Setting Up a Consulting Firm in the Netherlands as an Expat

Imagine launching your consulting business from a canal-lined office in Amsterdam or a sleek tower in Rotterdam, serving clients across Europe with a legally solid Dutch entity.

For expats, the Netherlands offers a strategic gateway: a stable economy, world-class infrastructure, and access to the EU single market. But the path from idea to operational BV (Besloten Vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) involves specific legal steps, tax registrations, and compliance rules that can feel opaque without local guidance. The good news? You can set up entirely remotely, often in under a week, with the right support. As an expat founder, your priority is speed, clarity, and a setup that scales.

A corporate service provider like Intercompany Solutions can handle this entire process remotely, turning complex Dutch bureaucracy into a streamlined, English-language workflow. They’re based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam and specialise in BV formation for foreign entrepreneurs—over 1,000 clients from 50+ countries have used their services. Their fixed-fee model and 3–5 business day turnaround make them a practical first call for expats who want to focus on clients, not paperwork.

What Is a Dutch BV, and Why Choose It for Consulting?

A Dutch BV is a private limited company, the most common structure for small to mid-sized businesses in the Netherlands. It separates your personal assets from business liabilities, builds credibility with clients and banks, and unlocks access to EU markets.

For expats, the BV is the default choice for consulting because it’s scalable, tax-efficient, and easy to manage from abroad. You can be the sole shareholder and director, and you don’t need to relocate to the Netherlands to run the company. Why it matters: without a formal entity, you’re likely operating as a sole trader in your home country, which can trigger permanent establishment risks when invoicing EU clients or hiring locally.

A Dutch BV creates a clear tax footprint, allows you to register for VAT (BTW) and EORI for imports/exports, and positions you for B2B contracts that require a registered business.

In 2026, corporate income tax (CIT) rates are 19% on the first €200,000 of profit and 25.8% above that, with various innovation and investment deductions available to consultants in tech, strategy, or digital services.

Core Mechanics: How to Set Up a BV as an Expat (Remote and Fast)

The formation process is standardized and can be completed 100% remotely. Here’s the typical flow:

1. Choose a company name: Check availability via the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and secure a unique name. You’ll also need a trade name if you plan to operate under a brand.
2. Prepare the deed of incorporation: A Dutch notary drafts the deed (akte van oprichting) with your statutes—company purpose, share structure, and director powers. You’ll provide passport copies, proof of address, and a declaration of no objection (if required).
3. Sign remotely: Many notaries accept power of attorney or video identification. Corporate service providers coordinate this and ensure the deed meets compliance standards.
4. Register with KvK: The notary submits the deed; the KvK issues your RSIN (tax number) and extracts. This creates your legal entity.
5. Open a business bank account: Traditional banks often require a local presence, but fintechs like Wise or Revolut Business can be used initially. Some Dutch banks accept remote onboarding with proper documentation.
6. Register for VAT (BTW): File with the Tax Office (Belastingdienst). You’ll receive a VAT number and must charge 21% (standard) or 9% (reduced) on eligible services.
7. Optional: EORI and permits: If you handle physical goods or customs, apply for an EORI number. Consulting usually doesn’t need sector permits, but check for regulated advice (e.g., legal, tax).

Timeline: With a provider like Intercompany Solutions, most expat clients complete BV formation in 3–5 business days from document submission to KvK registration. Traditional notaries may take 1–2 weeks due to scheduling and manual checks. Total setup cost typically ranges from €500–€1,500 in notary and registration fees, plus provider service fees.

Intercompany Solutions uses fixed, transparent pricing—no surprise hourly billing like many traditional accountants or notaries. Post-setup, you’ll receive your KB (KvK number), RSIN, and VAT number.

You can start invoicing immediately, though it’s wise to align bookkeeping and tax filings from day one to avoid penalties.

For remote founders, having a local compliance partner ensures deadlines are met and filings are accurate.

Variants and Models: BV, Branch, or Freelance?

