From the USA

US Consultants: Serve European Clients From a Dutch BV

Updated: 6 October 2026 Holdwise editorial team USA Consulting DAFT

A US consultant can serve European clients through a Dutch BV. European clients sign faster with a company based in Europe. You can incorporate a BV quickly, and on invoices to business clients in other EU countries, the VAT is reverse-charged. If you relocate to the Netherlands, you can get a residence permit under the treaty. If you stay in the US, you can own the BV from home. Where the BV is managed decides where it pays tax, so plan board decisions with that in mind. At Holdwise, we keep this answer up to date and change it when the rules change.

Winning European clients with a Dutch BV

Many EU clients buy through procurement portals for EU suppliers. With a Dutch BV, you have an EU VAT number, an EU bank account and an extract from the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK). Most supplier portals ask for these three documents first. On invoices to business clients in other EU countries, the VAT is reverse-charged. You invoice at 0%, and the client declares the VAT itself. Your invoice then shows only your day rate. See how the VAT works.

Selling from the US to EU customers? Compare the ways for US companies to sell in the EU, with a partner or with your own Dutch company.

Tax, salary and dividends

Your clients pay their fees to the BV. The BV pays 19% corporate tax on profit up to €200,000. You take the customary director salary, with €58,000 as the benchmark in 2026. A lower salary is allowed if comparable work pays less, or for up to three years as long as a new BV has too little money to pay that amount. A prior consultation with the Tax Administration gives you certainty in advance. You can also borrow from your own BV to pay for your private life, while the profit stays in the company. See the smart DGA setup for US owners (DGA means director-shareholder). You decide when the BV pays dividends. See Dutch dividend tax 2026.

Relocating to the Netherlands or working from the US

Relocating to Europe: the Dutch American Friendship Treaty grants residence built around exactly this business: €4,500 equity, a permit for two years that you can renew. See the guide. Staying in the US: manage the BV as a non-resident owner with a registered office and remote banking. See the non-resident setup.

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.

Winning the first three clients

Start with one US client through the BV. This is often your former employer (see converting your job into your own business). Add one EU client through your network. The third client usually comes through the first two. European business clients choose suppliers based on references and steady work. Deliver results every quarter and invoice every month.

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Part of Doing Business in the Netherlands, the complete 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I charge Dutch VAT to a German or French business client? +

For business clients in other EU countries, the VAT is reverse-charged. You invoice at 0% and put the client's VAT number on the invoice. The client then declares the VAT itself. Dutch clients pay 21% VAT, and you declare it in your quarterly VAT return.

What day rates does the European market support? +

Senior independent consultants in the Benelux and the German-speaking countries (DACH) usually charge €900 to €1,600 per day, depending on their field. When you count the costs, this is comparable to US rates. Assignments in Europe usually last longer.

Sole proprietorship or BV for consulting? +

For large clients and framework agreements, choose a BV from the start. Solo starters who want to test the market often begin as a sole proprietor. They change to a BV when they have enough steady clients. See the comparison of a sole proprietorship and a BV.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 6 October 2026