The thriving startup ecosystem of Amsterdam is attracted many entrepreneurs, budding and seasoned alike, to launch their startups in the city. According to the latest Startup Heatmap Europe report, Amsterdam was the third most attractive city in Europe to start a company in 2020. In 2019, the city was in the 5th position. This is based on a survey that reveals the Top 50 cities where founders would like to start a company if they could choose freely.
However, starting a startup in a new city/country is not an easy task. It requires careful planning and making sure you follow the country’s protocols and regulations. Once you find out if you’re legally entitled to start a business in the Netherlands, finalise the legal business structure (rechtsvorm) of your company — Unincorporated business structures (Rechtvormen zonder rechtspersoonlijkheid) or Incorporated business structures (Rechtvormen met rechtspersoonlijkheid) — locked in the name and ideal location for your business, you would need to register your company with the KvK (Kamer van Koophandel), the Dutch Chamber of Commerce. You can find all about the registration procedure, costs, etc, here.