Overview: Setup a Branch Office in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the most developed economies worldwide and benefits from excellent infrastructural facilities and a convenient location on the continent of Europe. The Netherlands is a desirable place for entrepreneurs due to its highly qualified personnel, low corporate tax rate, and business-friendly climate.
This is the reasons why so many investors are establishing their businesses in the Netherlands. Overseas firms that intend to build a presence in the economy of the Netherlands can do so by establishing a branch office in the nation. A branch office in the Netherlands is a particular kind of commercial establishment that an international organization establishes to carry out commercial operations in the nation. A branch office is not a distinct legal organization and functions under the name of the parent corporation. In the case of a branch office, the parent firm is liable for all the obligations and responsibilities of the branch, and any earnings or expenses generated by the branch belong to the parent organization.
This article will give an explanation of the steps involved in setting up a branch office in the Netherlands. In the following sections, we’ll go over the requirements, advantages, and papers needed to register a branch office in the Netherlands.
Why Register a Branch Office in the Netherlands?
Strategic location
The Netherlands benefits from its favorable geographic position as a result of its close association with the ports of Rotterdam, as well as an enormous international airport near Amsterdam. The nation has access to around 95 percent of Europe’s most valuable marketplaces for consumers.
Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam is both the biggest maritime terminal in Europe and one of the busiest ports worldwide. The port is well connected to the rest of Europe by means of an extensive system of roads, railroads, and inland waterways. Being among the largest ports in all of Europe, it eases the commerce of products by facilitating transit throughout the continent.
Favorable business environment
Holland offers a booming business-friendly environment that makes it simple to locate clients and qualified company partners. The political security, strict laws, and excellent international connections of Holland draw overseas businesses operating in all economic sectors. Additionally, the Netherlands has very low degrees of corruption, making it a perfect place to establish a branch office.
Tax advantages
The Dutch tax system is rather straightforward and clear and has a low corporation tax rate in comparison with various European nations. Additionally, the Netherlands has a wide range of double-tax treaty agreements with foreign nations, which might assist businesses in avoiding double taxes.
How to Register a Branch Office in the Netherlands?
Foreign business owners who want to enter the Netherlands to open a branch office can do so in a number of methods.
Some of the methods are listed below:
Schengen Visa: A Schengen visa can be used by businesspeople from non-EU/EEA nations to get into the Netherlands if they intend on staying there for fewer than 90 days.
Our experts at Odint Consulting can assist you with your Schengen visa application.
Registering a business: Another one of the ways to enter the economy of the Netherlands is by registering a business in the Netherlands. Foreign company owners who are looking to establish a presence in the nation can establish a branch office or a subsidiary firm.
How to Open a Branch Office in the Netherlands?
To open a branch office in the Netherlands, you will have to follow the steps stated below:
Fulfill necessary requirements
In order to establish a branch office in the Netherlands, you will have to fulfill the necessary requirements, such as appointing a local representative.
Gather required documents
Collect the paperwork needed to open a branch office in the Netherlands, including the articles of association, the parent organization’s registration certificate from the nation where it is registered, the name and identity papers of the branch representative, etc.
Register with the Chamber of Commerce
The next step to set up a branch office in the Netherlands involve registering the branch with the Chamber of Commerce. You must complete the forms and send them to the Netherlands KVK together with the necessary documentation.
Acquire the tax identification number
The branch will receive the registration certificate once it has registered. The branch must then enroll with the tax authority in order to acquire a tax identification number. In the Netherlands, you must have a tax identification number in order to pay taxes or access services provided by the government.
Acquire business licenses
To conduct operations in the Netherlands, the branch office might have to submit an application for a license to the appropriate organizations
Documents Required to Register a Branch Office in the Netherlands
The documents required to open a branch office in the Netherlands are:
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Evidence of the international business’s existence
- Certificate of incorporation of the holding firm granted by the Trade Register from the nation where it is registered.
- The name and contact information of the secretary of the firm as well as board members.
- The minutes from the meeting where the branch’s establishment was decided.
- The name of the branch and activities.
- Evidence of an enrolled company address in the Dutch.
- Details of the branch representative as well as the power of attorney allowing them to communicate on behalf of the parent corporation.
Other additional documentation may be needed by the relevant authorities to set up a branch office in the Netherlands.