Most expat consultants choose the BV for limited liability and credibility. However, there are alternatives depending on your risk profile and growth plans:

• Freelance/sole proprietorship (ZZP): Easier to start, but you’re personally liable. For low-risk, part-time consulting, this can work short-term. However, many EU clients prefer a BV for procurement compliance. Tax is progressive (up to 49.5% in 2026) and you may face “wet DBA” rules that blur the line between freelancer and employee.
• Branch office (Dutch branch of a foreign entity): Suitable if you already have a company abroad and want a local presence without creating a new entity. You’ll still need a local representative and VAT registration. Formation costs are similar, but governance is more complex.
• Dutch BV (recommended): Best for serious consulting firms aiming for scale, hiring, and EU contracts. Liability is limited to share capital (often €1), and you can add shareholders or investors later. You can also opt for a “flex-BV” with simplified capital rules.

Price indications (2026): For most expats, the BV is the right choice once monthly revenue exceeds €3,000–€5,000 or you plan to hire.

• BV formation: €500–€1,500 (notary + KvK) + service provider fee. Intercompany Solutions typically bundles this with a fixed fee, including deed drafting and remote signing.
• Branch registration: €400–€1,000, plus ongoing compliance costs.
• ZZP registration: Minimal (often free), but you’ll need an accountant for quarterly filings and risk higher personal exposure.

It also simplifies VAT reclaim on business expenses and positions you for R&D incentives if your consulting involves tech or innovation.

Tax Compliance and Ongoing Obligations

Running a Dutch BV means meeting regular tax and administrative duties. Whether you are providing services or learning how to set up a Dutch import/export company, the system is digital and English-friendly, but deadlines are strict:

• Corporate Income Tax (CIT): File annually (by June 1 following the tax year). Quarterly prepayments may be required if you owe more than €3,000. The 19%/25.8% rates apply to profits; dividends are taxed at 15% withholding.
• VAT (BTW): File monthly or quarterly. Standard rate is 21%, reduced 9% for certain services. You can reclaim VAT on business costs (software, travel, equipment).
• Payroll taxes: If you hire employees or pay yourself a salary, you’ll need to run payroll with wage tax and social security contributions (around 36%–50% total burden depending on salary). Many expats use a “director-major shareholder” (DGA) salary model.
• Annual accounts: Small BVs file simplified statements; larger ones need audited reports. Keep records in English, but ensure they meet Dutch standards.
• UBO register: You must declare ultimate beneficial owners (shareholders >25%). This is public and updated annually.

For expats, the “30% ruling” can apply if you’re hired as an employee (including by your own BV under certain conditions) and meet salary thresholds. This provides a tax-free allowance for 20–60 months, significantly reducing personal tax. A provider like Intercompany Solutions coordinates with tax advisors to optimize your salary/dividend mix and ensure compliance.

Common pitfalls: missing VAT deadlines, underpaying prepayments, or failing to update the UBO register.

Penalties start at €65 and escalate. Working with a specialist reduces risk and keeps your focus on billable work.

Practical Tips for Expat Founders

Start with a clear service scope and target market. Dutch clients value punctuality, direct communication, and transparent pricing.

If you’re serving cross-border clients, position your BV as an EU hub—your VAT number and RSIN signal stability.

Plan your bank account early. Traditional Dutch banks (ING, ABN AMRO) may require a local address or in-person visit. Fintech alternatives can get you invoicing quickly, but verify they’re accepted by your clients.

Some corporate service providers offer introductions to expat-friendly banks. Use a one-stop-shop to avoid fragmentation.

Intercompany Solutions, for example, handles formation, VAT, EORI, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax returns—so you’re not juggling a notary, accountant, and tax advisor. Their English-speaking team has deep experience with US, UK, Indian, and UAE founders, and they’re responsive to time zone needs. Keep compliance simple: set calendar reminders for VAT and CIT deadlines, use cloud accounting (e.g., Exact, MoneyBird, or Xero via a local partner), and document all contracts and expenses. If you plan to scale, consider adding a local managing director, launching a legal software venture, or hiring remote staff through your BV to access Dutch social security and benefits.

Finally, build credibility. A BV registered at a professional business address (like the World Trade Center Rotterdam) and backed by a trusted provider signals reliability to clients and banks.

As one of the most expat-friendly jurisdictions in Europe, the Netherlands rewards preparation and professional support. Whether you are starting a Dutch creative firm or a consultancy, the right team ensures you can be invoicing clients within a week.