Checklist How to Become a Digital Nomad? Practical Guide for Aspiring Nomads!
Previously, I wrote a blog about a postal address in the Netherlands that you need to become a digital nomad. But how do you actually become a digital nomad? This at least means that you work from abroad. Although, you can also be a digital nomad in the Netherlands. I often travel abroad myself, but in recent months they have needed me so much in the Netherlands that I spend most of my time traveling within the Netherlands. But beware if you are only traveling abroad, this may affect how you are registered with the Chamber of Commerce (KVK), the municipality, and the Tax Authorities. In this step-by-step guide, we explain what changes and how you can prepare.
Check what happens with your registration at the Chamber of Commerce
Are you temporarily going abroad to work there? Or do you want to emigrate? Then this may affect how you are registered with the Chamber of Commerce. It depends on your personal situation whether or not you remain registered in the Chamber of Commerce's Trade Register. If you have a BV, that's not the biggest problem, but with a sole proprietorship or partnership, you really need to pay attention.
Are you still working in the Netherlands?
If you travel to the Netherlands regularly for work, you do not need to deregister from the Chamber of Commerce. Are you unsure how often you need to be in the Netherlands for work? Then contact the Chamber of Commerce.
Are you no longer doing business in the Netherlands?
If you are no longer working in the Netherlands and do not have a business address, you must deregister from the Chamber of Commerce. This must be done within 7 days before you emigrate. Even if you still have Dutch clients, you must be regularly in the Netherlands to remain registered. The Chamber of Commerce can check this in various ways, such as mail that is returned or information from the municipality and Tax Authorities. We can ensure that you have and maintain a business address in the Netherlands. We forward all the mail you receive, and we can even answer the phone for you.
It may also be that your foreign company has clients in the Netherlands, while you are not registered with the Chamber of Commerce. Check in the country you are moving to whether you need to register in that country's Trade Register.
How long are you going abroad?
Are you going to work abroad for less than half a year? Then it might be convenient to remain registered with the Chamber of Commerce. However, there are conditions attached to this:
- You must have good reasons why you want to keep your company in the Netherlands. For example, because you have many regular clients here or still perform activities. You must have a fixed business address in the Netherlands, not a PO box. You can register your company at the address of family or friends, but you will need permission. We can arrange this for you without bothering anyone else. All mail will then arrive at you via our digital platform. Request a quotation via www.addbusinesspoint.nl/offerte-aanvragen-definitief/
www.addbusinesspoint.nl/offerte-aanvragen-definitief/
Check whether you need to deregister from the municipality
If you live outside the Netherlands for more than 8 months a year, you must deregister from the municipality. This also applies if these months are spread throughout the year. The municipality will then remove your data from the Personal Records Database (BRP). Make sure to change your address if it changes.
As a digital nomad, you often don't have a fixed residential address, for example, because you live and travel in a camper van. You do need a fixed residential address for registration with the Chamber of Commerce. How this can be arranged depends on your situation. You can arrange this, for example, via www.ikwileenpostadres.nl
Arrange your tax matters
If you are emigrating, the Tax Authorities will automatically be notified of your deregistration from the municipality and the Chamber of Commerce.
Do you no longer live in the Netherlands, but still supply goods or services to Dutch clients from another country? Then the Tax Authorities view you as a foreign entrepreneur for VAT purposes. You will then need to file returns for turnover tax and possibly also pay VAT in the Netherlands.
Are you temporarily working abroad and remaining registered with the Chamber of Commerce? Then you must file taxes in the Netherlands for income tax and VAT. This also applies if you work for a foreign client.
It's important to verify whether your client is truly an entrepreneur. If it later turns out not to be the case, you might encounter issues with the Tax Authorities. Therefore, check your client's VAT identification number through the European Commission's VIES system.
You might have to file taxes in two countries, but that doesn't mean you pay double taxes on the same income. There are tax treaties between countries that determine which country taxes certain income.
If you don't have a fixed residence and are traveling, you will encounter different fiscal rules in different countries. For this reason, discuss your situation with a tax advisor to avoid financial risks.
Check local laws and regulations
As a digital nomad, you will deal with laws and regulations in the country where you will be working. On https://www.rvo.nl/, you can find more information on trade legislation, sectors, marketing, payment traffic, and subsidies per country.
Arrange your insurances
If you are going to work abroad, this will affect your social insurances like AOW, disability, healthcare, and unemployment. On UWV.nl, you can read whether you are insured for social security abroad. This depends on the country you are working in.
If you are traveling with your camper van, you must also insure it properly. You are required to have liability insurance (WA or WAM) for your camper. This insures you if you cause damage to others while driving. You can also take out additional insurance for your camper.
Check whether you need a visa and work permit
If you work outside the EU, you usually need a visa and work permit. For information on this, you can contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to go to.
Within the EU, you do not need a visa to work, but you must be able to show an identity card or passport. Note: a driver's license is not always valid as identification abroad.
In short, there are many things to consider. I have a lot of experience with this process and can certainly provide you with valuable information. Do you want to take the step as a digital nomad abroad? Let me know what you plan to do, and I will help you on your way.
Florentijn van den Bos
Chief Flexwork Officer 😉