Company Formation in the Netherlands: Set Up Your Dutch BV

No. You don’t need to live in or travel to the Netherlands. The incorporation process is handled remotely via power of attorney and a Dutch notary.

No. A Dutch BV can be incorporated with share capital as low as €0.01. There’s no meaningful minimum capital requirement, unlike in some other European countries.

A BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited company suitable for most businesses, with no significant minimum capital. An NV (Naamloze Vennootschap) is a public limited company requiring €45,000 minimum capital and is typically used by larger or publicly listed companies. Most foreign entrepreneurs choose a BV.

Yes. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of Dutch companies. You can be the sole shareholder regardless of nationality or country of residence.

Yes. A Dutch registered business address is required for Chamber of Commerce registration. Beyond Consultancy does not provide business addresses, virtual offices or mail handling services.

A UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) declaration is a legally required filing that identifies the individuals who ultimately own or control the company (typically anyone holding 25% or more of shares or voting rights). It’s mandatory for all Dutch companies. The notary completes both steps as part of the process we coordinate.

Depending on bank choice, remote account opening might be possible. We offer another service to help with the bank account application once the company is incorporated.

The typical timeline is one to two weeks from the moment all documents are submitted. Delays can occur during peak periods at Dutch notaries or if additional documents are needed.

The main documents are: passport copies of all shareholders and directors, proof of address, the incorporation information form we provide, and a power of attorney for the Dutch notary. Additional documents may be required depending on your situation.

Dutch BVs pay corporate income tax at 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% above that threshold. VAT is typically 21% for most goods and services. Dividends paid to non-resident shareholders may be subject to withholding tax, depending on the applicable tax treaty.

No. There’s no requirement for a Dutch resident director. You can be the sole director of your BV regardless of where you live.

Incorporation is the legal act of creating the company through a notarial deed. Registration is the step where the new company is recorded in the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK) register. Both happen as part of the standard process, and the notary completes both steps as part of the process we coordinate.

It depends on your business activity. Regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, food, and transport require specific licences. Most general business activities do not require additional permits.

Yes. A BV can be converted into an NV or restructured if your business grows. The reverse is also possible, though most businesses don’t need to convert.

After the BV is registered and once the tax number is activated, you can begin trading. We can support you with ongoing services including accounting which covers VAT filings and other tax declarations, payroll and corporate bank account setup.

We do not work with a fixed package price, because the notary fees and the scope of our support depend on your structure. You receive a personalised quote before you commit. The quote lists our service fee and the official costs (notary fees and the Chamber of Commerce registration fee) as separate items, with no hidden charges.