Sophie de Jong is a corporate lawyer at Van Doorne in Amsterdam with 7 years of experience advising Chinese and international clients on Dutch holding company structures, corporate establishment, and cross-border investment transactions. She is admitted to the Amsterdam Bar and is a member of the Netherlands Bar Association (Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten).

Professional Background

Ms. de Jong earned her LLM in Dutch Law from the University of Amsterdam and completed a postgraduate specialization in Corporate and Commercial Law at the same institution. She trained at Van Doorne, one of the Netherlands' premier independent law firms, where she qualified as a Dutch lawyer in 2019 and has since developed a focused practice serving Chinese and international clients establishing and maintaining Dutch corporate structures.

She is a member of the Amsterdam Young Bar Association and the Dutch-Chinese Legal Association. She has completed advanced training in Dutch corporate governance, international tax structuring, and EU regulatory compliance. She speaks fluent English, Dutch, and Mandarin Chinese.

Practice Focus

Ms. de Jong specialises in Dutch corporate law, with particular emphasis on assisting Chinese companies in establishing and maintaining Dutch holding company structures, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance. The Netherlands' favourable tax treaty network and legal framework make it an attractive jurisdiction for international holding companies. She advises on the full spectrum of Dutch corporate matters including company formation, corporate maintenance, governance compliance, and cross-border restructuring.

• ⚖️ Dutch holding company formation and structuring
• 🛡️ Cross-border corporate governance
• 📜 Regulatory compliance and reporting obligations
• 💼 Outbound investment structuring for Chinese companies
• 📋 UBO registration and corporate transparency compliance

Representative Experience

• Established Dutch holding companies for multiple Chinese multinational corporations, structuring ownership to optimise the Netherlands' extensive tax treaty network with China and other jurisdictions
• Advised a Chinese private equity group on the establishment of a Dutch holding structure for European investment coordination
• Guided a Chinese technology company through Dutch corporate governance requirements and UBO registration for its European holding structure

Working Method

Ms. de Jong takes a practical, solution-oriented approach to Dutch corporate law, guiding Chinese clients through the establishment process including notarial deed requirements, registration with the Dutch Commercial Register (KvK), and ongoing compliance obligations under Dutch law. She coordinates closely with tax advisors and civil-law notaries to deliver integrated establishment services and provides ongoing support for annual compliance, board meetings, and corporate changes.

Client Considerations for Chinese Companies

The Netherlands offers Chinese investors a stable and well-regulated corporate environment with an extensive tax treaty network covering China and most major trading partners. Dutch holding companies benefit from the participation exemption, which exempts qualifying dividend and capital gains from Dutch corporate income tax; extensive treaty protection against double taxation; and the EU's legal framework including the Parent-Subsidiary Directive and Interest and Royalties Directive.

Key considerations for Chinese companies include Dutch substance requirements, which mandate that the company has actual presence in the Netherlands including decision-making functions, adequate office space, and qualified personnel. UBO registration under the Dutch Register of Ultimate Beneficial Interests (UBO Register) is mandatory, and compliance with the Dutch Corporate Governance Code is expected for larger entities.

The Netherlands is one of the most popular jurisdictions for Chinese outbound holding structures. Proper corporate substance and governance arrangements are essential to maintain treaty benefits and comply with Dutch regulatory requirements. Early engagement with experienced Dutch corporate counsel ensures efficient establishment and ongoing compliance.

Education and Qualifications

• LLM Dutch Law, University of Amsterdam
• Postgraduate Certificate in Corporate and Commercial Law, University of Amsterdam
• Admitted to Amsterdam Bar (2019)
• Member, Netherlands Bar Association and Dutch-Chinese Legal Association

Local Context

Amsterdam is the Netherlands' corporate and financial centre, hosting the Dutch Commercial Register (KvK), the Enterprise Chamber of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, and the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). The city's legal market offers deep expertise in cross-border corporate structuring and has extensive experience serving Chinese clients establishing European holding structures. Amsterdam's international business environment, English-language commercial culture, and excellent connectivity make it a natural choice for Chinese investors.

Languages

• Dutch (native)
• English (fluent)
• Mandarin Chinese (fluent)

Professional Memberships

• Netherlands Bar Association (Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten)
• Amsterdam Young Bar Association
• Dutch-Chinese Legal Association