Breaking into entrepreneurship in the Netherlands

13 June 2022

Is there a burgeoning entrepreneur in you, but do you not know where to start? Would you like to take over an existing company in the Maastricht Region? Are you doubting whether any of this is actually possible as an international resident in the Netherlands? In the Maastricht Region, there are several agencies you can turn to with your questions. To make your break into entrepreneurship even easier, we’ve listed them here for you. 

Starterscentrum Limburg
Entrepreneurs from all municipalities in Zuid-Limburg can go to Starterscentrum Limburg with their initial enquiries. They also organise informative meetings or free webinars on, for example, writing a business plan. 

Starterscentrum Limburg also hosts events. The Limburg Starters Event Sittard-Geleen for new and recently started entrepreneurs will be held soon. This will take place on Wednesday 29 June from 19.00-22.30 in the ‘Office à la Carte’ business centre. The event will be held in Dutch, however the team can accommodate for not-yet-Dutch-speaking attendees. Head over to the Starterscentrum Limburg website  to reserve your place at the event.

The Starterscentrum Limburg website also provides some information in English. Internationals can make an appointment at the Maastricht office using the online form.

Team Ondernemen Maastricht 
Do you have your own business in Maastricht or do you want to start your own business? Team Ondernemen Maastricht can help you with all your questions. Team Ondernemen Maastricht can be reached by telephone on working days from 09:00-12:00 on +31 (0)43 350 40 50. You can also send an e-mail to ondernemen@maastricht.nl with your queries.

You can follow the latest news from Team Ondernemen Maastricht via LinkedIn.

Qeske
Qeske is also Limburgs, but has a very different approach to entrepreneurship. Qeske is more of a community with the emphasis on sharing ideas and talents. You can always drop in and get to know them. They work with open office spaces for (startup) entrepreneurs. You can find Qeske in Kerkrade, Maastricht and Vaals. Intrigued? News in English - RTV Maastricht visited Qeske Maastricht earlier this year.

Kamer van Koophandel
If you want to start a business in the Netherlands, you will have to register it at the Kamer van Koophandel – KvK (Chamber of Commerce). Upon registration, the KvK will issue a unique 8-digit KvK-nummer, which is used for paying taxes, making company purchases, for use on invoices etc. They do not have a physical office in Limburg, but they can be reached by telephone. On the KvK website you will find a lot of information on legislation and various possible structures, as well as marketing tips on the best ways to network or how best to promote your activities on social media and your website.

Crossing borders?
Maybe you are thinking of starting up your own business in one of the Maastricht Region’s neighbouring countries, such as Belgium or Germany? Do you have the right papers and residence documents for that? Is this possible? Be sure to enquire at GrensInfoPunt: Entrepreneurship in a neighbouring country - GIP (in Dutch). The Maastricht Region is nestled in the centre of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine, one of the more than 150 Euregios across Europe. Euregios are border regions, and as such, provide a wealth of culture and opportunity, but also administration. As experts in the field of the Euregio Meuse-Rhine cross-border work and business, GIP can think along with you. If they do not have all the answers themselves, they will refer you to the right authorities.

For specific questions about tax and financial administration across borders, you can seek advice from Baat accountants & adviseurs or Brothers Consultants.

Point of Single Contact for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands
Do you prefer to think about your plans from behind your computer screen at home? You will find a lot of detailed information on self-employment and entrepreneurship in the Netherlands on the business.gov website. The website is the Point of Single Contact for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands. Points of Single Contact (PSCs) are e-government portals for each European Union Member State that allow service providers to get the information they need and complete administrative procedures online.

Of course, you are always welcome to visit us at Expat Centre Maastricht Region. By phone, online or at the counter. You can always access our services online : for more information or to make an appointment to speak with one of our expert team.