An energy trading entity in the Netherlands

European energy is traded against Dutch reference points. Natural gas prices across Europe are based on the TTF, the Title Transfer Facility. This is the Dutch virtual trading point that became Europe's gas benchmark. The ARA hub (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) is the largest complex for oil products, storage and bunkering in Europe.

Producers and trading houses from the Gulf, Africa, Asia and the Americas can set up their company next to the benchmark itself. They can do this with a Dutch BV. We set up that BV and help with its owners, its tax and the registrations your trading needs.

What the Dutch BV does

The trading BV signs the contracts that are standard in European energy trading. These are gas contracts based on the TTF and oil-products trading through ARA storage. They also include offtake and hedging agreements, which European buyers prefer to sign with a European company under EU law. For physical goods, the BV uses three Dutch customs instruments. The first is bonded storage (customs warehousing). Duty and VAT are suspended there while the product is stored until it is sold. The second is the Article 23 licence for import VAT on cleared goods. The third is an EORI number in the BV's own name.

The holding structure above the trading company

Energy projects often use joint ventures and project companies. A Dutch holding structure is often used to own them. Under the participation exemption, the parent receives dividends and exit gains from qualifying stakes free of Dutch corporate tax. The Netherlands has tax treaties with many producing countries. The Dutch JV holding is a common way to hold a joint venture. If you trade gas, LNG or power on European venues, you have duties under the EU energy market rules (REMIT) and market conduct rules. Hydrogen falls under CBAM from the first unit.

LNG, oil products and hydrogen

See LNG into Europe for the Gate terminal, TTF hedging and the buyer's market since REPowerEU. See oil products through Rotterdam for ARA storage, blending and bunkering. See hydrogen and ammonia for the import corridors that are being built, and why you should set up the company before the first deliveries.

Setting up in the Netherlands

A Dutch BV is set up with a notarial deed and registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KvK). You can do this from abroad with a power of attorney, and the parent company owns the shares. After registration, the BV gets its VAT and EORI numbers and the licences it needs for its trade. We set up the company and the group structure. Specialised lawyers arrange the sector permits and the admissions to regulated markets, and we coordinate this in writing. See EU market entry for all the steps.

Frequently asked questions

Why do energy traders establish in the Netherlands?

Europe's gas benchmark, the Title Transfer Facility (TTF), is a Dutch virtual trading point. The ARA complex (Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp) is the largest hub for oil products and storage in Europe. Rotterdam is Europe's largest port. The counterparties, brokers and infrastructure are all in one jurisdiction.

What customs instruments does the Dutch entity use?

In a bonded (customs) warehouse, duty and VAT are suspended while the product is stored or blended. With the Article 23 licence, the BV reports the import VAT on cleared goods in its periodic VAT return. The BV also has its own EORI number.

How are joint ventures and project stakes held?

They are held through a Dutch holding above the trading BV. Under the participation exemption, the holding receives dividends and exit gains from qualifying stakes (5% or more) free of Dutch corporate tax. The Netherlands also has about 100 tax treaties.

What does Holdwise do, and what is done with specialised counsel?

We set up the company and the structure: the BV, the holding, the ownership chain and the substance. Specialised lawyers arrange the admissions to trading venues, the registrations under the EU energy market rules (REMIT) and the sector permits. We coordinate this with them, all in writing.