Tweet03-03-2010 om 10:00 by Amanda Potter

A few weeks ago I officially started my own business, ParapluInfo, a writing, research, and web design service. Faced with the relative difficulty of local employment in my field (archival science) and the chance to grow a business that can travel with me, registering a freelance business seemed like a no-brainer. In reality the process can be tricky, particularly if your Dutch isn’t very good.

Freelance?
In the Netherlands all freelancers (except those with very limited activities) are required to register with the Trade Register through the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber of Commerce) and the Belastingdienst (Tax Administration). The simplest form is an Eenmanszaak; a sole proprietorship without limited liability. Other more complex forms, partnerships and limited liability structures, may be called for depending on your residency status as an expat.

Freelancers are often called ZZP'rs, but it isn't actually a legally recognized structure. After registering your business, you may be asked by your clients to file a VAR-Verklaring form with the Belastingdienst which indicates that your clients are not your employers; freeing them from extra withholding obligations and maintaining your independence.

Registration
The actual act of registering a simple business structure like an Eenmanszaak in Limburg is very straight forward; but be warned: the documents must be completed in Dutch (translations of some are available). At minimum, a Form 1: Sole Proprietorship and a Joint Registration Form are completed and then taken to the KvK where a staff member will check your business name, register you, and process the Joint Registration form so you can get a BTW (tax) number. As of 2010, you'll pay about 50 euros to register an Eenmanszaak and a renewal fee every year thereafter. The KvK has three Limburg offices: Maastricht, Venlo, and Roermond (not Heerlen; my mistake). You should register at the one closest to your home or office.

Resources for Everyone
Of course starting a business is more complex than the actual registration process. While you can start with the English side of both the KvK and the Belastingdienst websites, the information is limited and the Starters Centrum site is all in Dutch. Better is a meeting with a Starters Centrum adviser through the KvK. These individuals can help you with both Trade Register and some tax questions, as well as make recommendations on the type of business structure you need. KvK Limburg accepts walk-in visitors with questions, but can only help you with Trade Register issues. If you have a good grasp on Dutch you can take advantage of the KvK's business workshops. Unfortunately the Belastingdienst only has a Dutch-language helpline, so speaking with an accountant is advisable.

Resources for Students
In addition to the KvK and the Starter Centrum, students at the Maastricht University can take advantage of the Maastricht Centre for Entrepreneurship with encourages young entrepreneurs and provides advice and some loans.

Do you know of other resources in the area? Have you started your own business? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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