Navigating VAT in the Netherlands

This guide provides an overview of VAT in the Netherlands, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within the Netherlands.

Last Updated: January 2026
Group 427320837 e1763784339445

The Netherlands was an early adopter of e-invoicing VAT compliance across government contracts.

The Netherlands at a glance.

Standard rate

21% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 21%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Zero-rated items

Exports and intra-Community supplies of goods

VAT format

NL followed by 12 characters)(NL followed by 9 digits, which are then followed by a B and two more digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-EU businesses needing import VAT deferment (Article 23 license)

Reclaiming VAT in the Netherlands.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in the Netherlands may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
Non-reclaimable
Accommodation
21%
Food, drink & restaurant services
Non-reclaimable
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
21%
Fuel
21%
Public Transport
9%
Taxis
9%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
21%
Training courses & seminars
21%
Goods
21%
Inter-company charges
21%
Office expenses
21%
Marketing costs
21%
Professional fees & AP invoices
21%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in the Netherlands.

Doing business in the Netherlands? You’ll need to play by the EU VAT directives and local Dutch regulations.

Who needs to register?

Businesses that meet the threshold must register, while those below it may opt in voluntarily under the Dutch VAT Act.

VAT registration in the Netherlands
VAT filing deadlines in the Netherlands

Monthly

The return must be filed by the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period, together with full payment

Quarterly

The return must be filed by the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period, together with full payment

Annual

The return must be filed by the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period, together with full payment

VAT payment deadlines in the Netherlands

Monthly

The return must be filed by the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period, together with full payment

Quarterly

The return must be filed by the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period, together with full payment

Annual

The return must be filed by the last day of the month following the end of the reporting period, together with full payment

Digital services in scope
Things to note

The Netherlands follows the EU’s ESS VAT rules. Businesses providing digital services (e.g., website hosting, software, digital media) must apply the VAT rate based on the consumer’s location, often utilizing the OSS system for cross-border services.

e-invoicing in the Netherlands.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

No

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

From 1 July 2030

B2B e-Invoicing model

N/A

Name of exchange infrastructure

Peppol, Digipoort

Format(s) used

NL CIUS, SI-UBL, Peppol BIS 3.0

FAQs

Most business expenses are generally claimable in a Netherlands VAT refund, except for the following non-claimable expenses: Food, drink and restaurant services, entertainment expenses and vehicle hire in excess of 30 days. It should also be noted that vehicle expenses (other than fuel) is typically only 84% claimable, unless the claimant can prove that the vehicle was used exclusively for business purposes.

Original copies are not required for a Netherlands VAT refund, and photocopies may be submitted.

Quarterly Netherlands VAT refunds under both the 8th Directive and 13th Directive should exceed EUR 400.00. Annual Netherlands VAT refunds under both the 8th Directive and 13th Directiva should exceed EUR 50.00.

Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

Related content.