Key takeaways
- In principle, you need a Chamber of Commerce registration for a for-profit webshop.
- There is a one-time registration fee and you will immediately receive your VAT number.
- Hobby and incidental sales sometimes fall outside the Chamber of Commerce obligation.
- Are you in doubt? Check the criteria of the Chamber of Commerce and Tax Authorities.
You want to sell something through a webshop, but you're wondering: do I have to register with the Chamber of Commerce right away, or can I just start and see how things go? It's one of the first hurdles for starters — and luckily the answer is clearer than you think.
In short: as soon as you sell structurally and for profit, you must register. You don't have to sell your old stuff once, but a real webshop does. In this guide you can read exactly where the limit is, how to register, what it costs and what your registration will bring you.
Hobby or business? Where is the border?
The Tax Authorities and the Chamber of Commerce check whether you run a business. You are probably an entrepreneur if:
- you regularly offer and sell products;
- you want to make a profit (profit objective);
- you present yourself as a company — with a webshop, advertisements, a brand name.
If you sell some stuff from the attic on a one-off basis, that is not a business. If you open an online store to sell on a structural basis, registration is required — even if you start small or do it alongside your job. “First see if it works” without registration is possible for a short test phase, but as soon as there are real, repeat sales, you have to arrange it.
How do you register?
For most starters, a sole proprietorship is the logical form. This is how it goes:
- Make an appointment online at the Chamber of Commerce and complete the registration form.
- Choose your trade name (your webshop name) and your activities — for a webshop this is “retail trade via the internet” (an SBI code).
- Confirm your registration during a short appointment and pay the one-off registration fee.
- You will immediately receive a Chamber of Commerce number; your data will automatically be forwarded to the Tax Authorities.
You don't need any start-up capital, shareholders or notary. You will be registered within a day.
Sole proprietorship or private limited company?
A sole proprietorship is the right starting point for almost every starter: fast, cheap and with access to entrepreneurial deductions. The disadvantage is that you are privately liable for debts.
A BV protects your private assets better, but costs more to set up and maintain (notary, annual accounts, more administration). This only becomes interesting when there is serious turnover or liability risk — not at the start. Start as a sole proprietorship; you can always convert to a BV later.
What do you get from your registration?
- A Chamber of Commerce number — required to open a business account and link a payment provider (for iDEAL).
- A VAT identification number from the Tax Authorities — see VAT and tax for your webshop.
- Access to entrepreneurial deductions such as the self-employed and starters deduction, provided you meet the conditions.
- The ability to deduct business expenses.
Mandatory on your webshop: show your details
As a registered company, you must show your company details: your trade name, Chamber of Commerce number, VAT identification number and contact details. Put them in your footer or on a separate page. It is legally required and it inspires confidence among buyers — an online store without visible data looks unreliable.
And after that? The first things you arrange
With your Chamber of Commerce number in your pocket, you can arrange:
- a business bank account (useful to separate private and business);
- your VAT and a rhythm for the declaration;
- a simple administration or accounting package — see administration for your webshop as a self-employed person.
Frequently asked questions
Can I test first without registration?
A short test phase without real sales is possible, but as soon as you sell structurally for profit you must be registered.
How much does a Chamber of Commerce registration cost?
A one-off registration amount that the Chamber of Commerce determines annually. After that, you no longer pay an annual Chamber of Commerce contribution.
Do I need a sole proprietorship or limited company?
A sole proprietorship is sufficient for almost every starter: fast, cheap and with entrepreneurial benefits. You should consider a BV if there is higher turnover or risk.
Will I automatically receive a VAT number?
Yes. The Tax Authorities will assess your registration and send you VAT details.
Do I also have to register if I start alongside my job?
Yes, part-time business for profit is also subject to the registration requirement.
What must be mandatory in my webshop?
Your trade name, Chamber of Commerce number, VAT identification number and contact details — visible in your footer or on a separate page.
Get started
Register as a sole proprietorship, open a business account and arrange your VAT. That is actually step two of the complete step-by-step plan for starting an online store. If you sell as a self-employed person, also read the best webshop for self-employed people for the business side.
Further reading
administration for your webshop as a self-employed person
