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Company formation · Netherlands

Form a Dutch BV – without travelling to the Netherlands

The besloten vennootschap (BV) is the Dutch private limited company. It can be set up with almost no minimum capital, is open to foreign founders and is a popular base for international trade and holding structures.

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Key facts

Legal form
Besloten vennootschap (BV)
Minimum share capital
€0.01
Notarial deed
Required – executed by a Dutch civil-law notary; signing with a power of attorney possible
Register
Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK), incl. UBO register
Registered office
Address in the Netherlands required
Foreign founders and directors
Allowed
Typical duration
1–2 weeks once all documents are complete

Information reviewed: October 13, 2026

What you need

  • Valid passports or ID cards of all shareholders and directors
  • Proof of address of the shareholders and directors
  • Registered office address in the Netherlands
  • Description of the business activity and the share structure
  • Information on the ultimate beneficial owners (UBO)

Every formation is quoted individually – you receive a written quote before anything is charged.

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Which legal form fits?

BV (private limited company)

Limited liability, minimum capital €0.01, suitable for operating and holding companies. The standard choice for most foreign founders.

Branch of a foreign company

Your existing company registers a Dutch branch with the KVK – no new legal entity, the parent company remains liable.

Eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship)

Simple and quick, but with personal liability and usually only practical for people living in the Netherlands.

How the formation works

  1. 1

    Plan and name check

    We agree the structure, check the company name against the KVK register and prepare the articles of association.

  2. 2

    Identification and deed

    The notary verifies the founders' identity and executes the deed of incorporation – founders can sign a power of attorney instead of attending.

  3. 3

    KVK registration

    The notary registers the BV with the KVK; you receive the KVK number and the register extract.

  4. 4

    Tax and bank

    The tax authority (Belastingdienst) issues the VAT (btw) number; we guide you through opening a business bank account.

After registration

  • VAT (btw) number and, where needed, payroll tax registration
  • Business bank account (Dutch bank or EU account)
  • Annual accounts filed with the KVK and corporate income tax return
  • Keeping the UBO register up to date

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Shareholders and directors can live anywhere. The BV needs a registered office address in the Netherlands, and the notary must be able to verify every founder's identity.

Since the Flex-BV reform of October 2012 the former €18,000 minimum no longer applies; the capital can be as low as €0.01. Most founders choose a symbolic amount; banks and business partners may expect more.

Usually not. The deed of incorporation can be signed on your behalf with a power of attorney, which you sign at home – where required with a legalisation or apostille. Since 2024 founders from the EU can also take part online by video with the notary.

Typically one to two weeks once all documents and the identification are complete. Identification of founders from outside the EU can take longer.

Company formation in other countries

Ready to start your company?

Short form, no upload, written quote by email.

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Questions? Write to [email protected]