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Road Transport Licensing in Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the EU's major logistics hubs. The financial-standing threshold and CPC requirements follow the same EU-wide framework as every member state.

BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements before you commit to anything.

At a glance

Entity
BV (Besloten Vennootschap)
Capital
0.01 EUR — Flex-BV since 2012
Remote formation
Partial — A notarial deed, via remote/video incorporation or a local Power of Attorney
Corporate tax
19% / 25.8% — 25.8% above €200,000
VAT
21%
Registration time
Notary-led

Can a foreign founder actually operate here?

Can a foreigner own the company?
Yes, in all EU member states - foreign ownership of the operating entity is not restricted.
Is a local director or resident required?
No director-residency requirement for company formation itself, but the designated transport manager must be based in the Netherlands.
Is a notary required to incorporate?
Yes - a notarial deed is required for company formation here.
Is a local transport manager required?
Yes - EU rules require a designated transport manager with a valid CPC, based in the member state of establishment.
Can incorporation be completed remotely?
Company formation requires a notarial deed, via remote/video incorporation or a local Power of Attorney; the transport manager role and CPC registration require an in-country presence.
Where does the CPC/Community License application go?
Contact us for the current issuing authority and application details for the Netherlands.

Steps to obtain the Community License

  1. Register your transport company

    Formally register a company suitable for road transport activity in your country of establishment.

  2. Meet the financial standing threshold

    Demonstrate the EU-required capital — €9,000 for the first vehicle, €5,000 for each additional vehicle over 3.5 tonnes.

  3. Get your transport manager's CPC

    Complete an accredited CPC training program and pass the exam — the certificate is typically valid for 5 years.

  4. Prove good repute

    A criminal record check for the company and its managing staff, with no serious transport offenses on record.

  5. Apply to the national transport authority

    We confirm the exact national authority and current application fee for your specific case before you apply.

  6. Receive your Community License

    Once approved, the license is valid for 10 years and allows both international EU transport and cabotage.

What it costs

Government fees

Financial standing (first vehicle)
€9,000 — plus €5,000 per additional vehicle - EU-wide formula
Community License application fee
Ask us for the current figure for your case.
BIZ TRP fees
Route confirmation & application support
Ask us for a quote — from €120/hour

Company formation is not a transport licence

Registering a BV (Besloten Vennootschap) in Netherlands does not, by itself, give you the right to operate commercial road transport. The Community License, the transport manager's CPC, and financial standing are separate requirements on top of company formation - all four are needed together.

Ready to set up transport operations in Netherlands?

BIZ TRP confirms the real requirements for your Netherlands transport company — formation, licensing, and financial standing, together.

Talk to us about Netherlands transport licensing Email us

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