Phase one: the companies (weeks 1 to 3)
You set up a holding company and an operating BV from abroad, with a power of attorney (see setting up from abroad). You register the companies in the Dutch business register (KVK, €85.15). You open a bank account with a prepared file (see banking for Gulf owners) and register for VAT. Corporate tax is 19% on profit up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that. The holding receives dividends from its shareholdings at 0%. See the holding structure guide.
Phase two: substance (months 1 to 3)
The company needs a real office, local administration and board decisions recorded in the Netherlands. See the substance requirements. A service provider keeps track of the deadlines. See corporate services and the deadline overview.
Phase three: people and trade (months 2 to 6)
Hiring staff in the Netherlands? See Dutch payroll for your company, from registration as employer to the monthly payroll return.
Your first employees go on the Dutch payroll. Employer costs add 25% to 30% to the gross salary. With the 30% ruling, staff from abroad cost less. See the hiring guide. You ship goods through the port of Rotterdam and can use the Dutch import VAT rules. See Gulf e-commerce in Europe.
Does your company want its European entity in the Netherlands? See setting up a Dutch subsidiary for the steps, the costs and a comparison with other countries.
Who uses this plan
Gulf groups that expand into Europe use this plan (see Vision-2030 companies in the EU). Energy companies use it for their EU trading desk (see energy suppliers with an EU company). Founders use it when their company, which so far only signs contracts, becomes a real headquarters. The steps are the same each time, and only the size differs.