Form a Company in the Netherlands
Set up a Dutch BV as a resident or non-resident. We explain the process and connect you with a Dutch provider for the notarial incorporation, registration and compliance. Remote formation is often possible, subject to acceptance.
EU Market Access
A Dutch company trades inside the EU single market and customs union.
Established Legal System
A stable, well-documented legal framework and a widely used company form.
Company Formation Support
Get guidance on the company formation process, required documents and next steps for setting up your business in this jurisdiction.
Holding Regime
The participation exemption makes the BV a common choice for holding structures.
Why Form a Company in the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is a long-established European base for international business. The points below are general commercial considerations, not guarantees; whether the country suits your situation depends on your circumstances.
Access to the EU Market
A Dutch entity operates from within the European Union single market and customs union, which can simplify trade with other member states.
International Reputation
The BV is a recognised, mainstream European company form, which can help when dealing with banks, suppliers and counterparties.
Logistics & Infrastructure
The Port of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport are major European gateways, relevant for trading, logistics and distribution businesses.
Stable Legal System
A mature, well-documented legal and regulatory framework, with company records maintained by the KVK (Chamber of Commerce).
International Workforce & Language
English is widely used in Dutch business, and the labour market draws on an international talent pool.
Extensive Treaty Network
The Netherlands has a broad double-tax treaty network and a participation exemption often used in holding structures. Tax outcomes depend on your specific facts.
Formation Packages
Choose the structure that fits your business. Every engagement is quoted individually, so you only pay for what you need.
- Dutch BV formation & name check
- Notarial deed of incorporation
- KVK (Chamber of Commerce) registration
- Assistance with tax and VAT registration, where applicable.
- Corporate document set
- Everything in Self-Managed BV
- Registered office address (first year)
- Bookkeeping & annual accounts support
- Bank / EMI account introduction
- Ongoing compliance reminders
- Holding BV + operating BV
- Review of potential participation-exemption eligibility.
- Registered office for both entities
- Accounting for the structure
- Coordination with your adviser
Statutory costs such as the civil-law notary and KVK fees are set by third parties and quoted separately. Figures are confirmed in writing before you commit.
Netherlands Formation Services
Everything you need to form, register and run a Dutch BV, handled with an in-country service provider.
BV Formation
Full Dutch BV registration: name check, the notarial deed of incorporation and your KVK entry, with the corporate document set.
Registered Office & Substance
A Dutch BV must maintain a valid registered address in the Netherlands. We can arrange registered-office services and provide general guidance on the real substance and effective management that genuine tax residence requires. Registered-office services are subject to KVK, banking and substance requirements, and to acceptance by the provider.
Directors & Shareholders
Foreign individuals and corporate shareholders can own and direct a BV. Local directorship can be arranged where residence is a factor.
Banking & EMI
Introductions to Dutch banks and EMI/fintech alternatives. Account approval always rests with the bank after its own KYC.
Accounting & Compliance
Bookkeeping, annual accounts, KVK filing, corporate tax and VAT returns, kept on schedule against Dutch deadlines.
Tax & Treaty Guidance
An overview of Dutch corporate tax, VAT, the participation exemption and the treaty network, so the structure fits your plans.
How to Form a Dutch Company
- 1
Tell Us Your Plans
Send your details through the quote form. We explain the options and, where appropriate, connect you with a Dutch service provider.
- 2
KYC & Documents
The provider verifies your identity and collects the usual documents: passport and proof of address for individuals, and incorporation documents for corporate shareholders.
- 3
Notary Prepares & Files
A Dutch civil-law notary drafts and executes the deed of incorporation, often remotely by power of attorney, then the company is entered at the KVK.
- 4
Registration & Banking
Tax, VAT and UBO registrations are completed, and we introduce you to a bank or EMI to open your business account.
What You Receive
- Deed of incorporation & articles
- KVK registration & company number
- Assistance with tax and VAT registration, where applicable.
