How to choose the right company structure for your Dutch business

Starting a business is not an easy task. There are so many things to take into account, from the initial planning stages to the day-to-day tasks of running the company. But it’s definitely worth it, as there are few things more satisfying than seeing your own business succeed.

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when starting a business is choosing the right company structure. This decision will have a huge impact on how your business operates, and it’s important to get it right from the start. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common company structures for Dutch businesses.

What is a company structure

A company structure refers to the way your business is set up legally. There are many different types of structures, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Choosing the Right Company Structure for Your Dutch Business

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most common company structures for Dutch businesses: sole trader, limited liability partnership (BV), private limited company (NV) and public limited company (NA).

Limited liability partnership (BV)

A limited liability partnership (BV) is a type of business structure that offers limited liability to its partners. This means that the partners are only liable for the amount they have invested in the company. This is a popular choice for small businesses, as it offers some of the benefits of a limited company, without the extra paperwork and red tape.

The main advantage of setting up a Dutch BV is that it provides limited liability to its partners. This can be helpful if something goes wrong and the company has to declare bankruptcy. The partners will not be held responsible, and their personal assets will be protected.

Sole Trader

The simplest type of company structure is the sole trader. This is ideal for small businesses with modest ambitions. As the name suggests, this type of business is owned and operated by a single individual. There are no shareholders, and the owner is responsible for all debts and liabilities. Advantages of this structure are: Simple and easy to set up, low start-up costs, no complex paperwork or registration procedures and the owner has complete control.

Private limited company (NV)

A private limited company (NV) is a type of company structure that also offers limited liability to its shareholders, meaning that they are only liable for the amount they have invested in the company. This is a popular choice for businesses that want to protect their personal assets.

The main advantage of an NV is that it provides limited liability to its shareholders. This means that they are not personally liable for any debts or liabilities the company may incur. This can be helpful if something goes wrong and the company has to declare bankruptcy.

Public limited company (NA)

A public limited company (NA) is a type of company structure that is popular with larger businesses. It also offers limited liability to its shareholders, meaning that they are only liable for the amount they have invested in the company. This is a popular choice for businesses that want to protect their personal assets.

The main advantage of an NA is that it provides limited liability to its shareholders. The shareholders will not be held responsible for any debts or liabilities, and their personal assets will be protected.

In this blog post, we’ve looked at some of the most common company structures for Dutch businesses. We’ve discussed four of them, so you can make an informed decision about which structure is right for your business. If you’re still not sure which company structure is right for you, you can always consult Intercompany Solutions.