Relatively little time needed to start a business in the Netherlands

Compared with most countries, it takes a relatively short time to start up a business in the Netherlands. How much time and how many procedures it takes to start up a business is indicative of the extent to which entrepreneurs are hampered by bureaucracy. The infographics ‘Starting a new business’ illustrates this for 20 reference countries, including the Netherlands.

Number of days needed to start up a business

New businesses can start quickly in the Netherlands

New businesses can be started in less time than in most other countries. It took an average 10 days to start a business in the Netherlands in 2008. This  is nearly the same length of time as in 2003. In Spain it took an average of 47 days to set up a business while an entrepreneur in Australia can start doing business after 2 days. In most countries, the time needed to comply with all the relevant formalities decreased between 2003 and 2008. Canada is the only exception.

Number of procedures to be fulfilled to start a business

Number of procedures in the Netherlands about average

In none of the countries has the number of procedures to be fulfilled before someone can start a business risen. These include only procedures that are required for all new enterprises. Procedures specific to a certain sector or branch of industry are not included. In 2008 the number of procedures needed in the Netherlands was about average compared with the other reference countries. This average position remains unchanged from 2003.

Shortest time and lowest threshold in Canada and Australia

The number of days it takes to start a new business in combination with the number of procedures involved make Canada and Australia the most attractive places to start up a business. Belgium and Denmark are also relatively favourable in this respect.

Marcel van Wijk