Can a UK company set up a Dutch company without travelling to the Netherlands?

In many cases, yes. The Dutch company incorporation process can often be completed remotely from the UK using a power of attorney, so the director or shareholder does not need to be physically present. That said, a Dutch civil-law notary is legally required to execute the deed of incorporation, and other parties involved in setting up the company — such as banks for opening a corporate account — may have their own identity verification requirements that can sometimes call for a video call or, in some cases, an in-person appointment.