DOING BUSINESS in the NETHERLANDS 2020-2021 Doing Business in the Netherlands

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

DOING BUSINESS in the NETHERLANDS 2020-2021 Doing Business in the Netherlands DOING BUSINESS IN THE NETHERLANDS 2020-2021 Doing Business in The Netherlands Editorial Contributions Andre Walter Merel Roest Anna van Bracht Michiel Bijloo Anne-Carien Smale Michiel Kloes Aukje Strik Mirko Marinć Christiaan van der Meer Narine Movsisian Corinne Schot Nathalja Doing Danielle Pinedo Niels Matze Denise Ozmis Pauline Bakker Derk Christiaans Ralph Potgieter Don-Tobias Jol Rebecca Kuijpers-Zimmerman Fedor Tanke Remke Scheepstra Fons Ravelli Richte van Ginneken Frank Kroes Robert van Agteren Frederik Harms Roderick Beudeker Gillis Kempe Roger van de Berg Ilya Hoekerd Steffen Hagen Itse Oosterhoff Troy Pickard-Taylor Ischa Gobius du Sart Wibren Veldhuizen Jan Snel Wouter Seinen Jan Willem Gerritsen Yassine el Bojaddaini John Paans Lin Yuen Maarten Hoelen Margreet Nijhof Baker McKenzie i Doing Business in The Netherlands Table of Contents The Netherlands................................................................................................... 11 1.1 Country and cities .............................................................................. 12 1.2 Infrastructure, traffic and transport ............................................ 15 1.3 Government ........................................................................................... 17 1.4 Economy ................................................................................................ 18 1.5 Dutch people and culture ................................................................ 19 Legal Forms of Doing Business ..................................................................... 27 2.1 Branch .................................................................................................... 28 2.2 Subsidiary ............................................................................................. 29 2.3 Branch versus subsidiary ................................................................ 30 2.4 Cooperative (Coöperatie)................................................................. 31 2.5 European company / Societas Europaea (SE) .......................... 32 2.6 Societas Cooperativa Europaea (SCE) ......................................... 33 2.7 Partnership ............................................................................................ 33 2.8 Formal foreign companies ............................................................. 34 Tax Benefits of Regional Headquarters/ Coordination Centres ....... 35 3.1 General advantages ...........................................................................36 3.2 Tax ruling ............................................................................................... 37 3.3 Holding of shares ...............................................................................39 3.4 Group financing and group licensing......................................... 40 3.5 Anti-abuse provisions ...................................................................... 43 The Subsidiary ..................................................................................................... 45 4.1 Incorporation of N.V. and B.V. ...................................................... 46 4.2 Incorporation of a cooperative ..................................................... 47 4.3 Capitalization ....................................................................................... 47 4.4 Transfer of shares and membership interest .......................... 48 4.5 Shareholders' register and members' register ....................... 49 4.6 Issuance of new shares ................................................................... 49 4.7 Board of managing directors ........................................................ 50 Baker McKenzie i 4.8 Board of supervisory directors ...................................................... 51 4.9 Proxy holders ....................................................................................... 51 4.10 Large companies regime .................................................................. 51 4.11 One-Tier Board .................................................................................... 52 4.12 Developments ...................................................................................... 53 Reporting, Auditing and Publication Requirements ............................. 55 5.1 Financial statements ........................................................................ 56 5.2 Director's report .................................................................................. 57 5.3 Accounting principles ....................................................................... 58 5.4 Other information ............................................................................. 58 5.5 Language .............................................................................................. 59 5.6 Currency ................................................................................................ 59 5.7 Classification ........................................................................................ 59 5.8 Exemption for group companies ................................................. 60 5.9 Consolidated accounts ..................................................................... 61 5.10 Auditing requirements ..................................................................... 62 Corporate Governance Code .......................................................................... 65 6.1 Long-term value creation................................................................ 67 6.2 Effective management and supervision ................................... 