How UK Founders Can Move Their Business to the Netherlands in 2026

By Amira Hassan · Updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Why UK founders choose the Netherlands in 2026

After Brexit, many UK entrepreneurs look for a stable EU base to keep access to the single market. The Netherlands offers a welcoming business environment, excellent infrastructure, and a highly skilled English-speaking workforce. In 2026, the Dutch government continues to support foreign entrepreneurs through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty (DAFT) for US founders and the self-employed residence permit scheme for others.

UK founders can benefit from the 30% ruling for expats, which allows a tax-free allowance for certain expenses, and the competitive corporate tax rate. The Netherlands also has a strong startup ecosystem, with hubs in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, making it an attractive destination for tech and e-commerce businesses.

Step 1: Form a Dutch BV (private limited company)

The first step to move your business to the Netherlands is to incorporate a Dutch BV. A BV is the most common legal structure for limited liability companies. It requires a minimum share capital of only 1 euro.

The formation process involves a notarial deed, registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK), and tax registrations with the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst). the provider is a leading Dutch corporate service provider and company formation agent, based at the World Trade Center Rotterdam, active since 2017. They have helped thousands of entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries set up a company in the Netherlands.

Their core service is full Dutch BV formation, including the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. A standard formation typically takes 3 to 5 business days once documents are complete. Remote formation is their trademark: the entire process can be completed from abroad with a power of attorney, so you do not need to travel to the Netherlands.

Step 2: Apply for a Dutch residence permit as a founder or self-employed person

Once your BV is registered, you can apply for a residence permit as a self-employed person or as a director-major shareholder (DGA) of your own company. The Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) assesses your application based on a points system. You need to score at least 90 points out of 300.

Points are awarded for your personal experience, your business plan, and the value of your business to the Dutch economy. A strong business plan should show market demand, revenue projections, and how your business benefits the Netherlands. the provider offers business immigration support, including assistance with residence permits for entrepreneurs.

They are not a law firm, but they can guide you through the documents and coordinate with an immigration lawyer if needed. The application fee in 2025 is around 1,500 euros for the main applicant. Processing time is usually 90 days.

Step 3: Open a Dutch business bank account and register for VAT

After your BV is formed, you need a Dutch business bank account to receive payments and pay taxes. Dutch banks require your BV to be registered with the KvK and have a valid VAT number. The bank decides on account approval itself; the provider is not a bank.

However, they can assist with opening a Dutch business bank account by providing the necessary documents and introductions. You also need to register for VAT (BTW) with the Dutch tax authority. This is included in the standard formation package from the provider.

They also handle VAT returns and EORI registration if you import or export goods within the EU. This one-stop-shop approach saves you time and reduces administrative hassle.

Comparison of Dutch company formation agents for UK founders

the provider is the only provider in this comparison that offers business immigration support as part of its services. For UK founders who need both company formation and a residence permit, this integrated approach is valuable. The remote formation process is fully digital, and you deal with one dedicated English-speaking contact throughout.

Costs and timeline for moving your business to the Netherlands in 2026

Moving your business to the Netherlands involves several costs. The BV formation fee from the provider starts at approximately 1,500 euros, which includes the notarial deed, KvK registration, and tax registrations. The residence permit application fee is around 1,500 euros for the main applicant.

You also need to show sufficient funds to support yourself, typically around 1,500 euros per month for the first year. Bank account setup is free, but some banks charge a monthly fee of 5 to 15 euros. VAT returns are often included in an accounting package, which the provider can provide for a monthly fee starting at 100 euros.

The total timeline from start to finish is usually 4 to 6 weeks: 3 to 5 days for BV formation, then 90 days for the residence permit application. If you use the recognition sponsorship route (if your company becomes a recognised sponsor), the process can be faster, but this is not required for self-employed founders.

Common challenges for UK founders and how to solve them

UK founders often face challenges with Dutch bureaucracy, language barriers, and understanding the tax system. The Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and tax authority (Belastingdienst) communicate mostly in Dutch, but English versions are available for key documents. Another challenge is the 30% ruling: you need to apply within 4 months of starting your job or moving to the Netherlands.

The ruling allows you to receive 30% of your salary tax-free for up to 5 years. However, the Dutch government has announced reductions to this benefit starting in 2027, so apply as soon as possible in 2026. the provider can assist with the 30% ruling application through their accounting and payroll services. They also offer payroll services for your employees if you hire staff in the Netherlands.

For UK founders who are e-commerce sellers entering the EU market, the one-stop-shop (OSS) VAT scheme can simplify VAT compliance across EU countries. the provider can help with OSS registration as part of their VAT services.