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.

What is a Dutch BV?

A BV (besloten vennootschap) is a private limited liability company under Dutch law. As a shareholder, your personal assets are protected — your liability is limited to the capital you invest in the company.

The BV is governed by Dutch civil law (Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code). Since 2012, the minimum share capital requirement was reduced to €0.01, making BV formation accessible to virtually any entrepreneur.

Key characteristics

Limited liability — your personal assets are separate from the company

Legal personality — the BV can own property, enter contracts, and sue or be sued

Flexible share capital — no minimum capital requirement since the Flex-BV law (2012)

Professional image — a BV signals credibility to clients, banks, and investors

Requirements for Incorporating a BV

Unlike many other countries, the Netherlands does not require founders to be Dutch residents or citizens. Anyone can incorporate a BV, regardless of nationality.

What you need

Valid identification — passport or national ID card for all shareholders and directors

Notarial deed — a Dutch notary must draw up the articles of association (statuten)

UBO registration — all ultimate beneficial owners must be registered in the UBO register

Business address — a Dutch address for registration (can be a virtual office)

KVK registration — registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel)

For non-residents

If you are not based in the Netherlands, you may also need:

- A legalised or apostilled copy of your passport

- A local representative or registered agent

- A Dutch business bank account (some banks offer remote opening for EU residents)

The Incorporation Process Step by Step

With MijnBV, the entire process is handled online. Here is what happens:

Step 1 — Choose your structure

Decide whether you need a single BV or a holding structure. A holding BV owns shares in your operating BV, providing tax advantages and asset protection. Most entrepreneurs with significant revenue benefit from a holding.

Step 2 — Complete the intake

Provide your personal details, company name, business activities (SBI codes), and share distribution. Our platform guides you through each step.

Step 3 — Identity verification

Upload your identification documents. For Dutch residents, this is done via iDIN (bank verification). Non-residents can use passport verification.

Step 4 — Notarial deed preparation

A notary drafts your articles of association (statuten). With MijnBV, this is handled digitally — no office visit required.

Step 5 — Signing

Sign the deed of incorporation electronically or via a video call with the notary.

Step 6 — KVK registration

The notary registers your BV with the Chamber of Commerce. You receive your KVK number and can start operating immediately.

The entire process typically takes 5 to 10 business days from start to finish.

How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate a BV?

The total cost of incorporating a BV in the Netherlands consists of several components:

Fixed costs

Notary fees — included in all MijnBV packages (from €649)

KVK registration — €85.15 (set by the Chamber of Commerce)

UBO registration — included, no separate fee

Bank account — varies by bank (typically €10–25/month)

MijnBV packages

Enkelvoudige BV — €649 excl. VAT. One BV with standard articles of association.

Holding + Werk-BV — €849 excl. VAT. A holding BV plus one operating BV. Most popular for tax optimisation.

Holding + OpCo — €1,349 excl. VAT. Full holding structure with customised articles.

All packages include notary fees, KVK registration, UBO registration, and digital document delivery.

Compared to traditional notaries

Traditional notary offices in the Netherlands typically charge €700 to €1,500 for a single BV incorporation, plus separate fees for KVK registration. MijnBV offers a fully digital, transparent alternative starting at €649.

What Happens After Incorporation?

Once your BV is registered, there are several important next steps:

Immediate actions

Open a business bank account — you need this for your share capital deposit and daily operations

Register for VAT — the Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) will contact you, or you can register proactively

Set up your accounting — Dutch BVs must maintain proper bookkeeping and file annual accounts

Ongoing obligations

DGA salary — if you are both director and major shareholder (DGA), you must pay yourself a minimum salary (€58,000 in 2026)

Corporate tax returns — annual filing with the Belastingdienst

Annual accounts — must be filed with the KVK within 13 months after the financial year ends

VAT returns — quarterly or monthly, depending on your turnover

**Tip:** FINEO, our accounting platform, handles bookkeeping, VAT filings, and annual accounts for BVs from €99/month — with AI-assisted transaction categorisation and human review.

Frequently asked questions

Can a non-resident incorporate a BV in the Netherlands?

Yes. There is no residency or nationality requirement for incorporating a Dutch BV. Non-residents may need to provide apostilled identification documents and may need a local representative for certain administrative tasks.

How long does it take to incorporate a BV?

With MijnBV, the process typically takes 5 to 10 business days. This includes identity verification, notarial deed preparation, signing, and KVK registration. Complex structures or non-resident situations may take slightly longer.

Do I need to visit the Netherlands to incorporate a BV?

No. MijnBV handles the entire process digitally. The notarial deed can be signed electronically or via video call. You do not need to physically visit the Netherlands.

What is the minimum share capital for a Dutch BV?

Since the Flex-BV law of 2012, there is no minimum share capital requirement. You can incorporate a BV with as little as €0.01 in share capital. However, most entrepreneurs start with €100 or more for practical reasons.

What is the difference between a BV and a holding BV?

A regular BV is a single company. A holding structure consists of a holding BV that owns shares in one or more operating BVs (werk-BVs). The holding structure offers tax advantages (participation exemption on dividends), asset protection, and flexibility for future restructuring.

Ready to incorporate your BV?

Start today and have your BV from 7 working days. From €649 excl. VAT.

Start your BV

Related guides

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.

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.