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International agreements and obligations

It will come as no surprise that international growth involves more than just Dutch rules and regulations. But how do you make sure you have the correct registration and documentation and pay tax in the right country? What about the social security position of employees, VAT and customs obligations, and transfer pricing? Doing business abroad means keeping an eye on international rules and developments. The advisors at Baker Tilly work closely with local advisors from our worldwide Baker Tilly International network to ensure your questions are addressed quickly. 

This page contains information about outbound growth: expanding abroad from the Netherlands. If you are looking for information on expansion to the Netherlands from abroad, please read more about inbound growth here.

Prevention of double taxation

Doing business abroad often has tax implications. You will often face tax legislation of another country. Sometimes multiple countries may wish to levy taxes on your income or assets simultaneously. The Netherlands has concluded a large number of tax treaties to prevent double taxation wherever possible. These treaties specify which of the two countries may actually levy taxes, and to what extent. But how do tax treaties work and how do they help to prevent double taxation? Our advisors explain.  

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Social security and working abroad

If your employees work abroad, you need to be crystal clear about their social security position, even in cases of temporary deployment abroad. Where is your staff covered for social security purposes? How can you prevent having to pay premiums in multiple countries? What else should you bear in mind when personnel work in another country, either temporarily or long-term? Our specialists discuss a number of important points in relation to social security for cross-border employment. 

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Customs formalities and exportation

If your business is involved in international trade, you may well deliver goods abroad. If this includes transportation from the Netherlands to non-EU countries, pay close attention. The moment the goods leave the EU customs territory, this is considered exportation. What kind of customs obligations does this involve, and what mistakes do we occasionally see being made? Our experts explain the steps involved in exportation and discuss several important points of attention. 

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What is transfer pricing? 

There are various ways to structure your international business. You could supply goods or services abroad directly from the Netherlands. Or you could start a foreign branch to do business with foreign customers. In that case, you will need to determine an arm’s length price for the transactions between the Dutch business and the foreign fixed establishment or legal form. This allows you to determine which portion of the profits are taxable in the Netherlands and which portion in the other country. Profit allocation and intragroup transactions can be calculated using transfer pricing.    

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International business in practice

''For those businesses that obtain sound advice beforehand, VAT doesn’t need to stand in the way of international growth!'' 

Many entrepreneurs involved in trade and international businesses see VAT and customs obligations as a burden. International VAT specialist Marisa Hut shares her insights on VAT abroad, importation, customs and trade. 

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Contact us

Do you have any questions about the topics on this page? Or would you like to know more about our services and how we can support your international ambitions? Leave your details here and one of our advisors will contact you!