Starting your own business
Only to use by the International Welcome Centre
© International Welcome Centre Utrecht RegionIn this section, we provide you with some basic but useful information about setting up a business in Utrecht Region. See the checklist for entrepreneurs and learn more about registration, legal forms and insurance. For more information, visit the webpage of StartupUtrecht.
Do you want information about living, working or studying in Utrecht Region? The International Welcome Centre Utrecht Region offers free services to help you ease into your new life.
StartUpUtrecht
StartupUtrecht believes that a startup is more than the sum of its parts, more than just a good idea, a kickass team and a big market. The agency helps regional startups and scale-ups access capital, corporates, customers and skills.
Learn more
Checklist for starting a business
When setting up a business in the Netherlands, you must follow various official procedures. Use this checklist, devised by the government, for guidance. Please note that this checklist offers general guidelines. Depending on your situation, you may need to take other steps as well.
ChecklistUseful information
Select a legal business structure
One of the first things owners of a new company must do is to select a legal form or business structure. Various factors need to be considered as your choice will, among other things, determine liability and tax obligations. The information provided by the government can help you discover the legal form that best suits your situation.
Register with the Dutch Commercial Register
New businesses must register with the Dutch Commercial Register at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK). The KVK will pass on your details to the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration, which will issue you with a VAT number to use for correspondence with your customers and a VAT number to deal with the tax authority.
Startup support
StartupUtrecht can help you find professional support and access appropriate resources when founding a startup and running a business in Utrecht Region. By bringing together startups, scale-ups, corporates, local governments, banks and universities, StartupUtrecht helps to build and grow the Utrecht startup ecosystem.
Financing your business
Looking for funding? There are several ways to obtain financial support. Make sure you are well prepared. Create a clear and concise financial plan to secure investments or a loan at a bank or via a crowdfunding platform. Also explore the numerous public sector financing options.
Insurance
For self-employed professionals in the Netherlands, unlike employees, it is currently not compulsory to have insurance for illness, disability or unemployment. If you want to receive any benefits should you become ill, for example, you need to make arrangements yourself.
Coworking spaces
Utrecht Region offers extensive possibilities for flexible working. Discover flexible workspaces to suit your company.
Straight to Utrecht Region
Are you convinced that Utrecht Region is the place to set up business and are you ready to move?
Use our moving guide to choose the next steps on the journey to your new home or contact
the International Welcome Centre Utrecht Region for all your questions about settling in Utrecht Region.