69 6.3 Remuneration ....................................................................................... 73 6.4 The general meeting ......................................................................... 75 6.5 One-tier governance structure ..................................................... 76 6.6 Compliance with and enforcement of the Code .................... 77 Sales Support, Distribution and Production ............................................. 79 7.1 Liaison office ....................................................................................... 80 7.2 Sales support ....................................................................................... 80 7.3 Production ............................................................................................. 81 Commercial Contracts ......................................................................................83 8.1 General Dutch contract law .......................................................... 84 8.2 General terms and conditions ....................................................... 85 8.3 Consumer protection/Consumer sales ...................................... 86 ii Baker McKenzie Doing Business in The Netherlands 8.4 Consumer authority ........................................................................... 87 8.5 Agency agreements .......................................................................... 88 8.6 Distribution agreements ................................................................. 89 8.7 Franchise agreements ...................................................................... 90 Real Estate ............................................................................................................ 93 9.1 Ownership ............................................................................................ 94 9.2 Land Register ...................................................................................... 94 9.3 Other rights and obligations ......................................................... 95 9.4 Construction and renovation ........................................................ 96 9.5 Environmental aspects and soil pollution ................................. 97 9.6 Leases ..................................................................................................... 98 9.7 Public housing ................................................................................... 100 Competition Rules and Free Movement of Goods.............................. 101 10.1 EU competition rules ....................................................................... 102 10.2 Dutch Competition Act ................................................................. 104 10.3 Public procurement rules .............................................................. 109 10.4 Import and export: free movement of goods ........................ 113 10.5 The European Economic Area .......................................................114 10.6 Standardization ..................................................................................114 Intellectual Property......................................................................................... 117 11.1 Copyright ............................................................................................. 118 11.2 Neighboring rights ........................................................................... 120 11.3 Protection of databases ................................................................. 120 11.4 Trademarks .......................................................................................... 121 11.5 Designs and models......................................................................... 126 11.6 Trade names ....................................................................................... 127 11.7 Patents .................................................................................................
Recommended publications
  • Flash Reports on Labour Law January 2017 Summary and Country Reports
    Flash Report 01/2017 Flash Reports on Labour Law January 2017 Summary and country reports EUROPEAN COMMISSION Directorate DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Unit B.2 – Working Conditions Flash Report 01/2017 Europe Direct is a service to help you find answers to your questions about the European Union. Freephone number (*): 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 (*) The information given is free, as are most calls (though some operators, phone boxes or hotels may charge you). LEGAL NOTICE This document has been prepared for the European Commission however it reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://www.europa.eu). Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2017 ISBN ABC 12345678 DOI 987654321 © European Union, 2017 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. Flash Report 01/2017 Country Labour Law Experts Austria Martin Risak Daniela Kroemer Belgium Wilfried Rauws Bulgaria Krassimira Sredkova Croatia Ivana Grgurev Cyprus Nicos Trimikliniotis Czech Republic Nataša Randlová Denmark Natalie Videbaek Munkholm Estonia Gaabriel Tavits Finland Matleena Engblom France Francis Kessler Germany Bernd Waas Greece Costas Papadimitriou Hungary Gyorgy Kiss Ireland Anthony Kerr Italy Edoardo Ales Latvia Kristine Dupate Lithuania Tomas Davulis Luxemburg Jean-Luc Putz Malta Lorna Mifsud Cachia Netherlands Barend Barentsen Poland Leszek Mitrus Portugal José João Abrantes Rita Canas da Silva Romania Raluca Dimitriu Slovakia Robert Schronk Slovenia Polonca Končar Spain Joaquín García-Murcia Iván Antonio Rodríguez Cardo Sweden Andreas Inghammar United Kingdom Catherine Barnard Iceland Inga Björg Hjaltadóttir Liechtenstein Wolfgang Portmann Norway Helga Aune Lill Egeland Flash Report 01/2017 Table of Contents Executive Summary ..............................................
