Best Business Registration Lawyers in Ommen

About Business Registration Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Starting a business in Ommen follows national Dutch rules for business registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, known locally as Kamer van Koophandel or KVK. All businesses must be entered in the Dutch Business Register, the Handelsregister. You choose a legal form, provide key details about the business, and complete tax registrations. For most small businesses this is straightforward, and you can operate from Ommen while relying on regional KVK offices for the formalities.

Common legal forms include the sole proprietorship called eenmanszaak, the general partnership called vennootschap onder firma or VOF, the professional partnership called maatschap, and limited liability entities such as a besloten vennootschap or BV and a naamloze vennootschap or NV. Associations and foundations can also register when they engage in economic activities. Your legal form affects liability, governance, tax treatment, financing options, and how you bring in partners or investors.

Registration often ties into other obligations. Depending on your activities and location in Ommen you may need municipal approvals under the Dutch Environment and Planning Act called Omgevingswet, for example for signage, changes to premises, or hospitality activities. Most businesses must register for VAT with the Dutch Tax Administration called Belastingdienst and some must report their ultimate beneficial owners to the UBO register at KVK. Together, these steps create a compliant foundation for doing business in Ommen and beyond.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Choosing the right legal form is a legal and strategic decision. A lawyer can explain the liability and tax consequences of an eenmanszaak versus a VOF, maatschap, or BV, and help you plan for growth or investment. For a BV or NV you need a notarial deed and tailored articles of association. A lawyer and notary can set these up in a way that fits your governance, share classes, and investor rights.

Trade name selection and brand protection can be riskier than they look. A lawyer can check the Handelsnaamwet on confusingly similar names, structure coexistence agreements, and help with Benelux trademark applications if you want stronger brand protection. If you lease space in Ommen a lawyer can negotiate and review your business lease and check zoning and permit requirements to avoid costly delays.

Sector rules can be complex. Hospitality, retail, healthcare, childcare, transport, and food activities often require permits or notifications. A lawyer can map the permits under the Omgevingswet and the municipal bylaw called Algemene Plaatselijke Verordening, and coordinate with municipal officers. If you will hire staff, a lawyer can prepare employment contracts, contractor arrangements under the Wet DBA, and policies for privacy and health and safety.

Foreign entrepreneurs face extra steps. A lawyer can coordinate immigration routes for self employed entrepreneurs or start ups, arrange BSN or RNI numbers where needed, and align corporate, tax, and banking onboarding. Even for simple registrations, early legal advice can prevent disputes between cofounders, clarify IP ownership, and avoid penalties for missed registrations such as the UBO filing.

Local Laws Overview

Business registration in Ommen is grounded in national law, applied locally. The Handelsregisterwet 2007 requires all businesses to register with KVK. Your trade name must comply with the Handelsnaamwet, which prohibits misleading or confusingly similar names in the same line of business and region. Legal entities are organized under the Dutch Civil Code, Burgerlijk Wetboek, especially Book 2 for companies and Book 7 for contracts such as leases and employment.

The Omgevingswet, in force since 2024, consolidates planning, environmental, and building rules. In practice, you use the Omgevingsloket to check what is allowed at your address in Ommen, to apply for an environmental or building related permit called omgevingsvergunning, and to see if your proposed signage, terrace, or change of use is permitted in the local omgevingsplan. Local municipal rules under the APV regulate matters like events, retail opening hours, and public space usage.

Tax registrations flow from your KVK entry. The Belastingdienst issues your VAT identification number. Sole proprietors receive a public VAT ID and a separate internal tax number. If you employ staff, you must register as an employer for wage tax and social security with the Belastingdienst and comply with Dutch labor law, health and safety rules under the Arbowet, and any sectoral collective agreement if applicable. Small entrepreneurs can consider the small business VAT scheme called Kleineondernemersregeling if eligible.

Many legal entities must disclose their ultimate beneficial owners in the UBO register kept by KVK. Privacy compliance under the General Data Protection Regulation called AVG is mandatory if you process personal data. If you import or export goods, customs and EORI rules apply. If you plan to operate in regulated sectors such as hospitality, the Alcoholwet and supervision by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority called NVWA may be relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register a business in Ommen

You select a legal form, choose a trade name that is not misleading or confusingly similar, prepare your business address and activity description, and file your details with KKV for entry in the Dutch Business Register. Registration is done with a regional KVK office that serves Ommen. After the KVK entry, the Belastingdienst processes your tax registrations, including VAT. For legal entities like a BV, a civil law notary prepares and executes the incorporation deed and takes care of filing at KVK.

Do I have to visit a KVK office or can I register online

For most legal forms you start the process online and then complete identity verification and activation with KVK, often by appointment at a regional office. Some updates and changes can be completed fully online. For a BV or NV, your notary handles the filings electronically with KVK after signing the notarial deed.

Which legal form should I choose

An eenmanszaak is simple and low cost but you are personally liable. A VOF or maatschap allows multiple entrepreneurs to work together but partners share liability, so a solid partnership agreement is essential. A BV offers limited liability, flexible share structures, and is often preferred for growth or investors, but it has more governance and accounting obligations. The best choice depends on liability comfort, expected profits, financing needs, and exit plans. Legal and tax advice at the outset pays for itself by preventing later restructuring costs.

