Working in the Netherlands



Working in the Netherlands

Borderless residency for entrepreneurs

International business is becoming borderless. European companies are finding new regions and tech hubs in which to start up, many of which have low rents, good quality of life, and a well-educated, highly experienced workforce.

European governments are doing all they can to create the very best environment for entrepreneurs. The Estonian government has gone even further – its e-residency is redefining what citizenship means in a digital world, whilst the Portuguese government has made Lisbon one of the globe’s most attractive places to start a tech company, including significant tax breaks for investments in the sector.

 

The e-Residency programme launched by the Government of Estonia

 

 

 The Republic of Estonia is the first country to offer e-Residency – a transnational secure digital identity available to everybody in the world interested in running a location independent international business online.

  • E-residents can:
    • Establish and administer a company online
    • Conduct banking online, e.g. make electronic bank transfers
    • Have access to international payment service providers like Paypal, Braintree, etc
    • Digitally sign documents (e.g. annual reports, contracts) within the company as well as with external partners
    • Declare Estonian taxes online

All of this can be done in a cost-efficient and hassle-free way, without the need to hire any local director or representative (unless you want to, of course).

  • E-residents receive a smart ID-card (eID) which enables secure digital authentication and the digital signing of documents. The digital signature and authentication are legally equal to handwritten signatures and face-to-face identification in Estonia and between partners upon agreement anywhere around the world.
  • e-Residency card is not a physical ID-card or a travel document as it has no photo. Also, e-Residency does not entail citizenship, tax residency, residence permit or rights of entry to Estonia or the EU.
  • Estonians have been using a secure state-issued digital identity and digital services for over a decade Our country is nicknamed e-Estonia, as we have become one of world’s most advanced digital societies. By providing e-Residency and opening up our services globally, Estonia is now moving toward the idea of a country without borders.
  • The Estonian government launched e-Residency to make Estonia bigger: to grow their digital economy and market with new customers, there-by sparking innovation and attracting new investments. In addition, e-Residency makes life and business easier and more efficient for everybody who already have a business or other relation to Estonia.

 

Andre Beukes LLM

Andre Beukes LLM

André Beukes is an EU Management Consultant to international companies doing business in Europe. He provides clients with practical business support that makes a real difference doing business in the EU. “Put simply, I am here to help you meet your challenges. I believe in the importance of doing things correctly, meaning risks are reduced and problems are avoided.”

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