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Dutch BV Costs for Expats: Complete Breakdown

Starting a BV in the Netherlands is straightforward, but understanding the full cost picture is essential for planning. This guide breaks down every cost — from incorporation fees to ongoing annual expenses — so you can budget accurately as an international founder.

One-Time Formation Costs

The costs of incorporating a Dutch BV are transparent and predictable. Here is what you will pay:

Notary and registration

MijnBV Enkelvoudige BV — €649 excl. VAT (includes notary fees + KVK registration)

MijnBV Holding + Werk-BV — €849 excl. VAT (most popular)

MijnBV Holding + OpCo — €1,349 excl. VAT (customised structure)

KVK registration fee — €85.15 (included in all packages)

Additional one-time costs

Bank account opening — usually free, some banks charge €50–100

Virtual office — €25–75/month if you do not have a Dutch address

Apostille/legalisation — €15–50 per document (non-EU residents only)

**Total for a standard BV:** approximately €600–850 including VAT and KVK fees.

Annual Running Costs

Running a BV involves several recurring costs. These are the main categories:

Accounting and compliance

Bookkeeping — €100–400/month depending on complexity

Annual accounts — included in most bookkeeping packages, or €500–1,500 separately

Corporate tax return — included or €300–600 separately

VAT returns — included or €50–150 per quarter

**With FINEO**, all bookkeeping, VAT, and annual accounts are covered from €99/month.

Banking

Business bank account — €10–30/month at most Dutch banks

Payment processing — varies by provider

Insurance and other

Liability insurance — €30–100/month

Pension and disability — optional but recommended

**Total annual estimate:** €2,500–6,500/year for a small to medium BV. These costs are tax-deductible.

Tax Obligations for Your BV

Dutch BVs are subject to several taxes. Understanding these helps you plan your finances:

Corporate income tax (vennootschapsbelasting)

- 19% on the first €200,000 of profit

- 25.8% on profit above €200,000

VAT (BTW)

- Standard rate: 21%

- Reduced rate: 9% (food, books, medicines)

- Quarterly or monthly returns required

Dividend tax

- 15% withholding tax on dividends to shareholders

- Exempt between holding and operating BVs (participation exemption)

DGA salary (directeur-grootaandeelhouder)

If you own 5% or more of the shares and work for the BV, you must pay yourself a minimum salary of €58,000 per year (2026). Payroll taxes apply to this salary. This is one of the most important obligations for expat founders to understand.

30% ruling

Expat employees (including DGA directors) may qualify for the 30% ruling, which exempts 30% of their salary from income tax for up to 5 years. This can significantly reduce your effective tax burden.

How to Minimise Your BV Costs

Several strategies can help you keep costs manageable:

Use a holding structure — the participation exemption means dividends from your operating BV to your holding are tax-free. This protects profits and gives you flexibility.

Automate your accounting — platforms like FINEO use AI to handle 85%+ of your bookkeeping automatically, reducing costs compared to traditional accountants.

Apply for the 30% ruling — if eligible, this substantially reduces your income tax on DGA salary.

Deduct everything legitimate — formation costs, accounting fees, home office expenses, travel, and professional development are all deductible.

Choose the right VAT scheme — small businesses may qualify for the KOR (kleineondernemersregeling) exempting you from VAT obligations if annual turnover is below €20,000.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Dutch BV expensive to maintain?
Annual costs for a small BV range from €2,500 to €6,500, including bookkeeping, tax filings, and banking. These costs are tax-deductible. With automated accounting platforms like FINEO (from €99/month), costs are at the lower end of this range.
Can I pay myself less than the DGA salary minimum?
In principle, no. The minimum DGA salary for 2026 is €58,000. However, the Tax Authority may accept a lower salary if your BV cannot afford it (for example, during the first years). You should discuss this with a tax adviser.
Do expats get tax benefits for starting a BV?
Yes. Expats may qualify for the 30% ruling, which exempts 30% of their salary from income tax for up to 5 years. Additionally, a holding structure provides the participation exemption on dividends. Both can significantly reduce your effective tax rate.
What happens if I leave the Netherlands?
Your BV continues to exist as a Dutch legal entity. You can maintain it with a local representative and continue operations. However, your personal tax residency may change, affecting how you are taxed on dividends and salary. Consult a tax adviser before relocating.

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Related guides

How to Incorporate a BV in the Netherlands

A besloten vennootschap (BV) is the Dutch equivalent of a private limited company. It is the most popular business structure for entrepreneurs in the Netherlands, offering limited liability, tax advantages, and a professional image. This guide walks you through the entire incorporation process — from preparation to your Chamber of Commerce registration.

Setting Up a Holding Company in the Netherlands

A holding company structure is one of the most powerful tools in Dutch corporate law. By placing a holding BV above your operating company, you benefit from tax-free dividend flows, asset protection, and maximum flexibility for future growth. This guide explains how it works and whether it is right for you.

DGA Salary 2026: What International Directors Need to Know

If you are both a director and major shareholder (directeur-grootaandeelhouder, or DGA) of a Dutch BV, you are required to pay yourself a minimum salary. For 2026, this minimum is €58,000. This guide explains the rules, exceptions, and optimisation strategies — especially relevant for international founders.