Do I need a notary and when

You do not need a notary for an eenmanszaak, VOF, or maatschap, although partnership agreements are strongly recommended. You must use a Dutch civil law notary to incorporate a BV or NV, to amend articles of association, or to transfer registered shares. The notary also handles identification, UBO documentation, and filing with KVK.

How and when do I get my VAT number and other tax registrations

After KVK registration, the Belastingdienst automatically processes your VAT and income or corporate tax data. Sole proprietors receive a VAT ID for use on invoices and a separate internal number for correspondence. If you will pay salaries, you or your payroll provider request an employer wage tax number. You can also apply for optional schemes such as the Kleineondernemersregeling if your expected annual turnover is within the threshold.

What municipal permits or approvals might I need in Ommen

Depending on your activities and location you may need an omgevingsvergunning under the Omgevingswet for building works, changes of use, environmental aspects, or signage. Hospitality activities can require an Alcoholwet license and terrace permission. Street advertising, events, and retail trading hours are governed by the municipal APV. It is best to check your address and plans via the Omgevingsloket and consult the Municipality of Ommen entrepreneurs desk before signing a lease or renovating.

Can I use my home address as my business address

Yes, many entrepreneurs in Ommen use a home office. However, zoning rules and the omgevingsplan may limit customer visits, signage, storage, or nuisance. Some home based activities need a permit or notification and certain trades are not allowed in residential zones. Always verify the rules for your address and homeowner association or landlord restrictions before you register.

What is the UBO register and does it apply to me

The UBO register identifies the natural persons who ultimately own or control a legal entity. BVs, NVs, cooperatives, and most foundations and associations with full legal capacity must file UBO details with KVK and keep them up to date. Sole proprietors do not have a UBO obligation. Banks and notaries will ask for UBO documentation during onboarding.

How long does registration take and when can I start invoicing

If you have your documents ready, KVK registration for a simple structure can be completed quickly, often the same day of your appointment. The tax registrations follow shortly after. You can generally start invoicing once you have your KVK number and can issue compliant invoices that include your trade name, address, and VAT ID where applicable. If permits are needed for your premises or activity, wait for those approvals before opening to the public.

I am not an EU or EEA citizen. Can I start a business in Ommen

Yes, but you may need a Dutch residence and work authorization that allows self employment. Common routes are the self employed permit assessed with input from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency or the start up visa if you work with a recognized facilitator. You will also need a BSN or an RNI registration for non residents. Align immigration timelines with your KVK and banking onboarding and seek legal advice early.

Additional Resources

The Dutch Chamber of Commerce called KVK manages the Business Register and provides guidance on legal forms, trade names, and registration steps. The Dutch Tax Administration called Belastingdienst issues VAT and employer numbers and offers information on VAT rules and the small business scheme.

The Municipality of Ommen has an entrepreneurs desk within its economic affairs team that can advise on local rules, premises, and permits under the APV and the Omgevingswet. The Omgevingsloket is the national portal for checking zoning and applying for environmental and building permits.

The Netherlands Enterprise Agency called RVO provides tools and programs for entrepreneurs, including support for innovation and information for self employed immigration assessments. The Immigration and Naturalisation Service called IND handles residence permits for entrepreneurs.

The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property called BOIP registers trademarks and designs for brand protection. The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority called NVWA supervises food, product safety, and hospitality compliance. The Dutch Labour Inspectorate provides guidance on labor standards and workplace safety. The Employee Insurance Agency called UWV and sectoral pension funds inform employers about social insurance and pensions.

Next Steps

Clarify your business model, activities, and where you will operate in Ommen. Choose a legal form that suits your risk profile and growth plans. Check your intended trade name against existing names to avoid conflicts and prepare a short description of your activities and your business address.

Verify local rules for your address. Before signing a lease or starting renovations, ask the Municipality of Ommen and consult the Omgevingsloket about zoning and permits. If you plan hospitality or other regulated activities, list the permits you will need and their lead times so registration and opening align smoothly.

Prepare your documents. Have valid identification, proof of address, and if applicable a partnership agreement, shareholders agreement, or draft articles of association. For a BV, engage a Dutch civil law notary early to plan the incorporation and UBO filing. For sole proprietors and partnerships, draft clear agreements to prevent future disputes.

Arrange tax and administration. Plan your VAT invoicing, bookkeeping, and if you will hire staff, payroll registration and contracts. Consider insurance for liability, professional indemnity, and disability, which is common among Dutch entrepreneurs even if not legally required.

Engage a lawyer if you need tailored advice. A local or regional lawyer can help select the legal form, prepare agreements, review leases, map permits, and coordinate with the notary and accountant. Laws change and local practice matters, so professional guidance helps you start right and avoid delays or fines.

This guide is for general information only. For advice about your specific situation in Ommen, consult a qualified Dutch lawyer or notary and the relevant public authorities.