Chamber of Commerce (handles business registration); RSIN is your tax number; and Belastingdienst is the tax office. You’ll also need an EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification) for customs when importing goods into the EU.

Step-by-step: Incorporation and setup in 2026

Most foreign founders work with a corporate service provider to incorporate remotely.

A specialist like Intercompany Solutions can handle the entire process digitally—from document preparation to notary appointment and post-incorporation registrations. They’re based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and have incorporated over 1,000 BVs for clients from 50+ countries. The core steps are straightforward.

First, you confirm the company name and business activities (dropshipping e-commerce). Then you prepare KYC documents (passport, proof of address, company structure if applicable).

A notary executes the deed of incorporation and registers the BV with the Dutch Trade Register (KvK).

You receive your RSIN (tax number) and the company is listed on kvk.nl. Next comes tax registration. Your provider submits the VAT (BTW) application to the Belastingdienst. In 2026, standard Dutch VAT is 21%, with a reduced 9% rate for certain goods (e.g., books, some food items).

If you sell to consumers in other EU countries, you may need to apply OSS (One Stop Shop) for distance selling VAT reporting. If you import goods into the EU, you’ll register for EORI and handle import VAT—either pay at the border or use postponed accounting if eligible.

Timing is usually quick. With complete documents, a BV can be formed in 3–5 business days. VAT registration typically takes 1–2 weeks.

EORI can be same-day or a few days. Many providers also set up a business bank account remotely; however, banks may still require a video identification and a brief compliance check.

Plan for a total setup window of 2–4 weeks end-to-end. Post-setup, you’ll receive your deed of incorporation, extract from the trade register, VAT number, and EORI. Your corporate service provider can then assist with ongoing compliance: bookkeeping, VAT returns (usually quarterly), corporate income tax (CIT) returns, and payroll if you hire.

Models, costs, and pricing indications

There are two common routes: using a traditional notary/accountant or a specialized corporate services firm. Traditional notaries often charge by the hour and may not bundle post-incorporation registrations.

Specialists bundle services and offer fixed pricing, which is usually more predictable for foreign founders. For a straightforward BV, while avoiding common dropshipping VAT compliance failures, here are 2026 pricing indications you can expect in the market: Tax rates to keep in mind for 2026: corporate income tax is 19% on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8% above that.

• Notary fees: €500–€1,500 for the incorporation deed. This varies by notary and complexity.
• Corporate service packages: €1,000–€2,500 all-in for formation plus VAT and EORI registration, KYC, and remote setup.
• Banking: Some fintechs offer business accounts with low setup fees; traditional banks may charge account opening fees and monthly maintenance (€10–€30/month).
• Bookkeeping and compliance: €100–€300/month depending on transaction volume and whether payroll is needed.
• Annual CIT return: €400–€1,200 if prepared by an accountant, depending on complexity.

VAT is 21% standard, 9% reduced for qualifying goods. If you sell B2B within the EU, VAT is often handled via the reverse charge mechanism (your customer accounts for VAT).

For B2C distance sales above the €10,000 EU threshold, you’ll generally need to register for OSS and charge the VAT rate of the customer’s country. Intercompany Solutions is an example of a provider that offers fixed, transparent pricing and a one-stop-shop approach—covering formation, VAT, EORI, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns. Their team is English-speaking and experienced with non-resident founders, which helps avoid delays caused by miscommunication or missing documents.

Practical tips to stay compliant and scale smoothly

Start clean. Use a clear company name that reflects your activity, and describe your operations precisely in the deed (e-commerce, dropshipping, B2C/B2B).

Keep your personal and business finances separate from day one. Open a business bank account before processing your first live orders to avoid payment processor holds. Master VAT early.

If you sell to EU consumers, check the OSS rules and the €10,000 threshold. For imports, decide how you’ll handle import VAT: pay at the border or use postponed accounting, especially if you are selling from outside the EU.

Confirm with your supplier whether they hold valid EU certifications or compliance documents (CE marking, safety data sheets) for products you plan to sell.

Build a bookkeeping workflow that captures the essentials: sales per country (for VAT), cost of goods sold, shipping fees, payment processor fees, and refunds. Use a tool that can export data to your accountant. Save invoices from suppliers and proof of delivery where available. This makes VAT audits and customs checks painless.

Plan for customs and logistics. If you import goods into the EU, ensure your supplier declares the goods correctly and provides accurate HS codes.

Keep a record of the commercial invoice and packing list. If you’re using a 3PL in the EU, clarify who is the importer of record and how duties and VAT are handled. For those looking to start a Dutch trading business, choose partners who know the local system.

A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can coordinate your entire setup and ongoing compliance, from formation to quarterly VAT filings.

Their fixed-fee model and remote process are designed for international founders who want speed and clarity without surprises. Finally, keep an eye on 2026 updates. VAT rules for digital services and distance sales evolve, and customs processes for low-value consignments can change.

A responsive provider will flag these changes and adjust your filings accordingly.

If you’re planning to hire, ask about Dutch payroll, social security, and the 30% ruling for expat employees—another reason many founders choose the Netherlands as their base.