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Netherlands

EU memberCurrency: EUR

The Netherlands is a premium logistics hub (Rotterdam, Schiphol) with high wages and strong demand.

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Register the company

  • Form a BV (no minimum capital since 2012) or an eenmanszaak; register at the KvK (Chamber of Commerce).
  • Obtain the Eurovergunning (Community Licence) via NIWO.

Carrier licence (Community Licence)

  • EU Community Licence under Regulations (EC) 1071/2009 & 1072/2009, required for hire-or-reward haulage > 3.5t (and ≥ 2.5t in international transport since 2022).
  • Granted once the company meets four conditions: stable establishment, good repute, financial standing, and a transport manager holding the CPC.
  • Certified copies are issued per vehicle and must be carried on board.

Certificate of Professional Competence

  • A designated transport manager must hold the Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) — pass the national exam or hold an exempting diploma/experience.
  • One transport manager can manage the fleet (subject to a maximum number of vehicles and being genuinely linked to the company).

Financial standing

  • Proof of financial standing: €9,000 for the first vehicle and €5,000 for each additional vehicle (> 3.5t).
  • For vans 2.5–3.5t in international transport: €1,800 first vehicle, €900 each additional.
  • Shown via annual accounts, a bank guarantee or insurance.

Taxes & VAT

  • Corporate tax 19% up to a threshold, then 25.8%. VAT (BTW) 21%.
  • Diesel VAT deductible.

Drivers & social charges

  • Employer charges ~20%; wages are among the highest in the region.

Insurance

  • WA — compulsory motor liability.
  • Casco — own damage.
  • Vervoerdersaansprakelijkheid (AVC) — carrier liability.
  • CMR — international cargo.

Tolls

  • No general motorway toll today; Eurovignette applies for heavy vehicles, and German/Belgian Maut on crossing the border.
  • A national truck toll (vrachtwagenheffing) is planned — verify current status.

Cabotage

  • After an incoming international delivery: up to 3 cabotage operations within 7 days in the host country.
  • Then a 4-day cooling-off period before further cabotage with the same vehicle in that country (EU Mobility Package).
  • Carry proof (CMR) of the incoming international load and each cabotage leg.

Driving & rest rules

  • Regulation (EC) 561/2006: max 9h daily driving (10h twice a week); 56h weekly and 90h per fortnight.
  • 45-min break after 4.5h of driving; 11h daily rest (reducible to 9h, max 3×/week); 45h weekly rest.
  • Digital tachograph mandatory; the EU Mobility Package adds return-home and posting rules.

Country specifics

  • Dense, efficient network around Rotterdam — strong for container and intermodal work.
  • The upcoming vrachtwagenheffing will add a per-km road charge.

General guidance for beginners — rules and figures change. Always verify with official sources and a local advisor. Not legal, tax or accounting advice.