How to register a company in Netherlands

A BV has no restrictions on foreign shareholders or directors, but needs a Dutch notary; directors abroad supply legalised ID and address proof. A foreign-resident eenmanszaak needs a Dutch visiting address, real activities in the Netherlands and a KVK appointment.

1. 1

   Decide the company name, registered address, shareholders, directors and capital (at least €0.01) and prepare a description of the business activities.

2. 2

   Choose a Dutch civil-law notary (compulsory) and send ID copies; directors abroad must provide valid ID and legalised proof of their foreign residential address.

3. 3

   Sign the notarial deed of incorporation (articles of association) and pay in the share capital.

4. 4

   The notary registers the BV and its ultimate beneficial owners with KVK; you receive a letter with your KVK number and an invoice for the €85.15 fee.

5. 5

   The Tax Administration sends your VAT identification number and tax details by post within about 2 weeks.

6. 6

   Open a business bank account and register for payroll tax with the Tax Administration if you will hire.

7. 7

   Set up bookkeeping and VAT returns; a director who owns 5% or more must pay themselves a customary salary.

• Valid passport or ID card for every shareholder and director
• Legalised proof of foreign residential address (directors abroad)
• Extract from the foreign trade register for corporate shareholders or directors
• Notarial deed of incorporation (articles of association)
• Dutch business address
• Details of all ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs)

• File annual accounts with KVK within 12 months of year-end (small companies can file simplified accounts)
• File the corporate income tax return: 19% on profit up to €200,000 and 25.8% above (2026)
• File VAT returns (usually quarterly) and run payroll if you employ staff
• Pay yourself a customary director salary if you own 5% or more of the shares (KVK cites €56,000 for 2025)

1. 1

   Check you may work as self-employed in the Netherlands (EU/EEA citizen or permit); non-residents need a Dutch visiting address and must show real business activities there.

2. 2

   Log in with DigiD at kvk.nl/registration and complete the digital registration form (trade name, activities, address, start date).

3. 3

   Book an appointment at a KVK office and bring valid ID; foreigners also bring a foreign population-register extract (under 2 months old) and the signed lease for the Dutch visiting address.

4. 4

   Pay the one-off €85.15 registration fee; your KVK number is issued immediately at registration.

5. 5

   KVK informs the Tax Administration, which sends your VAT identification number and VAT number by post, normally within 2 weeks.

6. 6

   Arrange health insurance (compulsory for residents), consider disability insurance and open a business bank account.

• Valid passport or ID card
• DigiD (needs a BSN citizen service number)
• Foreign population-register extract (under 2 months old), non-residents
• Signed lease for the Dutch visiting address (foreign applicants)
• Residence permit allowing self-employment (non-EU nationals)

• File VAT returns (usually quarterly); the small-business scheme (KOR) exists for turnover under €20,000
• File the annual income tax return and claim entrepreneur deductions if you meet the 1,225-hour test
• Keep business records for at least 7 years
• Maintain health insurance and any disability insurance

1. 1

   Agree a partnership agreement (not compulsory but advised) covering contributions, profit shares, signing authority and exit; it becomes public if lodged with KVK.

2. 2

   Complete the online VOF registration at kvk.nl/registration; each partner needs valid ID.

3. 3

   Book and attend the KVK appointment with all partners' ID and documents, and pay the one-off €85.15 registration fee.

4. 4

   KVK registers the VOF and passes the details to the Tax Administration, which sends the VAT identification number and tax details by post, normally within 2 weeks.

5. 5

   Open a business bank account and arrange insurance; each partner arranges their own health insurance.

6. 6

   File VAT returns for the VOF; each partner reports their share of profit in their own income tax return.

• Valid passport or ID for each partner
• Partnership agreement (optional)
• Dutch business (visiting) address
• DigiD / BSN where required
• Residence permit allowing self-employment (non-EU partners)

• File VAT returns for the VOF (usually quarterly)
• Each partner files an income tax return on their share of profit
• Keep partnership books and records
• Update KVK when partners or business details change

• The Tax Administration issues your VAT identification number (btw-id) and tax numbers by post within about 2 weeks of registration
• Register for payroll tax with the Tax Administration before you hire staff
• Open a Dutch business bank account
• Check that UBOs are registered (the notary does this for a BV) and keep the entry current
• Arrange health insurance (compulsory for residents) and consider disability insurance if self-employed
• Check licences or municipal permits for regulated or location-based activities
• Report any change to KVK so the Business Register stays accurate

Pound amounts use HMRC's exchange rates for 2026-10 and are a rough guide only.

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