International businesses operating in the Netherlands most commonly use either Exact Online of Xero as their primary accounting software. Exact Online dominates among locally established Dutch companies, while Xero is increasingly the platform of choice for internationally oriented businesses, UK-based companies expanding into the Netherlands, and founders who want a cloud-native solution with strong English-language support.
The right choice depends on your business structure, where your team is based, and how much you rely on Dutch-specific banking integrations. This article works through the most common questions businesses ask when evaluating accounting software for a Dutch BV.
Which accounting software works best for a Dutch BV?
For a Dutch BV, the most widely used accounting platforms are Exact Online and Xero. Exact Online is built specifically for the Dutch market and handles local requirements out of the box. Xero is better suited to internationally oriented BVs, particularly those with English-speaking teams, existing Xero workflows, or operations that span multiple countries.
The best software depends on your priorities. If your business is Dutch-first, with local staff and Dutch banking at the centre of your operations, Exact Online may feel more immediately familiar. If you are an international founder, a UK business with a Dutch entity, or a company that values real-time financial visibility and a clean, accessible interface, Xero is typically the stronger fit.
Both platforms can support Dutch corporate income tax compliance and VAT reporting when configured correctly, though Xero often requires specialist support to localise it for the Dutch market.
What is Exact Online and why do Dutch companies use it?
Exact Online is a Dutch-developed cloud accounting platform that has been a market standard in the Netherlands for decades. It is built around Dutch tax rules, VAT requirements, and local banking systems, which makes it a natural default for many Dutch SMEs and accountants who trained on it.
Dutch companies use Exact Online for several practical reasons:
- It integrates natively with Dutch banking systems and supports iDEAL and other local payment methods
- It is widely understood by Dutch accountants, bookkeepers, and payroll administrators
- It includes built-in support for Dutch VAT returns and annual accounts filing
- Many Dutch industry-specific workflows and ERP integrations are built around it
That said, Exact Online is primarily designed for a Dutch-speaking, Dutch-operating audience. Its interface, support documentation, and default workflows reflect that. For businesses operating across borders or managing finances in English, this can create friction.
How does Xero compare to Exact Online for international businesses?
Xero and Exact Online serve different primary audiences. Exact Online is optimised for Dutch domestic businesses, while Xero is a globally used cloud accounting platform with strong multilingual support, an intuitive English interface, and a wide ecosystem of third-party integrations. For international businesses with a Dutch BV, Xero typically offers a more accessible and scalable experience.
Where Xero has the advantage
Xero’s interface is available in English and is designed to be usable by business owners, not just accountants. Its open API and app marketplace make it straightforward to connect payroll tools, inventory systems, and CRM platforms. For businesses already using Xero in the UK or elsewhere, maintaining a single platform across entities simplifies reporting and reduces the cost of managing multiple systems.
Where Exact Online has the advantage
Exact Online’s native Dutch banking connections and deep integration with Dutch payroll and HR systems give it an edge for businesses that are fully embedded in the Dutch market. Some Dutch accountants and industry-specific software providers build their workflows around Exact Online, which can matter if you are working with local partners who expect that platform.
It is worth noting that Xero does require localisation for the Dutch market. Dutch VAT codes, banking connections, and tax reporting need to be configured correctly. Working with a specialist who knows both Xero and Dutch compliance requirements resolves this, but it is not something to overlook when evaluating the platform independently.
Can international businesses in the Netherlands use non-Dutch accounting software?
Yes. There is no legal requirement for Dutch BVs to use Dutch-developed accounting software. What matters is that your financial records meet Dutch accounting standards, that VAT returns are filed correctly with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst), and that your annual accounts comply with Dutch law. The software you use to achieve this is a business decision, not a regulatory one.
International platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and others can all support Dutch compliance when set up correctly. The key is ensuring that whoever manages your bookkeeping understands Dutch VAT rules, Dutch corporate income tax obligations, and the specific reporting requirements for a BV. The software is a tool; the expertise behind it is what determines compliance.
This is why many international businesses operating in the Netherlands choose to work with an accountant who specialises in both their preferred platform and Dutch regulatory requirements, rather than switching to unfamiliar software simply because it is locally built.
What should you look for when choosing accounting software in the Netherlands?
When choosing accounting software for a Dutch BV, prioritise platforms that can handle Dutch VAT compliance, integrate with your existing tools, and are genuinely usable by your team. The right software reduces manual work, supports accurate reporting, and scales with your business without creating unnecessary complexity.
The most important criteria to evaluate are:
- Dutch VAT and tax support: The platform must handle Dutch VAT codes and support accurate filing with the Belastingdienst, either natively or through your accountant’s processes
- Language and usability: If your team operates in English, choose software with a strong English interface and support documentation
- Banking integrations: Check whether the platform connects with your Dutch business bank account for automated transaction feeds
- Third-party integrations: Consider which payroll, inventory, or CRM tools you already use and whether they connect to the accounting platform
- Accountant compatibility: Confirm that your accountant or bookkeeper works with the platform and can support you on it effectively
- Automating bookkeeping: Look for platforms that automate reconciliation, invoice matching, and reporting to reduce manual effort and the risk of errors
Accountant costs for SMEs can vary significantly depending on how much manual work is involved in your bookkeeping. Platforms that support automating bookkeeping tend to reduce the time your accountant spends on routine tasks, which can lower your overall costs over time.
How do you migrate from Exact Online to a cloud accounting platform?
Migrating from Exact Online to a cloud accounting platform like Xero involves exporting your historical data, mapping your chart of accounts, configuring the new platform for Dutch compliance, and ensuring a clean cut-over date. Done correctly, the process is straightforward and does not disrupt day-to-day operations.
The migration typically follows these stages. First, your existing data is reviewed and cleaned before export, since migrating messy data creates problems in the new system. Historical transaction data, outstanding invoices, and opening balances are then transferred or re-entered as of a defined start date. The new platform is configured with the correct Dutch VAT codes, bank feeds, and any third-party integrations your business relies on. Finally, a parallel period is often used to verify that reporting in the new system matches expectations before fully switching over.
The most common risks in a migration are incomplete data transfer, incorrect VAT configuration, and loss of historical reporting continuity. Working with an accountant who has done this migration before significantly reduces those risks. Choosing a cut-over date that aligns with a VAT period or financial year end also makes the transition cleaner.
How Ace. helps international businesses choose and use the right accounting software
Ace. works exclusively with Xero and has done so since 2014, making it the most experienced Xero specialist in the Netherlands. As the country’s only certified Xero Platinum Partner, Ace. supports international businesses and Dutch BVs at every stage of their accounting journey, from initial software selection to full compliance management.
For businesses evaluating their options or planning a migration, Ace. provides:
- Expert guidance on Lokalisatie van Xero for the Dutch market, including VAT configuration and banking integrations
- Managed migration from Exact Online or other platforms, with clean data transfer and minimal disruption
- Ongoing bookkeeping, Dutch corporate income tax compliance, and VAT filing handled by experienced advisors
- English-language support tailored to international founders and UK businesses expanding into the Netherlands
If you are ready to explore whether Xero is the right fit for your Dutch BV, book a consultation with the Ace. team to get a clear, honest assessment of your options.
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