    [Show full text]
  • ADVANCE QUESTIONS to LIECHTENSTEIN- ADDENDUM DENMARK • Which Measures Is the Government of the Principality of Lichtenstein Ta
    ADVANCE QUESTIONS TO LIECHTENSTEIN- ADDENDUM DENMARK • Which measures is the Government of the Principality of Lichtenstein taking to counter the expanded activity of the right-wing extremists? • Which measures is the Government of the Principality of Lichtenstein undertaking to ensure effective strengthening of the “Office of Equal Opportunity” and its competencies? • Please specify the actions taken by the Principality of Lichtenstein in order to reduce trafficking of persons, e.g. cabaret dancers. GERMANY • In 2007 CEDAW expressed its concern about the persistence of traditional attitudes and stereotypes regarding the roles and responsibilities of women and men in family and society. It recommended in particular the extension of the present legislation regarding gender-based discrimination in the workplace, as included in the Gender Equality Act, to all spheres of life. How does the Principality of Liechtenstein intend to follow up on this recommendation? NETHERLANDS • In the school year 2007/2008 Liechtenstein introduced Islamic education in public primary schools. Previously Muslim parents could only send their children to a mosque for religious tuition. Could Liechtenstein elaborate on its first experiences in this regard and on further measures the government of Liechtenstein considers in order to stimulate integration in the educational process? • An important part of the population does not have the Liechtenstein nationality and is not entitled to participate in local politics. Does Liechtenstein consider this to be a potential problem and if so, does it see possibilities to increase the participation of minority groups in politics, for instance by granting long-term residents from other nationalities the right to vote at a local level? SWEDEN • Liechtenstein is a state party to CEDAW and its optional protocol and has taken national initiatives to promote gender equality.
    [Show full text]
  • Transnationalism and Expatriate Political Engagement: the Case of the Italian and French Voting in Australia
    Transnationalism and expatriate political engagement: The case of the Italian and French voting in Australia Dr Maryse Helbert Maryse joined Melbourne University and completed her PhD in international Relations and Political Economy in 2016. Prior to that, she was an advocate for and research on women’s participation in politics and decision-making for over a decade. She is now focusing on teaching and research in the fields of political Science and International Relations. Assoc. Professor Bruno Mascitelli Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne Prior to joining Swinburne University of Technology, Bruno was employed by the Australian Consulate in Milan, Italy where he spent 18 years. In 1997 he joined Swinburne University and has since focused his teaching and research in areas related to European Studies. This has included four books on Italy and its expatriate community abroad looking at expatriate voting in particular. He is President of the European Studies Association in Australia. Abstract The aim of this paper is to provide an appreciation and analysis of the expatriate connectivity of Italian and the French citizens from their place of residency in Australia through their respective elections in their home country election. Specifically, the paper will examine the cases of Italians in Australia voting in the 2013 Italian elections and equally that of French citizens in Australia voting in the French Presidential and the following Legislative Elections in 20171. The paper examines the voting patterns there might be between those voting in the home country (Italy and France) and those voting in external electoral colleges in this case the relevant Australian college.