- UBO registration
- Corporate document set
Timelines depend on notary scheduling and bank KYC. We confirm expected turnaround with your quote.
Dutch Tax & Annual Compliance: General Overview
A plain-language summary of the main Dutch tax and filing points for a BV in 2026. This is general information to help you plan, not tax or legal advice. Your Dutch provider or adviser confirms what applies to your situation.
Corporate Income Tax (2026)
For 2026, Dutch corporate income tax is generally charged at 19% on the first EUR 200,000 of taxable profit and 25.8% on profit above that. Rates and thresholds can change, so current figures should be confirmed.
VAT (BTW)
The standard Dutch VAT rate is 21%, with reduced or zero rates for certain goods and services. A BV that makes taxable supplies usually registers for VAT and files periodic VAT returns.
Dividend Withholding Tax
Dividends paid by a BV are generally subject to 15% dividend withholding tax, though reductions or exemptions may apply under Dutch rules or an applicable tax treaty. Eligibility should be checked case by case.
Annual Accounts & KVK Filing
A BV prepares annual financial statements and files them with the KVK (Chamber of Commerce), typically electronically via SBR. The level of detail required depends on company size.
Corporate Tax Returns
A BV files an annual corporate income tax return with the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax Administration). Bookkeeping should be kept up to date so returns and accounts can be prepared accurately and on time.
Payroll Obligations
Where a BV employs staff or pays a director's salary, payroll taxes and social contributions generally apply, with periodic payroll filings. Where a director has a qualifying substantial interest in the BV, the customary salary (gebruikelijk loon) rule may apply: for 2026 the benchmark is at least EUR 58,000, but the applicable salary is based on statutory comparison tests and exceptions or reductions can apply, so it is not simply a fixed amount every director must receive.
Netherlands Company Formation FAQ
Common questions about forming a Dutch BV. General information only, not legal or tax advice.
Yes. Shareholders do not need to be Dutch nationals or residents, and non-residents can generally own a BV, subject to the provider's KYC checks.
There is generally no statutory requirement for a Dutch-resident director to form a BV. However, if the company is managed from abroad, tax-residence and substance questions can arise, so this should be reviewed with an adviser.
Often, yes. The notarial deed can frequently be signed by power of attorney without travelling, but this is subject to the notary's acceptance and cannot be guaranteed in every case.
Yes. A BV must have a business address in the Netherlands that meets KVK Business Register requirements. A PO box alone is not a business address. Whether a serviced or flexible-office arrangement qualifies depends on the actual arrangement, and the KVK can require genuine access to workspace and evidence that real business activities take place there.
Since the 2012 Flex-BV reform, a BV can be incorporated with a nominal minimum of €0.01. An NV, by contrast, requires €45,000.
It depends on KYC, the notary and banking. Incorporation itself can be quick once documents are ready, but opening a bank account can add time. We cannot guarantee a specific timeframe.
A BV needs a way to manage its finances, and a corporate account is normal in practice. Account opening is a separate process and approval is always at the bank's or provider's discretion.
Yes. A corporate shareholder, including a foreign company, can own a BV. Its constitutional documents and beneficial owners will be needed for KYC.
Mainly corporate income tax (19% up to EUR 200,000 and 25.8% above for 2026), VAT (standard 21%), dividend withholding tax (generally 15%), and payroll taxes if employing staff. This is general information, not tax advice.
Typically annual accounts filed with the KVK via SBR, a corporate income tax return, periodic VAT returns where registered, and payroll filings if there are employees.
Yes. The BV is commonly used as a holding company, often alongside the participation exemption. A 5% shareholding is an important threshold, but holding 5% does not by itself guarantee the exemption: the participation must meet the relevant Dutch conditions, including anti-abuse and investment tests.
For individuals, generally a passport, proof of address, business-activity and source-of-funds information and tax-residency details. For corporate shareholders, incorporation and constitutional documents, registers, an ownership chart and UBO information.
Still Have Questions?
Send us your question through the form and we will reply by email.