Step 1: Register your business
Register at the KVK (the Dutch chamber of commerce) like any business. Most webshop starters begin as a sole trader and switch to a BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) later if the business grows. You receive a KVK number and VAT details.
Step 2: Arrange VAT, also for sales abroad
You charge Dutch VAT on sales to Dutch consumers. For sales to consumers in other EU countries, extra rules apply. Above an EU-wide threshold, you may need to charge the customer’s local VAT. You can often do this through the EU VAT return for cross-border sales (OSS). Plan this early if you ship across borders.
Step 3: Meet your legal duties to consumers
Dutch and EU consumer law is strict. A webshop must clearly show:
- Your business details, KVK number and contact information.
- Clear prices including VAT, plus shipping costs.
- The 14-day right of withdrawal ("bedenktijd"), letting consumers return most goods.
- Clear terms and conditions and a privacy policy (GDPR).
Step 4: Choose your platform
You can choose a hosted webshop platform, which you can launch quickly. With a self-hosted system, you have more control. Choose based on your budget, your technical skills and your growth plans.
Step 5: Arrange payments and shipping
Dutch shoppers expect iDEAL as a payment method. You offer it through a payment provider. Arrange reliable shipping with a parcel service, and tell customers clearly when they can expect delivery.
Realistic costs
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| KVK registration | €85.15 |
| Webshop platform | Monthly subscription |
| Domain and hosting | Monthly or yearly fee |
| Payment provider | Per-transaction fee |
The biggest real costs are usually stock and marketing. The webshop platform itself typically costs much less.
You can set up the company by power of attorney, from any country. This usually happens within one week once all documents are complete. See setting up a BV in the Netherlands from abroad.
Related articles
See also Starting Part-Time as an Entrepreneur and Starting a Business from a Bbz Benefit in the Netherlands. You can also read Your First 30 Days as an Entrepreneur.