    [Show full text]
  • Harry T. Reis Curriculum Vitae
    October 2019 Harry T. Reis Curriculum Vitae Contact Information Office: Department of Clinical and Social Home: 752 Meigs Street Sciences in Psychology Rochester, NY l4620 University of Rochester Box 270266 Rochester, NY 14627 Voice: (585) 275-8697 Tel.: (585) 244-6404 Fax: (585) 273-1100 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.psych.rochester.edu/people/reis_harry/index.html Title: Professor of Psychology and Dean's Professor in Arts, Sciences, and Engineering Date of Birth: March 28, 1949 Education B.S. City College of New York, 1970 (cum laude, major in psychology) M.A. New York University, 1972 (social-personality psychology) Ph.D. New York University, February, 1975 (social-personality psychology) Fellowships, Honors and Awards 1966 – 1970 New York State Regents Scholarship 1970 B.S. cum laude, City College of New York 1970 – 1971 National Institute of Mental Health Training Fellowship 1984 Fellow, American Psychological Association (Divisions 8, 9) 1986 – 1987 Faculty Mentor, University of Rochester (College of Arts & Science) 1988 Charter Fellow, American Psychological Society 1991 Fulbright Senior Research Fellowship (Netherlands) 2000 University of Rochester Bridging Fellowship (Fall) 2002 President (elected position), International Society for the Study of Personal Relationships. 2003 Named to Golden Key International Honor Society (Faculty) 2006 Distinguished Contribution to the Society Award, Society for Personality and Social Psychology 2007 President (elected position), Society for Personality and Social Psychology
    [Show full text]
  • American Literary Expatriates in Europe Professor Glenda R. Carpio Ca’ Foscari-Harvard Summer School 2017 TF: Nicholas Rinehart
    American Literary Expatriates in Europe Professor Glenda R. Carpio Ca’ Foscari-Harvard Summer School 2017 TF: Nicholas Rinehart This course explores the fiction and travel literature produced by American writers living in Europe, from the late 19th century to the present. In the course of this period Europe becomes the battlefield for two bloody World Wars as well as the site of a museum past while the USA assumes a dominant role on the world stage. American writers living and traveling in Europe reflect on these shifts and changes while also exploring the various forms of freedom and complex set of contradictions that expatriate life affords. We will focus on American literature set in Europe with readings that include but are not limited to essays, travelogues, poems, novellas, novels, and short stories. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Active participation in the course; two critical essays (5-7 pages) and a third (also 5-7 pages) that may be creative or a revision of a previous assignment (see below); and an in-class presentation. Class Presentations: Throughout the semester, I will ask you to prepare short class presentations of no more than 10 minutes (NB: you will be timed and stopped if you go over the limit) based on close readings of particular passages of the texts we read. Presentations may be done individually or in pairs. You will receive more information on this method as the semester develops. Critical Essays: Two of the three essays required for this class should be critical explorations of texts and/or topics covered in class. These should be based on close analyses of specific passages and may include the secondary recommended material indicated in the syllabus.
    [Show full text]
  • 'The Birth of the Benelux Customs Union' from Tageblatt (1 January 1948)
    'The birth of the Benelux Customs Union' from Tageblatt (1 January 1948) Caption: On 1 January 1948, the customs convention concluded between Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg - known collectively as Benelux - entered into force. The Luxembourg newspaper Tageblatt comments on the event. Source: Tageblatt. Journal d'Esch. 08.01.1948, n° 6. Esch-Alzette: Luxemburger Genossenschaftsdruckerei. "Die Geburt der Benelux-Zollunion", auteur:Bleich, H. Copyright: (c) Translation CVCE.EU by UNI.LU All rights of reproduction, of public communication, of adaptation, of distribution or of dissemination via Internet, internal network or any other means are strictly reserved in all countries. Consult the legal notice and the terms and conditions of use regarding this site. URL: http://www.cvce.eu/obj/the_birth_of_the_benelux_customs_union_from_tageblatt_ 1_january_1948-en-9632ad57-991c-455a-8461-c8bec1fd7259.html Last updated: 06/07/2016 1/2 The birth of the Benelux Customs Union Special report by our correspondent On 1 January 1948, the Customs Union between the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg comes into force. An important initial step on the road to the economic union of the Benelux countries will thus be taken. The Customs Union implies, on the one hand, that the participating countries no longer have to pay each other customs duties, and, on the other hand, that a common tariff will be levied vis-à-vis third countries. The fact that the Benelux countries no longer need to pay each other import duty does not mean, however, that trade between the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg will no longer be subject to restrictions. Such trade will continue to be governed by the trade agreement concluded on 1 June 1947 which laid down quotas for trade to be conducted under a system of import licences.