Eligibility Criteria to Open a Dutch branch office
Here are the eligibility criteria that must be satisfied in order to set up a Dutch branch office:
- Name of the branch: The name of the branch should correspond to the business name of the parent organization.
- Business address: The branch needs to possess a local business address in the Netherlands.
- Local representative: A local representative who might make decisions on account of the branch office in the Netherlands is required for the branch.
- Capital requirements: There aren’t any capital requirements for incorporating a branch office in the Netherlands. However, you are obligated to provide proof that your parent firm has enough resources necessary to sustain the functioning of the Dutch branch office.
Advantages of Registering a Branch Office in the Netherlands
Registering a branch office in the Netherlands offers numerous advantages such as:
- Easy to set up: Forming a branch office in the Netherlands is relatively simple and less expensive in comparison to other forms of business structure.
- Local presence: By opening a branch office in the Netherlands, the parent company can build a physical presence in an emerging marketplace and build confidence with local clients and vendors.
- Decreased risk: Establishing a branch office allows companies to reduce a few of the risks involved in entering a new market.
- A higher degree of control: Since the branch office is a dependent sort of business, the parent business controls every aspect of its operations.
- Tax benefits: In the Netherlands, there are numerous tax benefits for branches of parent organizations, including the avoidance of double taxation and the absence of taxes withheld when profits are passed to the branch’s headquarters.
Taxation Structure of Branch Office in the Netherlands
Based on the taxable revenue that the branch office generates, the Dutch tax authorities determine the amount that a branch office in the Netherlands is going to be taxed.
Under Dutch tax regulations, profits generated from corporations and Dutch branches of overseas firms are taxed equally. However, no taxes are withheld when profits are transferred to the branch headquarters. The tax base is essentially determined by employing the identical criteria as for Dutch resident businesses.
In the Netherlands, branches are reliable for similar wage taxes and VAT regulations as local corporations. The tax rate that must be paid might fluctuate depending on the kind and extent of company operations.
The following is a list of the taxes that Dutch branch offices are required to pay:
Corporate Income Tax: The standard CIT rate in the Netherlands is 25.8% on taxable earnings. The branch office could qualify for a lower tax rate of 19% if it has an annual revenue below €200,000.
Value-added Tax: The usual VAT rate in the Netherlands is 21%, while some products and services may be subject to lower rates of 9% or 0%.
With our ODINT Tax calculator, calculate your corporate income tax for your business in the Netherlands.
Conclusion
Establishing a branch office in the Netherlands is an excellent strategy for an overseas corporation to grow its activities in Europe. A branch office isn’t a distinct legal organization and as such, the obligations and debts of the branch are the responsibilities of the parent firm. The branch office may carry out a range of operations, including administrative, marketing, and sales. It is relatively straightforward and affordable to open a branch office in the Netherlands in contrast to other corporate structures since no capital investment is necessary. However, while setting up a branch office in the Netherlands it is essential to comply with the legal requirements.
If you intend to register a branch office in the Netherlands, you can seek the assistance of our company formation experts at OnDemand International. Our professionals will assist you with the registration procedure and will assure that you meet all standards.
FAQ’s
A branch office is a type of company structure that is an extension of a foreign corporation with its headquarters located outside the Netherlands. The branch office engages in commercial operations in the Netherlands on account of its parent organization.
- In comparison to other business structure types, opening a branch office in the Netherlands is very easy and economical.
- The parent firm can establish a physical presence in a developing market and gain the trust of local customers and suppliers by creating a branch office there.
- In the Netherlands, parent company subsidiaries enjoy a range of tax benefits, including the absence of taxes withheld when earnings are sent to the headquarters of the business.
- Because the branch office is a dependent type of business, the parent corporation manages every element of its operations.
Profits earned by corporations and Dutch branches of overseas enterprises are taxed equally under Dutch tax laws. When revenues are transferred to the corporate headquarters, however, no taxes are deducted. The tax base is essentially defined by using the same standards as for Dutch resident enterprises.
- The branch’s name ought to be the same as the parent company’s corporate name.
- The branch must possess a Dutch business address.
- The branch has to appoint a local representative who has the authority to act on behalf of the branch office in the Netherlands.
Yes, personnel can be employed by a branch office in the Netherlands. All applicable Dutch employment laws and rules, including those governing the minimum salary and social security contribution demands, must be followed by the branch office.
