Starting a Business

Running a Business from Home in the Netherlands: Rules, Deductions and Admin

Updated: 2026-05-27 Holdwise editorial team Home Business Deductions Administration

You may usually run a business from home in the Netherlands. Most entrepreneurs start this way, because it is cheap and flexible. Dutch rules apply to zoning, deductions and registration. At Holdwise, we updated this answer on 27 May 2026 and change it when the rules change.

Is it allowed?

In most cases, yes. A quiet, office-type business at home, such as consulting, design or online work, is generally fine. You can have problems with activities that cause nuisance, customer traffic or storage of goods. Such activities may be against local zoning rules ("bestemmingsplan"), your rental contract or the rules of your owners association.

Check three things

Zoning: in the municipality's zoning plan, business use of a home may be limited.
Rental contract: tenants should check whether business use is allowed.
Owners association (VvE): in an apartment, the VvE rules may apply.

Your KVK address

You register a business address at the KVK. For a home business this is often your home address, which then becomes publicly visible in the trade register. If you value your privacy, you can register another business address. You choose that address and sign the contract yourself.

What you can deduct

Home-office deductions for sole traders are limited. A fully independent workspace, with its own entrance and facilities, can sometimes qualify. An ordinary room in your home usually falls outside these rules. Costs directly tied to the business are easier to deduct, such as a separate phone line, business internet or specific equipment.

Keep business and private separate

Even at home, keep your business and private life separate. Use a separate bank account, a clear workspace and tidy records. Your administration and tax return then take less work.

A company that misses a filing gets a fine. If the annual accounts are filed late, the director can become personally liable. You can hand the yearly filings over to us. See corporate secretarial services in the Netherlands.

Every quarter and every year, a Dutch company keeps records and files returns. What does it cost to hand this work over? See bookkeeping in the Netherlands for owners abroad.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register my home address at the KVK? +

Usually yes, but it becomes publicly visible in the trade register. If you prefer privacy, you can register another business address, under a contract that you sign yourself.

Can I deduct part of my rent or mortgage? +

Only in rare cases. For sole traders, this deduction is heavily restricted. Only a fully independent workspace may qualify. A normal room in your home usually falls outside the rules.

Do I need permission to work from home? +

For quiet office-type work, you can usually work from home freely. For activities that cause nuisance, customer visits or storage, first check the zoning plan, your rental contract and the VvE rules.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27