In an online shop (also known as a ‘webshop’ in the Netherlands), selling products or services entails more than just creating a website. You’ll need to register your company with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Register (KVK), register your domain name, preserve records, and pay income tax and VAT (BTW). If you want to start an online business in the Netherlands, you’ll need to follow a number of rules and regulations, including those regarding internet sales. This checklist might help you quickly determine which obligations you need to fulfil.
Permits for both residence and employment
To be able to start a business in the Netherlands, you must first ensure that you can stay in the country. Under EU legislation, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals are allowed to reside and work in the Netherlands. You will need to apply for a provisional residence visa (MVV) and, in some situations, a work permit if you are not from an EU or EEA nation or if you are not Swiss (TWV).
Choosing a legal structure for your company
After you’ve confirmed that you’re allowed to live and operate in the Netherlands, you’ll need to decide on the legal structure of your company. It’s critical to pick the correct structure because it influences your accountability for business debts and tax requirements.
These and other associated issues might be difficult to navigate, but there are expert services available to assist you with the establishment of your business.
Perform a survey
You just cannot open any business and start getting good revenue through it. The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that your business has to face less competition. The competition will help you understand the amount of hardwork and creativity you need to put in the work.
Developing a web framework for a Dutch online store
To create an internet store in the Netherlands, you must first register with the Trade Register. As with any other traditional business, this entails choosing a business form and preparing the incorporation documents. Choosing a domain name, purchasing it, and registering it with the Netherlands’ Foundation for Internet Domain Registration are the extra procedures. When starting a Dutch internet store, you’ll also need to create a website. It’s also a good idea to set up a merchant account so that customers can pay for the things they bought.
Regulations that you need to follow
In the Netherlands, there are rules for online stores.
Even if running a Dutch internet store appears to be simpler, there are still some restrictions to follow. Among these, protecting the clients’ safety and obtaining their consent are critical. The following information must be displayed on an online store’s website:
- general payment, delivery, and product guarantee terms and conditions;
- information about the company’s address, VAT number, and business registration number;
- an email address and phone number must also be displayed on the website;
- specific security protocols related to the processing of personal data must be implemented.
Wrap up
Young entrepreneurs nowadays find it easier to open internet stores than traditional ones, and this trend is being followed by Dutch residents as well. These were some of the common things that one needs to keep in mind when planning to start an online business in Netherlands.
