Netherlands · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- BV
- Non-resident can be sole director
- Yes
- Can be completed remotely
- No
Online formation by notary video is open to EU nationals with a high-assurance eID; others sign before a notary, usually through a power of attorney.
Official registry: kvk.nl
Indicative costs and timing — Richbay estimates, not official figures
- Min. capital
- €0.01
- Government fee
- $80
- Typical processing
- 5 business days
- Annual compliance
- $3,000
BV minimum capital €0.01; a lower rate applies to the first profit bracket; a notary is mandatory.
You register a company (commonly a BV, private limited) with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK), which lists it in the Business Register and issues a KVK number; a notarial deed is required for a BV.
Companies are registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) in the Commercial Register (Handelsregister). The private limited company (BV) is the most common form.
- The BV (besloten vennootschap) is the standard limited-liability company.
- Registration with KVK also enrols the company for tax with the Belastingdienst.
- Most formations are notarized and completed via a civil-law notary.
- 1
Choose a legal form
The private limited company (BV, besloten vennootschap) is the usual choice and needs only €0.01 minimum capital; sole traders (eenmanszaak) and partnerships are simpler alternatives.
- 2
Have a notary execute the deed (BV)
A BV is formed by a notarial deed of incorporation executed before a Dutch civil-law notary, who also verifies the shareholders and directors.
- 3
Register with the KVK
Register the business in the Trade Register at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK); you receive a KVK number and are listed in the Handelsregister.
- 4
Get a VAT number from the tax office
The KVK passes your data to the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst), which issues a VAT (BTW) number and an RSIN; check whether the small-business scheme applies.
- 5
Register beneficial owners (UBO)
Register the ultimate beneficial owners in the UBO register held by the KVK.
- 6
Open a bank account and check permits
Open a Dutch business bank account and check whether your activity needs any permits or environmental notifications.
- Legal form chosen (usually a BV)
- Notarial deed of incorporation (BV)
- KVK registration + KVK number
- VAT (BTW) number + RSIN from Belastingdienst
- UBO register entry
- Dutch business bank account
- Any activity permits / environmental notifications
- Director and shareholder details verified by notary
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK)
Business register and registration.
- Business.gov.nl
Official guide for entrepreneurs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a BV?
The besloten vennootschap is the standard Dutch private limited company with limited liability; it requires a notarial deed.
What is a KVK number?
The registration number issued by the Chamber of Commerce when your business enters the Business Register.
How much capital does a BV need?
There is effectively no meaningful minimum (from €0.01), though adequate capital is advisable.
Government portals
- Government of the Netherlands — Central government policy and public-service portal
- Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND) — Residence permits, visas, and naturalisation
- Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) — Dutch income tax, VAT, and tax-number registration
- Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK) — Company registration and the business register