    [Show full text]
  • A Geological History of Groningen's Subsurface
    A geological history of Groningen’s subsurface Erik Meijles, University of Groningen Date June 2015 Editors Jan van Elk & Dirk Doornhof Translated by E.L. Howard General introduction Ground acceleration caused by an induced earthquake is strongly dependent on the composition of local shallow soils. NAM commissioned Deltares to conduct a detailed survey of the shallow subsurface above the Groningen gas field. The survey focuses on Quaternary geology with an emphasis on the upper 50 metres. This report provides an introduction to Groningen’s Quaternary geology as a background to the comprehensive Deltares report, which has culminated in a detailed model of Groningen’s shallow subsurface. This report was written by Dr ir Erik Meijles, Assistant Professor of Physical Geography at the University of Groningen. Wim Dubelaar, Dr Jan Stafleu and Dr Wim Westerhoff of TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands (TNO- NITG) in Utrecht assisted with editing this report and provided a number of key diagrams. Title A geological history of Groningen’s subsurface Date June 2015 Client NAM Author Erik Meijles, Assistant Professor Edited by Jan van Elk of Physical Geography and Dirk Doornhof Organization University of Groningen Organization NAM Significance for Research theme: earthquake Predicting ground acceleration research Explanation: Ground acceleration caused by an induced earthquake is strongly dependent on the composition of local shallow soils. NAM commissioned Deltares to conduct a detailed survey of the shallow subsurface above the Groningen gas field. This survey focuses on the Quaternary geology of Groningen with an emphasis on the upper 50 metres. Directly This research serves as background to the report entitled ‘Geological schematisation of related the shallow subsurface of Groningen’ written by various Deltares staff members.
    [Show full text]
  • Towards a European Nationality Law
    Towards a European nationality law Citation for published version (APA): de Groot, G-R. (2004). Towards a European nationality law. Electronic Journal of Comparative Law, 8(3), 1-37. https://www.ejcl.org/83/art83-4.html Document status and date: Published: 01/01/2004 Document Version: Publisher's PDF, also known as Version of record Document license: Unspecified Please check the document version of this publication: • A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers. Link to publication General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal.
    [Show full text]
  • The Dutch Spainfighters
    The Dutch Spainfighters: ‘People who did not think solely on a national level, but also internationally’ The role of national sentiments in a transnational environment Romée Beaufort S1236024 Thesis ResMA PCNI Universiteit Leiden Supervisor: dr. Eric Storm 15752 words 13-12-2018 Image from IISG, CNDIBSBO, stuk 49, manuscript from Jacob Heshof. Quote from IISG, CNDIBSBO, stuk 40, interview with Willem de Jong: ‘mensen die niet louter nationaal, maar ook internationaal dachten’ Table of content Introduction - p. 2 Chapter 1: Why Spain?: ‘Hitting Hitler in Spain signifies the defense of our fatherland’ - p. 10 Chapter 2: In Spain: the old dream of ‘workers of the world, unite!’ turned into reality? - p. 23 Chapter 3: After Spain: ‘Look there is the steamboat from far-away Spain again’ - p. 34 Conclusion - p. 41 Bibliography - p. 44 1 ‘Janus Leijnse, Syria-goer avant la lettre’1 In recent years, Dutch newspapers have been filled with headlines covering the stories of Syria- goers, Dutch citizens and residents travelling to Syria to join the ranks of jihadist groups. In 2015, which may have been the peak of Islamic State’s power, the number of Dutch Syria- goers, including women, was estimated at 220.2 The media reports and contemplates on their motivation, radicalization, recruitment and the danger these fighters possibly constitute when they return to the Netherlands.3 Politicians participate in heated debates on the status of the nationality and passports of Dutch Syria-goers. 4 The exact nature of the motives of these fighters and their actual actions, organizations and roles in Syria remain within the domain of speculation.
