The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands is the governmental department responsible for the country's foreign policy, international cooperation, and diplomatic relations. It represents the Netherlands abroad and promotes Dutch interests internationally through diplomacy, development cooperation, and foreign trade.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands

Business.gov.nl is the Point of Single Contact (PSC) for resident and foreign entrepreneurs who want to establish a business or do business in the Netherlands. We also represent as the Dutch national business portal for the Single Digital Gateway (Your Europe).

We collaborate with Dutch government and semi-governmental organisations to provide information about laws, rules and regulations, subsidies and more. For specific information, e.g. procedures and applications, we connect you to our partners. Together we offer a single unified answer from the Dutch public sector about doing business in the Netherlands in English.

You can find answers to all your business questions on our website: business.gov.nl​.
Stay up-to-date and follow us on social media. 
Twitter: twitter.com/businessgovnl​
YouTube: youtube.com/businessgovnl

Follow our Dutch counterpart, Ondernemersplein, on social media or visit their website: ondernemersplein.kvk.nl
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ondernemersplein
Twitter: twitter.com/op_nederland
YouTube: youtube.com/ondernemerspleinnl

General government information is available at rijksoverheid.nl (Dutch) or at government.nl (Engllish).

Information about the Single Digital Gateway portal is available at europa.eu/youreurope

All of our content is protected by copyright and cannot be used or repurposed without the consent of Business.gov.nl. Disclaimer: https://bit.ly/3tG3OKa

* This page is not intended to promote services or products. Messages that fall into this category will be deleted.

Business.gov.nl

🚚✨ Truck Driver's Day ✨🚚

Today, on Truck Driver's Day we want to celebrate all hardworking truck drivers.

For those who think about starting as a truck driver, we've created a handy step-by-step plan. This plan provides all the information and guidance to kickstart your journey.

1️. Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce, KVK:
A crucial first step is to register your business with the Chamber of Commerce, KVK. This opens doors for further steps.

2️. Pass the exams for professional truck drivers:
License C is a must, but don't forget to obtain Code 95 for professional driving. Regular training is essential to renew this code every 5 years.

3️. Apply for a Euro License:
For commercial goods transport over 500 kg, a Euro license is necessary. Ensure you are professionally competent, have a Dutch establishment, sufficient own capital, and a reliable status.

4️. Pay motor vehicle tax:
Understand the special rates for motor vehicle tax and the Eurovignette for trucks.

5️. Use the correct terms and conditions for transport:
Follow the general transport conditions for national transport and ensure you have waybills for international transport.

6️. Register your driving time and rest periods:
A digital tachograph is mandatory for vehicles over 3,500 kg. Don't forget to apply for your tachograph card.

7️. Get your vehicle checked regularly:
Maintenance is crucial. Regular motor vehicle tests (APK) for trucks and trailers are mandatory.

8️. Comply with the rules for international transport and drivers:
International drivers must pay extra attention to driving and rest times, location tracking, and rules for cabotage within the EU.

We provide more information to guide you through each step. 
👉💼 Best of luck to all aspiring truck driver entrepreneurs! 🌐🛣️ #TruckDriversDay #Businessgov

https://bit.ly/3fsPP3A

Are you giving your employees a Christmas package or present this year 🎁? 

Did you know that you can deduct VAT on gifts for your staff?

For example, if you want to thank your staff with a Christmas or end-of-year gift. However, you are not allowed to spend more than €227 (excluding VAT) per employee per year on gifts and extras. 

For more on this, read this article: https://bit.ly/3GIUaOp

🛡️ Consumer Law in the Netherlands🛡️

Navigating the legal landscape of consumer rights in the Netherlands is crucial for every business owner. 

If you sell products or services to non-business customers, it falls under consumer law. This includes rights like warranty, cooling-off period for online sales, and regulations for off-premises sales.

💡 What is Consumer Law?
When a customer buys your product or service, an agreement between you and the buyer is formed. Your customer must pay the agreed price, and you, as a seller, must provide a 'fit for purpose' product.

🚫 Consumer Law Does Not Apply to Business Sales:
Selling to another business? Consumer law does not apply. Different rules, like no legal cooling-off period and alternate warranty regulations, come into play.

🛠️ Providing Warranty:
Products you sell must be of good quality. This is the legal warranty your customer is entitled to. If a product is defective, you must repair or replace it. Consider offering additional warranties for enhanced customer satisfaction.

🔄 Offering Cooling-off Periods:
Customers often have the right to a cooling-off period, allowing them to reverse a purchase. Exceptions apply, such as customised products or perishable goods.

💸 Setting Payment Terms:
You have the flexibility to set payment terms within your contracts or general terms and conditions.

🏡 Selling Outside a Store:
For off-premises sales like street vending or door-to-door sales, specific rules apply, including a cooling-off period for purchases exceeding €50.

🌐 Distance Selling:
If you sell online or via a phone, stick to distance selling rules. Customers usually have a legal cooling-off period, and you must provide clear information on prices and delivery.

🔄 Selling Subscriptions:
Automatic subscription renewals are not always allowed. Ensure customers are informed about renewal conditions.

🌴 Selling Travel, Holidays, or Timeshares:
Clear communication is key when selling these products, detailing aspects like the number of persons included, what is covered in the price, and any additional costs.

🔒 Protecting Personal Data:
If you collect customer data, you need to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Stay informed, and ensure your business aligns with the legal requirements.

#ConsumerLaw #Bussinesgov #LegalCompliance


Hey Students, have you ever thought on entrepreneurship alongside your studies?!

There are many opportunities and benefits of starting a business alongside your studies 🎓. A few benefits are:

1. Learning Experience: Running a business alongside your studies provides valuable practical experience that you cannot get from books. 

2. Flexibility: Entrepreneurship allows you to schedule your own time, which suits student life perfectly. You can adapt your business to your study schedule.

3. Financial Growth: Building a business can provide an additional source of income, which is especially useful for paying off tuition fees or building a financial cushion for the future.

4. Networking: Being an entrepreneur opens doors to networking opportunities. You meet people in the industry, potential clients and mentors who can guide you.

5. Following passion: Starting your own business allows you to pursue your passions and interests and capitalise on what inspires you most.

Do you have your own experience of entrepreneurship while studying? Share your story and let us know how it influenced you! 💼📚 #InternationalStudentsDay #EnterpriseAtStudy


I’ve been hacked, what do I do now? ⬇⬇⬇

💻 Computer on, WiFi off (so no evidence will be erased)
📱 Call an expert to help you
🔎 Find out in time, in most cases hackers take a while to prepare. Prevention  use monitoring software to stop hackers from entering your system unnoticed.

Have you never been hacked? Start to prepare now. 


NL:GOVERNMENT

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands