Sometimes it happens that someone has not yet started his company, but already needs a Chamber of Commerce number. Because even for preparatory actions, such as renting a building, applying for permits or purchasing a collection in advance, you cannot ignore a Chamber of Commerce number. After going through the steps below, you will know exactly what to do if you need a Chamber of Commerce number while you have not yet started.
When to pre-register?
You want to start a restaurant, open a clothing store or work as a hairdresser or nail stylist. Then you have to arrange a lot. Such as applying for permits, purchasing goods and signing a lease, acquisition contract, purchase agreement, franchise contract or financing agreement. You usually need a Chamber of Commerce number for this. Fortunately, that doesn’t have to be a problem. You can already register with the Chamber of Commerce in this preparation phase.
Do realize that you are seen as a company from the moment you register. So you are already an official entrepreneur, while your door is not yet open to customers.
Important: Because you formally start a company, you must also file a VAT return (turnover tax) with the Tax Authorities. Even if there is no turnover yet (zero declaration).
Signing a rental contract without a Chamber of Commerce registration
Normally you register your company a week before or after the start of your business activities. But do you need a Chamber of Commerce number to sign a rental contract? Then we can provide a suitable solution. You then provisionally register at your private address. We include the future visiting address in the company description with the statement: preparatory actions for starting a …
NB: So you are officially starting, but not yet from the business premises. Documentary evidence is required for registration, for example a letter of intent from the lessor, estate agent or intermediary of the business premises.
This is how you arrange your registration at the Chamber of Commerce
Complete the registration form digitally and make an appointment online at one of the Chamber of Commerce offices. You need a valid proof of identity and immediately pay the registration costs of 75 euros. Check in advance which documents you need to bring with you and which conditions they must meet. Also think carefully about your company description. The company description indicates which activities you actually do as an entrepreneur. Based on your company description, the Chamber of Commerce employee will determine a suitable SBI code together with you. This code is used by government agencies, trade associations, pension funds, banks and insurance companies.
Important! In all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to submit the original rental contract digitally to the Chamber of Commerce once it has been signed by both parties (tenant and landlord). The company description (and perhaps other matters) must also be adjusted. You do this via an online change form. We will then adjust the registration so that the correct information appears on the extract.
Take over/lease company
When taking over or leasing a company, we register you in your own name. We only add the trade name once everything has been finalized and contracts have been signed.
Tip
Are you in the preparatory phase of entrepreneurship and is that what you are going to do taxed with turnover tax (VAT)? Then you can reclaim the VAT on costs and investments from the Tax and Customs Administration.