United Kingdom vs Netherlands
The United Kingdom is £540 cheaper in year 1 and £155 a year cheaper after that.
| United KingdomPrivate limited company (Ltd) | NetherlandsPrivate limited company (BV) | |
|---|---|---|
| Costs | ||
| Minimum, year 1 | £170 | £710 |
| Minimum, per year after | £50 | £205 |
| Typical year 1 | £1,510 | £3,283 |
| Government fee | £100£100 online | £75€85.15 KVK registration |
| Indirect setup | £20–300 | £430–1,440 |
| Running per year | £50–2,600 | £205–4,340 |
| Share capital | £1 | €0.01 |
| Rules | ||
| Directors | No local director | No local director |
| Remote setup | Fully remoteDirectors must verify their ID with Companies House. | Through a providerNeeds a notarial deed. You can sign by power of attorney. |
| Audit | No audit for small companies | No audit for small companies |
| Time to form | 1 to 2 days | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Ease for foreign owners | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Tax and banking | ||
| Corporation tax | 19% / 25%25%, or 19% on profit under £50k. | 19% / 25.8%19% up to €200k profit, 25.8% above. |
| Dividend withholding | None | 15% dividend withholding, often 0% for EU parents. |
| VAT / GST | 20% | 21% |
| Banking | 3/5High street banks often refuse non-residents. Wise, Revolut, Airwallex and Tide usually work. | 2/5Dutch banks want local presence. Checks are slow for non-residents. |
| All company setup fees in the United Kingdom | All company setup fees in the Netherlands | |
Questions
Is the United Kingdom cheaper than the Netherlands for company setup?
Yes. The United Kingdom costs at least £170 in year 1, against £710 for the Netherlands.
Which is cheaper to run each year?
The United Kingdom, at least £50 a year against £205 for the Netherlands.
Which needs a local director?
Neither. You can run a company in either without a local director.
Which is faster to set up?
The United Kingdom, in 1 to 2 days. The Netherlands takes 1 to 2 weeks.
How does corporation tax compare?
The United Kingdom: 25%, or 19% on profit under £50k. The Netherlands: 19% up to €200k profit, 25.8% above.
Sources: Companies House · PwC · KVK · Belastingdienst · Intercompany Solutions