I want to set up a food truck business in the Netherlands

food truck business

Question:

What are the key steps for setting up a sole proprietorship food truck business in the Netherlands, starting with just one truck and no employees?

Answer:

It can make sense to set up a sole proprietorship (often called ZZP or eenmanszaak). Once your business grows you can simply transfer the eenmanszaak/ZZP into a new BV, so you still keep the track record of what you have done in your eenmanszaak. Happy to help you once you arrive at that point.
As a one-man company / ZZP and from what I understand you are doing, you could consider the following things:

Registration of eenmanszaak

You need to be a resident of the Netherlands in order to register an eenmanszaak. You can make an appointment at the chamber of commerce here.

Registration costs 81 euros.

  • You will make an appointment for registration by logging in through the link above. Go to your local kvk and register the company.
  • With the kvk number you can open a bank account. 
  • After registration, you will automatically apply for a VAT number at the tax authorities. 

Business Licences License requirements vary by municipality. Apply for a Market Trader’s Licence (standplaatsvergunning) from your local municipal authority. Check specific requirements with event organizers, which may include assortment, payment types, commission, safety, and liability measures.

Bank account

There are several bank you could contact to open a bank account for your company:

More information on opening a business bank account in this guide.

Legal compliance & Business Licences

There could be some legal documents that are wise to have. You can find an overview here. Please contact me for more advice about this.

  • License requirements vary by municipality.
  • Apply for a Market Trader’s Licence (standplaatsvergunning) from your local municipal authority.
  • Check specific requirements with event organizers, which may include assortment, payment types, commission, safety, and liability measures.

Food Safety and Hygiene

Adhere to HACCP guidelines. More information here.

Procure hygiene code from Horeca Nederland.

More info here.

Admin services

We can make you a quote for doing your administration and tax returns. You can find all the information in this guide. Or you can request a quote here.

Insurance for a ZZP

Most self-employed entrepreneurs in the Netherlands should take out liability insurance, but depending on your situation, also other specific insurances can be wise. Our insurance partner can make sure you take out the right insurance(s).

Follow this link to get a quote (you need to be registered with the kvk). There are several other insurance providers for small businesses such as Yezzer and Insify.

Contact us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get in touch

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Related countries

In this guideToggle Table of Content

Contact us

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Industries

Best Countries for Your Film Business Expansion in 2025

The global film industry continues its upward trajectory, with the movies and…

Legal Requirements, Logistics & Operations, Quick Notes, Transport & Logistics

Foreign Vehicle Agreements and Dutch Transport Licenses

Case Study: Romanian “Comodat” vs. Dutch Requirements A recent client inquiry highlighted an important consideration for transport entrepreneurs using foreign vehicle arrangements while operating a Dutch company. The Scenario Our Finding Important: A foreign “comodat” (loan for use) agreement is generally not sufficient to meet Dutch…

Compliance & Operations, Legal Requirements, Quick Notes

Legal Representation Requirements for Non-EU Food Supplement Sellers

Challenge A Canadian entrepreneur wants to sell vitamin gummies through Instagram across multiple EU countries. They plan to set up a French entity and use the One-Stop Shop (OSS) for VAT compliance while expanding to Italy and Spain. Their main concern is finding a legal representative…

Funding, Quick Notes, Subsidies & Government Grants

DHI Subsidy: Financial Support for International Entrepreneurs Expanding from the Netherlands

As an international entrepreneur based in the Netherlands ready for your next growth phase, the DHI subsidy scheme provides concrete support for your expansion plans. This subsidy helps SMEs introduce their technologies, products, or services to foreign markets. What is the DHI Subsidy? The DHI subsidy…

Funding, Quick Notes, Startups

MIT R&D AI Collaboration Projects Grant Now Open for Applications

The MIT R&D Collaboration Projects for Artificial Intelligence (AI) grant program is now open for applications. This subsidy is specifically designed for collaborating SMEs that are developing innovative AI solutions or enhancing existing products, processes, or services through AI implementation. Key Requirements To qualify for this…

Compliance & Operations, Work Permits

Employer of Record (EOR) in Norway in 2025

Norway’s allure for ambitious SMEs goes beyond its breathtaking landscapes. A thriving…

Thomas

Thomas is the founder of NordicHQ. Get in touch