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Winding up - Netherlands

Updated 07/2009

Legal requirements

             The Dutch Bankruptcy Act   contains rules on bankruptcy, suspension of payment and the refinancing of debt.

When filing for bankruptcy is the only option left for a business owner, it pays to cut losses, initiate proceedings sooner rather than later, and move on to a new business project.

Administrative procedures

Deregistration

Business deregistration

There are various stages   involved in winding up a business:

  • Sole traders can wind up the business by themselves.
  • In a public or private limited liability company or partnership, the members or a shareholders' meeting must take this decision.
  • Applications to dismiss staff: before winding up the business, you must request permission to lay off any staff working for you.
  • Informing business contacts: let your business contacts know, preferably in writing, that you plan to wind up the business.
  • Disposal of movable and immovable assets: what are you planning to do with your business premises, company assets and inventory?
  • Terminate running contracts: for example, purchases and deliveries, rental and leasing, service and maintenance.
  • Deregister your company: you must apply to be removed from the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce (KvK) and from inter-branch organisations and marketing boards.
  • Important points of interest when deregistering a businessNederlands

           Settling your financial affairs : before continuing any further, you must draw up a balance sheet and settle all tax debts. This is known as the fiscal settlement and is important for taxes on income, wages and turnover and also for transfer tax or social benefits. The only time you do not have to settle all tax debts is when you wind up a business and start up another one. However, it is best to seek professional assistance when winding up your company's financial affairs.

Resources

Information from the Dutch government can be found on the Antwoordvoorbedrijven.nl website, which lists at a glance all the various relevant dos and don'ts, e.g. licences and requirements, laws and regulations, taxes and subsidies.

Programmes

Various subsidies and tax arrangements are available for entrepreneurs wishing to wind up their business.

  • Subsidies and tax arrangementsNederlands

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

    Key documents

    • Important points of interest when deregistering a businessNederlands
    • Income following dissolutionNederlands

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Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

The Chamber of Commerce (KvK) is the first port of call for entrepreneurs wishing to wind up their business. For free guidance on how to go about this, you should visit a KvK local office.

  • KvK contact addressesNederlands