    [Show full text]
  • English Beat: in Concert at the Royal Festival Hall DVD Reviewed on Audiovideorevolution.Com
    English Beat: In Concert at the Royal Festival Hall DVD Reviewed on AudioVideoRevolution.com title: English Beat: In Concert at the Royal Festival Hall studio: Secret Films MPAA rating: Not Rated starring: English Beat DVD release 2005 year: film rating: Three Stars sound/picture: Three Stars reviewed by: Dan MacIntosh When you break it right down, there’s nothing particularly English about The English Beat. You may recall how the group was once lumped in with the whole ska movement back in the ‘80s, mainly because it was on the 2 Tone Records label, along with The Specials and The Selector. But if you listen closely, you hear very little actual ska (which is not exactly a British export in the first place) in the group’s songs. For instance, the only horn player in this outfit is the ancient Saxa, who would much rather play mellow jazz than skanking beats anyhow. Furthermore, the group’s repertoire contains a bounteous supply of reggae – both fast and slow – as well as other dance grooves. But no matter the style, all of these elements support this act’s punkish political attitude, which is possibly its lone true English attribute. This show, which was filmed at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England, features quite a few of the band’s original members. These players include the two front people, Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling, as well as Saxa and drummer Everett Morton. And except for Saxa, of course, all of these musicians still look incredibly young. Better yet, they also sound great.
    [Show full text]
  • GOING GLOBAL EXPORTING to NETHERLANDS a Guide for Clients
    GOING GLOBAL EXPORTING TO NETHERLANDS A guide for clients #GlobalAmbition Capital city Amsterdam Population 17.3m1 GDP per capita ¤41,5002 6th in the World North Sea Competitiveness Ranking3 Unemployment (2019)AMSTERDAM 3.4%4 Predicted economic growth for 20195 3% GERMANY Enterprise Ireland client exports (2018) ¤1.07bn6 BELGIUM 2 WHY EXPORT TO THE NETHERLANDS? Only half the size of Ireland, yet the Dutch have left their mark on the world as innovators, trail blazers and world-class business professionals. The Dutch are active worldwide in providing creative and sustainable solutions for global challenges relating to water, food, energy, health, environment, and security. The Dutch data centre community, which also The Netherlands already has a robust healthcare GDP per capita houses the Amsterdam Internet Exchange (AMS-IX), and pharma landscape with companies like MSD, 2 is growing continuously with 18% average growth Jansen, TEVA, Takeda, Omron, Konica Minolta and ¤41,500 in take-up of data centers in the last 7 years in the many more. This is strengthened by the recent Amsterdam region.7 Co-locations like Interxion opening of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) but also hyper-scale data centres like Google and in Amsterdam in March 201913. The Netherlands Microsoft are well established and various new data represents an ideal market for first-presence and centres are being built over the coming years8. scaling-up in mainland Europe, from which a European export strategy can be grown. The culture Ranked number one in the world for overall logistics is direct and early-adopting which makes for shorter performance9, the Netherlands is home to world- sale cycles, reducing client risk.
    [Show full text]
  • No. 1168 BELGIUM, DENMARK, FRANCE, IRELAND, ITALY
    No. 1168 BELGIUM, DENMARK, FRANCE, IRELAND, ITALY, LUXEMBOURG, NETHERLANDS, NORWAY, SWEDEN and UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND Statute of the Council of Europe. Signed at London, on 5 May 1949 Official texts: English and French. Registered by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on U April 1951. BELGIQUE, DANEMARK, FRANCE, IRLANDE, ITALIE, LUXEMBOURG, NORVÈGE, PAYS-BAS, ROYAUME-UNI DE GRANDE-BRETAGNE ET D'IRLANDE DU NORD et SUÈDE Statut du Conseil de l'Europe. Signé à Londres, le 5 mai 1949 Textes officiels anglais et fran ais. Enregistr par le Royaume-Uni de Grande-Bretagne et d* Irlande du Nord le II avril 1951. 104 United Nations Treaty Series 1951 No. 1168. STATUTE1 OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE. SIGNED AT LONDON, ON 5 MAY 1949 The Governments of the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of Denmark, the French Republic, the Irish Republic, the Italian Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Sweden and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland : Convinced that the pursuit of peace based upon justice and international co-operation is vital for the preservation of human society and civilisation; Reaffirming their devotion to the spiritual and moral values which are the common heritage of their peoples and the true source of individual freedom, political liberty and the rule of law, principles which form the basis of all genuine democracy; Believing that, for the maintenance and further realisation of these ideals and in
    [Show full text]