When you operate in both the Netherlands and Germany, you have to deal with different VAT rates and the legislation that goes with it. Now the legislation of one country is already difficult, but when you have to take into account two countries, it is useful to know when you as an entrepreneur on the German market need to have a VAT number
First of all, you need to apply for a VAT number if you are going to store or have stock in Germany, such as through Amazon FBA.
You may also need to have VAT registration when the company sells from the Netherlands to Germany. As of July 1, 2021, new VAT regulations are in effect. When you sell goods directly from a country like the Netherlands to an individual in another country, you may face a VAT registration requirement. There is a joint threshold amount of €10,000 turnover in sales to individuals in other countries.
Example: if in a calendar year you sell €6,000 euros to Belgium and €4,000 in Germany, you will have exceeded the threshold amount for the next sale. If you do not sign up for the One Stop Shop, you have a VAT registration requirement in each country to which the distance sales go.
You will have a personal point of contact for tax questions and doing VAT returns in Germany. You will be guided through the process, because going abroad is a big step and VAT is very complex for many. So you are supported to avoid negative consequences such as fines and lawsuits. This is because in Germany, as "Geschäftsführer" you are directly liable for mistakes in VAT. This means that in the worst case, you have to answer personally to the judge. Therefore, it is good to find the right partner to reduce the risks of negative consequences.
Did you know that we can also help you apply for a German phone number or return address?
Our partner helps to correctly declare the sales in the VAT returns. Amazon is a tricky platform for some to understand on an administrative level. It may happen that you have unintentionally checked an option that makes your stock not only in Germany but also in other countries. This in turn brings consequences with the VAT registration requirement in these countries. Through the Dexport partner network, your data will not just be run through an automated program to have the turnover calculated. The files will always be personally reviewed and you will be informed of any points of attention.
It is quite normal for the German tax authorities to ask questions about VAT registration obligations and VAT returns filed in Germany. Our network has direct lines of communication with the responsible officials of the Finanzamten, the local German tax authorities, throughout Germany. This allows us to engage directly with various contacts to resolve ambiguities with the Finanzamt.
First of all, you need to apply for a VAT number if you are going to store or have stock in Germany, such as through Amazon FBA.
You may also need to have VAT registration when the company sells from the Netherlands to Germany. As of July 1, 2021, new VAT regulations are in effect. When you sell goods directly from a country like the Netherlands to an individual in another country, you may face a VAT registration requirement. There is a joint threshold amount of €10,000 turnover in sales to individuals in other countries.
Example: if in a calendar year you sell €6,000 euros to Belgium and €4,000 in Germany, you will have exceeded the threshold amount for the next sale. If you do not sign up for the One Stop Shop, you have a VAT registration requirement in each country to which the distance sales go.
You will have a personal point of contact for tax questions and doing VAT returns in Germany. You will be guided through the process, because going abroad is a big step and VAT is very complex for many. So you are supported to avoid negative consequences such as fines and lawsuits. This is because in Germany, as "Geschäftsführer" you are directly liable for mistakes in VAT. This means that in the worst case, you have to answer personally to the judge. Therefore, it is good to find the right partner to reduce the risks of negative consequences.
Our partner helps to correctly declare the sales in the VAT returns. Amazon is a tricky platform for some to understand on an administrative level. It may happen that you have unintentionally checked an option that makes your stock not only in Germany but also in other countries. This in turn brings consequences with the VAT registration requirement in these countries. Through the Dexport partner network, your data will not just be run through an automated program to have the turnover calculated. The files will always be personally reviewed and you will be informed of any points of attention.
It is quite normal for the German tax authorities to ask questions about VAT registration obligations and VAT returns filed in Germany. Our network has direct lines of communication with the responsible officials of the Finanzamten, the local German tax authorities, throughout Germany. This allows us to engage directly with various contacts to resolve ambiguities with the Finanzamt.
Are you planning to start a German webshop? The German e-commerce market is enormously interesting for international growth strategy because of its proximity and size. However, a larger market also means more competitors and on top of that, German consumers are very critical. They prefer to buy from German webshops and place great value on legal documents and seals of approval. It is therefore important that your webshop has a German look and feel.
To best address this, we have developed the all-in service, dexport Shop Launch. This includes a translation of your shop, adapted to the German market, including hosting of legal documents and a German return address for a local appearance. Extensions such as a German phone number and seal of approval are possible. In some cases, a customized approach is most effective. We advise you to make the right choices.
We take care of hosting your .de domain through a German provider. Should you already have .de hosting or choose to place your German website on a .com/the subdomain, you can of course do so.
There are several advantages to using both a .com and a .de domain for German consumers:
With the AI clone feature, your website will be translated in a smart and efficient way. After cloning your shop, you retain the flexibility to customize each page and add SEO editors, further optimizing findability and performance on the German market.optimize further.
Should you have a preference for a customized German webshop, our consulting team is at your service. We will support you with detailed checklists and expert advice to create a website that is perfectly tailored to the German e-commerce market.
Reliability is the greatest asset for German consumers (also business target group) when making purchases. Listing a German mailing address gives German consumers the feeling of having landed on a reliable and secure German website. Renting a German address is for the appearance of the German look and feel on your website, the German address, together with a German telephone number is a cost-effective way to show that your company is fully geared to the German market.
You can open a branch office in Germany with us by renting a postal address. You will then have a German virtual office (German postal or return address, possibly with telephone number). It is also often possible to get a German bank account with a German postal address. You can list the German address on your website.
