Dutch Desk

Expanding into the Netherlands – legal issues, tax and what German companies need to know 

Commercial ties between Germany and the Netherlands have a long tradition. The connection to large ports like Amsterdam and Rotterdam makes changing location, founding a company or an M&A in the Netherlands an attractive prospect. But despite EU-wide regulation, there are differences between Germany and the Netherlands as places to do business. It is worthwhile for German companies to consider the areas of tax and legislation strategic right from the start.

The Netherlands – a hub of world trade with an efficient administration 

As a place to do business, the Netherlands is characterised by its strong logistics and infrastructure.  Administration is efficient and highly digitalised. Innovation and support of international business is very good in the Netherlands and entrepreneurial freedom has a high priority. A multicultural working culture, environmental awareness and sustainability are particularly valued. In these areas, businesses are subsidised by the Dutch government and can receive support. We are a member firm of the Grant Thornton International Ltd network and collaborate with our local partners in the Netherlands. They have the best level of knowledge and offer assistance on entering the Dutch market successfully.   

Challenges and solutions 

Running a branch office in the Netherlands comes with reporting duties, keeping books according to Dutch standards, fulfilling regulatory requirements and communicating with the local authorities. We are a member firm of the Grant Thornton network, so we are closely connected with local experts. They assist German businesses in resolving the challenges you face without any problem. We naturally have contacts at the authorities, courts and Dutch fiscal administration.     

We’re there when you need us and provide advice in the following areas:     

• Tax and legal issues in all areas of relevance to companies, incl. VAT and customs     
• Questions on implementing EU directives, such as the GDPR    
• Reporting to Dutch authorities and bodies and keeping regulatory and compliance requirements    
• Documentation duty issues and the use of services and     
• Entering the market through an M&A, company founding or subsidiary and all the associated legal questions.

Our awards 

We’re proud of the awards we’ve won. And we’re just as happy that our clients give us top ratings! We’re working hard to keep it that way. And that’s a promise!