Netherlands hubs

Max

Dropshipper

NetherlandsDutch (Nederlands)€ EUR

Max is a young entrepreneur running a dropshipping business from his laptop, constantly balancing VAT filings, shipping regulations, and digital tax compliance. This hub covers the essential national infrastructure he needs to keep his business legal and his personal finances in order.

Keeping the Taxman Happy

Essential for filing VAT and income tax correctly as a sole trader (ZZP).

Kamer van Koophandel (KvK) Registration

Inschrijving Handelsregister

national · Kamer van Koophandel

Who qualifies
Every entrepreneur starting a business in the Netherlands.
What you get
Official business registration and KvK number.
What it actually costs you
€80.10 one-time fee, requires ID and business address.
Common gotcha
You must register within one week before or after starting your activities.

VAT Identification Number

BTW-identificatienummer

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
All registered business owners.
What you get
Ability to charge and reclaim VAT on business transactions.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires KvK registration.
Common gotcha
You must file VAT returns every quarter even if you have zero revenue.

Small Businesses Scheme (KOR)

Kleineondernemersregeling

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
Businesses with annual turnover under €20,000.
What you get
Exemption from charging VAT and filing returns.
What it actually costs you
Application required, minimum 3-year commitment.
Common gotcha
You cannot reclaim VAT on your business expenses while in the KOR.

Entrepreneur Deduction

Ondernemersaftrek

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
Entrepreneurs meeting the 1,225-hour criterion.
What you get
Significant reduction in taxable income.
What it actually costs you
Requires strict time-tracking logs.
Common gotcha
The 1,225 hours must include all business-related tasks, not just sales.

EORI Number

EORI-nummer

national · Douane

Who qualifies
Businesses importing goods from outside the EU.
What you get
Customs identification for international trade.
What it actually costs you
Free, online application.
Common gotcha
Dropshippers often forget this when sourcing from China.

DigiD

national · Logius

Who qualifies
All residents and business owners.
What you get
Secure login for all government portals.
What it actually costs you
Free, requires BSN number.
Common gotcha
Don't lose your password; resetting it can take days.

Staying Healthy and Insured

Mandatory health insurance is the biggest fixed cost for a freelancer.

Healthcare Allowance

Zorgtoeslag

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
Low to middle-income earners.
What you get
Monthly subsidy to cover health insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Income-based, application via portal.
Common gotcha
If your income increases, you must report it immediately to avoid repayment.

Basic Health Insurance

Basisverzekering

national · Private Insurers (Regulated)

Who qualifies
All residents.
What you get
Standard medical coverage.
What it actually costs you
Monthly premium (~€150) + mandatory deductible.
Common gotcha
You must choose a new provider by Dec 31 if you want to switch.

Mandatory Deductible

Verplicht eigen risico

national · Ministry of Health

Who qualifies
All adults.
What you get
Standardized cost-sharing for medical care.
What it actually costs you
€385 per year.
Common gotcha
GP visits are free and do not count toward the deductible.

Rent Allowance

Huurtoeslag

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
Renters of independent housing under specific rent limits.
What you get
Monthly contribution toward rent.
What it actually costs you
Requires rental contract and registration.
Common gotcha
If your rent is too high, you get nothing.

Disability Insurance (AOV)

Arbeidsongeschiktheidsverzekering

private · Insurance Companies

Who qualifies
Freelancers/ZZP.
What you get
Income protection if unable to work.
What it actually costs you
High monthly premiums.
Common gotcha
Very expensive; many dropshippers skip it, which is risky.

Tax-Advantaged Pension Investing

Jaarruimte

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
Entrepreneurs with pension gaps.
What you get
Tax deduction on pension contributions.
What it actually costs you
Requires calculating your 'jaarruimte'.
Common gotcha
Money is locked until retirement age.

Moving Goods

Dropshipping relies on efficient, compliant shipping.

PostNL Business Account

PostNL Zakelijk

private · PostNL

Who qualifies
Registered businesses.
What you get
Volume discounts on shipping.
What it actually costs you
Requires KvK number.
Common gotcha
Rates depend on monthly volume.

DHL Business Portal

DHL Zakelijk

private · DHL

Who qualifies
Registered businesses.
What you get
International shipping tools.
What it actually costs you
Account setup.
Common gotcha
Integration with Shopify/WooCommerce is key.

Import Duty Exemption

Invoerrechten

national · Douane

Who qualifies
Imports under €150.
What you get
Exemption from customs duties.
What it actually costs you
Still pay VAT on import.
Common gotcha
VAT is due on the total value including shipping.

Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS)

IOSS

national · Belastingdienst

Who qualifies
Businesses selling to EU consumers.
What you get
Simplified VAT collection on imports.
What it actually costs you
Requires registration.
Common gotcha
Essential for avoiding hidden fees for customers.

Packaging Waste Management

Afvalbeheerbijdrage

national · Afvalfonds Verpakkingen

Who qualifies
Businesses putting packaging on the market.
What you get
Compliance with environmental laws.
What it actually costs you
Annual fee based on weight.
Common gotcha
Dropshippers often ignore this, but it's mandatory.

Product Safety Regulations

Productveiligheid

national · NVWA

Who qualifies
All importers.
What you get
Legal right to sell goods.
What it actually costs you
Compliance testing costs.
Common gotcha
CE marking is mandatory for many products.

Scaling Up

Grants and support for digital businesses.

RVO Innovation Credit

Innovatiekrediet

national · RVO

Who qualifies
Innovative startups.
What you get
Loan for development.
What it actually costs you
Rigorous application process.
Common gotcha
Not for standard dropshipping, only for tech innovation.

SME Relief Scheme

MKB Verzuim-ontzorg-verzekering

national · Government/Insurers

Who qualifies
Small businesses with employees.
What you get
Support during staff illness.
What it actually costs you
Insurance premiums.
Common gotcha
Only relevant if you hire staff.

STAP Budget (Legacy)

STAP-budget

national · UWV

Who qualifies
Entrepreneurs seeking training.
What you get
Funding for courses.
What it actually costs you
Competitive application.
Common gotcha
Scheme is currently being phased out/replaced.

KvK Advisory Services

KvK Advies

national · Kamer van Koophandel

Who qualifies
All entrepreneurs.
What you get
Free business advice sessions.
What it actually costs you
Time.
Common gotcha
Must book in advance.

BMKB Loan Guarantee

Borgstelling MKB-kredieten

national · RVO

Who qualifies
SMEs needing loans.
What you get
Government guarantee for bank loans.
What it actually costs you
Bank fees.
Common gotcha
Bank must approve the loan first.

Thuiswinkel Waarborg

private · Thuiswinkel.org

Who qualifies
E-commerce businesses.
What you get
Trust seal for your site.
What it actually costs you
Membership fee.
Common gotcha
Requires strict adherence to consumer laws.