Company Formation
In The Netherlands
Explore frequently asked questions about Dutch company types, starting a business in the Netherlands, Dutch BV incorporation, foreign ownership, company registration and establishing a Dutch business from abroad.
What types of companies can be established in the Netherlands?
How do I start a company in the Netherlands
and incorporate a Dutch BV?
The main business structures in the Netherlands include the private limited liability company (BV), public limited liability company (NV), sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak), general partnership (VOF), limited partnership (CV) and cooperative (coöperatie).
A Dutch BV is a widely used option for entrepreneurs, international investors and foreign companies. The choice of business structure depends on ownership, liability, business activities and commercial objectives.
Starting a Dutch BV involves selecting a company name, defining the business activities, determining the ownership structure and preparing the incorporation details.
The company's legal framework and share arrangements are established through a deed of incorporation executed by a Dutch civil law notary. Following incorporation, the BV is registered with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
The process can involve additional documentation and verification procedures depending on the founders and ownership structure.
Can foreigners and non EU residents establish a Dutch BV without living in the Netherlands?
Can I use a virtual office as the registered business address of a Dutch BV?
Yes. Foreign nationals, including individuals residing outside the European Union, can establish and own a Dutch BV.
Dutch company law does not impose a general Dutch nationality or residency requirement on BV shareholders. Foreign entrepreneurs and international investors can therefore own shares in a Dutch company while continuing to live abroad.
The incorporation remains subject to applicable identification, documentation and verification requirements. The shareholder's personal residence is separate from the company's registered business address. Ownership of a Dutch BV does not automatically grant residence or employment rights in the Netherlands.
A Dutch BV needs a business address for registration with the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
A physical office, serviced office, coworking space or virtual office may be suitable, depending on the registration circumstances.
KVK requires evidence of the right to use the registered address, such as a rental or service agreement or proof of ownership. The address and supporting documents are assessed under KVK registration requirements.
Can I incorporate a Dutch BV remotely without visiting the Netherlands?
Dutch BV incorporation can be arranged from abroad in appropriate circumstances.
Founders can prepare and submit incorporation documents remotely. Whether a physical visit is necessary depends on the applicable notarial procedures, identity verification requirements and the circumstances of the incorporation.
The Dutch civil law notary determines the required identification and execution procedures. Remote preparation does not guarantee that every Dutch BV incorporation can be completed entirely online.
Can a foreign company establish a Dutch subsidiary, and can a BV have multiple shareholders?
Yes. A foreign company can establish a Dutch BV subsidiary and hold shares in that company. The subsidiary has its own legal personality, separate from its foreign parent company.
A Dutch BV can have a single shareholder or multiple shareholders, including individuals and corporate entities. This structure can be used by international businesses establishing a presence in the Netherlands.
The company's share arrangements determine ownership interests and shareholder rights, as established under Dutch company law and its articles of association.
What documents and legal requirements
apply to Dutch BV incorporation?
What is the minimum share capital required to establish a Dutch BV?
The documents requested for Dutch BV incorporation depend on the founders, ownership structure and individual circumstances. These commonly include identification, shareholder information, proposed company details and share arrangements.
For foreign corporate shareholders, additional corporate documents and evidence of signing authority may be requested. The Dutch civil law notary confirms the documentation and verification requirements for each incorporation.
Dutch law does not impose a substantial statutory minimum share capital requirement for a standard BV.
The nominal value of the shares and the company's share capital arrangements are established in the articles of association. A Dutch BV can be incorporated with a very small amount of share capital, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
The appropriate capital structure depends on the company's intended activities and financial circumstances.
How do I register a Dutch BV with KVK, and what is the role of a Dutch notary?
How do I choose and register a company name in the Netherlands?
A Dutch civil law notary executes the deed of incorporation, including the company's articles of association, which establish its legal framework.
Following incorporation, the Dutch BV is registered in the Dutch Business Register maintained by the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (KVK).
The registration records the company's legal name, business activities, registered details and authorised representatives. Once registered, the company receives a unique KVK number used for official business identification.
A Dutch BV needs a company name that complies with Dutch trade name requirements.
Before incorporation, the proposed name should be checked for potential conflicts with existing trade names and relevant trademark rights.
The company's legal name is included in the incorporation documentation and recorded in the Dutch Business Register. Registration of a company name does not automatically provide exclusive trademark protection.
How long does it take to incorporate and register a Dutch BV?
What are the post incorporation requirements for a Dutch BV?
Dutch BV incorporation typically takes a few days to several weeks, depending on the completeness of documentation, ownership structure, identification and verification procedures and notarial availability.
Incorporation involving foreign shareholders or complex corporate structures can require additional preparation. The estimated timeframe is indicative and does not guarantee a specific completion date.
After Dutch BV incorporation, the next steps include completing tax registration formalities, obtaining a VAT identification number where applicable, arranging an EORI number for relevant customs activities and applying for a business bank account, subject to bank acceptance.
Ongoing obligations include maintaining accounting records, preparing and filing annual financial statements, submitting corporate income tax returns and completing VAT or payroll tax filings where applicable.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, accounting or professional advice. Dutch laws and procedures may change, and requirements depend on individual circumstances. AtlasCorp does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness or applicability of this information or any specific outcome. To the extent permitted by law, AtlasCorp accepts no liability for reliance on this information.
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