Questions From UK Founders About Relocating to the Netherlands

Company

Can I set up a Dutch BV while still living in the UK? Yes. You set it up from the UK with a power of attorney, usually within one week once all documents are complete. See how remote incorporation works. You can also own the BV from abroad. Where the BV is managed decides where it pays tax. See the non-resident setup.

Should I relocate my Ltd or keep both? Most founders keep both: the Ltd for Britain, the BV for the EU, with a holding above when an exit is being considered: the three options.

What does the BV cost to maintain? The yearly costs are for the office, the bookkeeping and the filings. See the services package.

Tax

What are the headline rates? Corporate tax is 19% up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that. In box 2, dividends are taxed at 24.5% up to €68,843 per person. Under the participation exemption, the rate is 0% from a stake of 5%.

What is the 30% ruling worth? Qualifying employees who relocate can receive up to 30% of their salary tax-free for up to five years. The rate is 30% in 2026 and 27% from 2027. This includes founders on the payroll of their own BV. See the Dutch package.

How does the Netherlands compare with Dubai, Italy and Switzerland? It depends on your profile. See the comparisons with Dubai, Italy, Switzerland and Portugal.

Trade and team

How do I solve my EU VAT problems? Use a Dutch VAT hub. You use import VAT deferment and file one OSS return for consumer sales to the other 26 EU countries. See how the VAT hub works.

Can I hire across the EU from the Dutch base? Yes. Your staff in the Netherlands are on the Dutch payroll, and staff who relocate can use the 30% ruling. For staff in other countries, there are standard options. See the employer setup.

What is the fastest way back into the EU market? A Dutch BV. With one company, you have EU contracts, a VAT position and seller status on platforms. See EU market access with a Dutch BV.

Family and wealth

How do the schools work? There are British, American and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools, mostly in family-friendly areas. They cost €15,000 to €30,000 per child. Apply one year ahead. See the shortlist.

For a family holding that serves the next generation, see what a family office in the Netherlands does.

What happens to my UK pensions? They usually stay in the UK. Under the treaty, the taxing rights are assigned per type of pension. Plan the timing of the lump sum with care. See UK pensions: the basics.

How does inheritance work across both systems? Which country may tax what is set out in the 1979 treaty. You base your estate plan on that. See inheritance planning between the UK and the Netherlands.

Can the family office come too? Yes, and more and more families do this. See a Dutch base for a UK family office.

Compare the Netherlands with Ireland and Germany on tax, substance, running costs and time. See setting up a Dutch subsidiary for a foreign parent company.

The relocation

What is the right order? First the company structure, then your residence, then your home, all within 90 days. See the checklist. For the first year, see the Amsterdam guide.