In Germany, you have to comply with EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) registration when you put packaging on the market. This means you have to register your packaging through the LUCID platform. You also need WEEE registration if you sell electronics. Through us you can request an instructional email with all the necessary information. In addition, you will receive a discount on joining a Dual System, allowing you to comply with German packaging legislation efficiently and economically.
It is important that your company meets the fiscal and legal requirements. This way you can avoid Abmahnungen (claims) and appear familiar to the German consumer. Thanks to our service and the Dexport partner network, your shop will always be legally up-to-date! In addition to the German general terms and conditions and privacy statement, you also need an Impressum and a Widerrufsbelehrung (right of return) on your site.
With our legal services you are (legally) secure, even if you sell on German marketplaces. We ensure that your website and accompanying documents comply with the strict German consumer law. Moreover, for a modest monthly fee, we host and keep your legal documents always up-to-date.
Required if you put packaging and/or electronics on the German market.
Required if you put packaging and/or electronics on the German market.
Required if you put packaging and/or electronics on the German market.
Our German native marketing specialists realize maximum results for you. Together we look for the next growth opportunities in Germany. The German market offers many growth opportunities
Dexport is the specialized agency with years of experience in the German market. With us, you get full service and the best German marketing team for your brand.
We would like to help you realize your ambitions. Push boundaries together?
Investing in the German market is attractive because of the DACH region, which with 95 million German speakers is the largest sales market in Europe.
NRW (North Rhine-Westphalia): With a population of more than 17 million, it is Germany's most populous state and borders directly on the Netherlands. It is a strategic location for companies looking to reach both Dutch and German customers.
Berlin: Germany's capital city is a vibrant center of innovation, start-ups and culture. Tech, creativity and commerce converge here, making it a hotspot for modern businesses and young consumers.
Bayern: This southern German state is known for its strong economy and high purchasing power, making it an attractive area for luxury brands and products.
Switzerland: With one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, Switzerland offers opportunities for companies targeting consumers with high purchasing power.
Austria: The e-commerce market in Austria is growing rapidly, making it an ideal area for online retailers and companies looking to expand their digital presence.
In short, the DACH region offers various areas, each with its unique opportunities and characteristics for companies that want to target this market.
Germany is a crucial trading partner for the Netherlands and thanks to its proximity, similar culture and efficient logistics, trading is easy. However, it is essential to see Germany as a focus market and tailor your approach accordingly.
To reach German consumers, it is essential to know where they are active and how they make their purchasing decisions. Research shows that 91% of German consumers search via Google, while 73% use social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest. In addition, more than 50% buy on marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, Kaufland and Otto. In addition to these channels, Germans rely heavily on recommendations from friends and use price comparison sites in their orientation.
Given this diversity, it is crucial to have an effective marketing mix that allows you to reach consumers effectively while strengthening your brand. With us, you get the support you need to make the right choices in this complex market. Our specialized team of German marketers converts the chosen strategy into concrete results. It is worth noting that our marketing team has already worked for several leading Dutch B2C brands.
Being successful in B2B marketing for German companies requires a deep understanding of their information search behavior and decision-making processes. German companies often orient themselves through specialized trade fairs, B2B platforms and industry-specific magazines. Also, LinkedIn and XING are crucial business networking platforms in Germany.
A strong online presence is essential, with SEO (search engine optimization) and SEA (search engine advertising) taking center stage. By investing in SEO, you ensure that you can be found organically in search engines, while with SEA you are directly visible to your target audience in relevant searches. It is important that the content is not only technically optimized, but also matches the needs and questions of German companies in terms of content.
Email marketing with relevant content and building personal relationships are essential in German business culture. Success in this market goes beyond a good product; it requires understanding German business etiquette and demonstrating authenticity. Our B2B team offers the expertise to position you effectively and realize your strategy.
To achieve an authentic German look and feel and comply with local regulations, you need to look beyond a simple translation. There are numerous aspects where we can help you optimize your business and website for the German market.
Our experts will help you with your German website optimization and SEO. If you want to get started quickly, you can thanks to our AI technology. We can translate your website into German in no time. In addition, we will help you set up your website in a legally correct way. You can rent all necessary documents from us for a fixed monthly fee. These include the mandatory Impressum, Datenschutze and documents required for distance selling in Germany. We have an extensive network of German tax specialists and lawyers for specific issues. You can contact us for a German (return) address, phone number, support in establishing a GmbH and EPR registration. In addition, you benefit from discounts on mandatory labels. Our partnership with Thuiswinkel e-academy has led to an e-learning, which all new customers receive, to go deeper into the nuances of the German market.
In summary, we offer a holistic approach, from brand communication to legal support, to position you optimally on the German market. Let us be your guide in this important step.
Working with us at Dexport offers numerous benefits. Since 2006, we have been an expert in the market and have built up a full range of services. We have a unique and highly qualified German marketing team with specialists for all essential channels. The expertise we have built up working with fast-growing crossborder companies and well-known brands directly benefits our clients. Thanks to our extensive market reach in the Netherlands, we have exclusive collaborations with partners on legal/tax matters, EPR, labels, German return address and even our own CrossBorder Event. So we always offer you the best solution for your growth phase.
Our process begins with a personal conversation to determine which services best fit your situation and growth ambitions. After this conversation, you will receive a no-obligation quote from us. We value a proactive approach and strive to provide quality services. Once you are a customer, we regularly ask for feedback. This allows us to monitor how satisfied you are and where possible optimization opportunities exist.
info@dexport.nl
088 339 76 78
Groeneweg 23
3981 CK Bunnik
088 339 76 78
info@dexport.nl
Groeneweg 23
3981 CK Bunnik