New business registrations rise in Q2 2026, with regional differences
Starting your own business is popular. The number of new businesses increased in ten of the twelve Dutch provinces in the second quarter of 2026. Compared with the same period in 2025, the Chamber of Commerce recorded 4.8% more new business registrations nationwide. In addition, 9.2% fewer businesses ceased trading than a year earlier. There were also fewer bankruptcies.
On 30 June, the Netherlands had over 2.6 million registered establishments. However, entrepreneurial activity is not equally strong throughout the country. There are clear regional differences.
Strongest growth in Drenthe and Groningen
Groningen and Drenthe recorded the strongest increase in new business registrations, at 14% and 12% respectively compared with the same quarter a year earlier. New business registrations fell by 2% in Zeeland and Noord-Brabant. Noord-Holland recorded 43 new businesses per 10,000 residents, followed by Zuid-Holland and Flevoland with 35. Drenthe recorded 23 per 10,000 residents.
Strong percentage growth can therefore coincide with a relatively low number of new businesses per resident. Figures per 10,000 residents account for population differences, while growth percentages compare new business registrations with an earlier period. Zuid-Holland accounted for 24% of all new business registrations and Noord-Holland for 23%. Nationwide, 79% of those starting a business were self-employed without employees.
Fewer closures than a year earlier
Business closures were 9.2% lower than in the same quarter of 2025. Closure is not the same as bankruptcy: entrepreneurs may stop for other reasons. Closures per 10,000 residents fell in every province. Flevoland and Drenthe recorded the strongest declines, at 17% and 15% respectively. Noord-Holland had the highest number of closures per 10,000 residents and Drenthe the lowest.
Bankruptcies fell from 932 to 813, a decrease of 12.8%.
Business services account for the largest share
Specialist business services accounted for the largest share of new business registrations, at 17%, followed by trade at 14% and construction at 11%. A large share of new business registrations does not automatically mean that new business registrations in that sector are increasing. Trade, for example, accounted for many new businesses even though the number fell compared with a year earlier.
Quarterly figures describe developments but do not, by themselves, establish their causes.
Are you planning to start a business?
If you are considering becoming an entrepreneur, good preparation is essential. Investigate whether your business has a realistic chance of success, taking demand and competition into account. Think about the legal structure too, because changing it later can involve extra administration. Are you starting as a self-employed professional without employees? You may want to hold off renting business premises.
This can help keep your costs down. If you would rather not use your home address as your company’s business address, you can use a virtual office. With an agreement in place, you can use a business postal address for correspondence. Hiding the visiting address must be arranged separately with the KvK and depends on your legal structure and circumstances.
If you are starting a business, you may not want to rent your own office straight away but still want to work away from home occasionally. Our virtual office is based at real premises where you can rent workspace. This lets you alternate between working from home and working in an office. Ask us about availability and rates.
