No matter if foreign entrepreneurs are doing business with a Dutch company or just incorporated one, they will soon find the need for a KvK extract from the Netherlands. This official document is issued by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce and serves as proof that the company is registered, providing essential business and legal information.

Foreign entrepreneurs will need a KvK extract to open a Dutch bank account, sign contracts, and to meet compliance obligations. In this article, you can read what a KvK extract is, what it contains, and how to obtain the correct version for the specific needs of your business.

What Is a KvK Extract?

A KvK extract from the Netherlands is an official document that is issued by the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, called ‘Kamer van Koophandel’ in Dutch. In Dutch, the KvK extract is called ‘uittreksel Handelsregister.’ The document provides a verified summary of a company’s legal and commercial details as registered in the Dutch Business Register (‘Handelsregister’). Foreign entrepreneurs who have not yet immigrated for business should know how to obtain an extract from abroad.

The extract is the official proof that a company is registered in the Netherlands, and will often be required in national and international business contexts. It may also be necessary for tax purposes.

The KvK business register extract is one of the first documents that foreign entrepreneurs will use after setting up a Dutch company. It acts as the official identity of the company in the Dutch business environment.

What Information Does a KvK Extract Contain? 

A ‘uittreksel handelsregister,’ or KvK extract, contains structured and up-to-date information about a company as it is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. A standard chamber of commerce extract from the Netherlands usually includes the following information:

• Trade name / Company name
• KvK number
• Legal form of the company, for example BV or NV
• Registered address
• Date of incorporation
• Business activities
• Names of directors 

Foreign entrepreneurs should know that private residential addresses of directors are not publicly displayed in the document, and branch extracts do not list directors. Only the head office extract shows this information. That is why the KvK extract is a reliable document when it comes to verifying whether a company actually and legally exists, and who is authorized to act on its behalf.

Types of KvK Extracts

There are different types of KvK extracts available, and depending on how you plan to use the document, you can choose which one fits your needs.

Online view

The online view is suitable for informational use. It is directly displayed on screen and not an official document. Online view of the KvK extract is only suitable for quick checks, and available for companies registered after May 2010.

Digitally certified extract 

A digitally certified extract is delivered by email in PDF, and is an official proof of registration. This document is available in Dutch and English and is digitally certified by KvK. Keep in mind that this is only valid when shared electronically, not when printed. 

Paper certified extract

It is also possible to get a paper certified extract, printed on official KvK paper. This document is sent by post and will be delivered within 5 working days. It is available in Dutch and English and widely accepted.

UBO register extract

The UBO register extract contains information on the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO). It is only accessible to authorized parties and in Dutch.

Some authorities might require paper versions, and some accept digital extracts. Choosing the right type depends on the use of the document.

How to Order a KvK Extract 

Many foreign entrepreneurs wonder how to get KvK extract in the Netherlands, and even though the process is straightforward, it is currently only available in Dutch. The following steps will show you how to get the KvK abstract.

1. Go to the KvK website 
2. Search for the company by name, KvK number, or address
3. Select the type of extract needed (online view, digitally certified, or paper certified)
4. If applicable, choose the language (Dutch or English)
5. Complete the payment (iDEAL, credit card, or via a KvK account)

You will receive the extract on-screen, by email within 10 minutes, or by post within 5 working days. The cost of a KvK abstract is subject to change, but currently an online view costs approximately €2.85, a digitally certified one approximately €9.25, and paper certified approximately €18.55. 

KvK Extract in English

Most KvK extracts are available in English. The digitally and paper-certified extracts are available in both languages. However, there are some important considerations. Not all terms are fully translated, and some institutions may request both Dutch and English versions.

Besides, some international parties may ask for legalization or notarization of the document, such as banks abroad or cross-border contracts. Entrepreneurs should therefore confirm in advance whether the English version will be accepted.

When Do You Need a KvK Extract?

The KvK abstract is used in both daily business operations and formal procedures in the Netherlands, such as opening a business bank account, signing contracts with suppliers or clients, arranging business insurance, or complying with regulatory authorities.

It can also be of use in international transactions and when applying for permits, government funding, or subsidies. In most cases, you will be required to hand in a recent extract, often not more than 1 month, because this shows the company’s current legal status.

KvK Extract for Foreign-Owned Companies 

Obtaining a KvK extract for foreign companies works in the same way as for Dutch-owned businesses. If you have a Dutch BV or a branch office registered in the Netherlands, it means that you are registered in the Dutch Business Register and that you can obtain an extract.

This is especially important for foreign directors when they need to open a Dutch bank account, want to sign a contract, or must prove legitimacy to partners. Foreign entrepreneurs often face practical challenges, such as the Dutch-language ordering system and local administrative requirements. For these reasons, many foreign entrepreneurs choose to hire a consultancy firm.

Other Useful KvK Documents

In addition to the ‘uittreksel Handelsregister,’ entrepreneurs can get other important documents at the KvK, such as:

• Company history (in Dutch: ‘Handelsregister Historie’): this document shows information about past directors and legal changes
• Articles of association (in Dutch: ‘statuten’): the founding documents of the companies
• Annual accounts (in Dutch: ‘jaarrekeningen’): all financial data for up to 7 years
• Filed documents overview: all filings since 2010

These documents that can be obtained via the KvK are often used for legal verification, investment decisions, or due diligence.

How Beyond Consultancy Helps with KvK Registration and Extracts

Beyond Consultancy supports foreign entrepreneurs throughout the entire process of doing business in the Netherlands. Our team assists with company incorporation and KvK registration, and can help entrepreneurs to obtain their KvK extracts.

We know how to go about the Dutch-language system and can coordinate smoothly with banks and authorities. Besides, we offer ongoing compliance support and accountancy services.

For international business owners, this ensures that their Dutch operations are managed efficiently and that they are fully compliant with Dutch regulations. Beyond Solutions acts as a practical local partner that helps you focus on business while we take care of the administrative complexity. 

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