Van Lier Fiscaal Advies

Start your business in the Netherlands: Formation of a Dutch BV

A Dutch BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a private limited liability company, comparable to a Limited in the UK or a corporation in the USA. For international entrepreneurs looking to enter the Dutch market, a Dutch BV offers significant commercial advantages. These include tax advantages and limited liability, which help minimize your personal risks. 

However, setting up a Dutch BV on your own can be complex and time-consuming due to the numerous legal steps involved, requiring specific expertise. We handle the intricate paperwork and administrative tasks, allowing you to stay focused on your core business activities.

Why encorporate a Dutch BV?

  • Limited Liability: As a legal entity, you are only liable for the capital invested, protecting your private assets.
  • Tax Advantages: The Netherlands offers attractive tax conditions for companies, such as a lower corporate tax rate of only 19% and no trade tax.
  • Access to the Dutch Market: Dutch customers and business partners often feel more comfortable working with a Dutch company. Additionally, the Dutch market offers many international growth opportunities for your business.
  • Part of Your Existing Corporate Structure: Your current business can become a shareholder and director of the Dutch BV, making it easy to bring in capital and distribute dividends without withholding tax.

Our Services

  • Tax Advice: Consultation and support regarding the tax aspects of the formation.
  • Notarial Services: Communication with the notary in the Netherlands and payment of notary fees.
  • Registration and Filing: Registration of the BV with the Dutch commercial registry (KVK) and application for tax and VAT numbers with the Dutch tax office.
  • Dutch Bank Account: Application for a Dutch bank account in the name of the incorporated BV.
  • Accounting and Administration: Introduction to a Dutch accountant who will assist you with bookkeeping.

Step-by-Step: Incorporation of Your Dutch BV

  1. Preparation: Together, we discuss the optimal corporate structure and the necessary documents for the formation of your Dutch BV.
  2. Notarial Deed: We arrange with the notary the drafting of the notarial deed and the statutes.
  3. Bank Account: We assist you in opening a bank account in the Netherlands and depositing the share capital.
  4. Registration and Tax Numbers: We register your BV in the commercial registry and apply for the necessary tax numbers, such as the Dutch VAT number, EORI number, and payroll tax numbers.

What You Should Further Know

  • Start-Up Capital: No minimum capital is required in the Netherlands. However, we recommend an investment based on business needs, usually between €1,000 and €5,000. 
  • Duration: Establishing your Dutch BV takes approximately 10-15 business days, depending on the complexity of your company and the availability of the notary.
  • Tax Rates: The corporate tax rate in the Netherlands is 19% up to €200,000 in profits. For higher profits, the rate is 25.8%. There is no trade tax, making the tax burden in the Netherlands much lower than in other Western European countries.
  • Costs: We cover all notary and registration costs related to the incorporation. These are included in our all-inclusive rate, so you don’t have to make any additional payments. Prices are tailored to your specific situation, so contact us for a personal quote.

Let us help you successfully form your business in the Netherlands.

If you have any questions or would like to start the formation of your Dutch BV right away, contact us via our contact form. We are ready to guide you on your path to business success in the Netherlands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dutch VAT number

Yes, after registering with the KVK, a VAT number must be applied for. We assist you with this process.

Shareholder Advantages

Having your existing business as a shareholder makes it easier to bring in capital or loans and allows dividends to be transferred to and from the Dutch BV, without withholding tax according to European rules.

Incorporation Time

The establishment time depends on the complexity of your business and the availability of the Dutch notary. It will take approximately 10-15 work days.

Dutch Tax Burden

The standard corporate tax rate in the Netherlands is 19% up to €200,000 in profits, and 25.8% for higher profits. There is no trade tax.

Registration

After establishment, the BV is registered in the Dutch commercial registry, known as the Kamer van Koophandel (KVK).

Dutch Bank Account

Yes, a Dutch bank account is necessary for depositing the share capital. We assist you in opening this account.

Incorporation without Dutch Identity

Yes, if you are a non-Dutch legal entity or an individual residing outside the EU, different conditions apply for submitting the formation documents. Since existing registers cannot be used, other documents must verify your residence, nationality, and passport. This can increase the formation costs. Please contact us to receive a tailored quote. 

The deed of incorporation and other documents will be prepared in English but can be translated into another language if needed.

Minimum Salary Director

The minimum salary for a director is €43,000 annually if working full-time for the BV. This may be lower if working part-time or if the BV does not make enough profit (between 1,000 and 5,000 euros).

Dutch Address

Yes, a Dutch address is required for registration with the KVK, which can be proven through a rental agreement or by the fact that the BV is based at the residential address of one of its directors.

Additional Costs

We cover all notary and registration costs. These are included in our all-inclusive rate. Therefore, you will not have to bear any further costs for the incorporation.

Minimum Capital

There is no specific minimum capital, but we recommend enough to cover the first years of operation, typically between €1,000 and €5,000.

Administrative Processing

Yes, we introduce you to professionals who can help with administrative processing, tax returns, and other administrative tasks.

Formation Deed Draft

Yes, you can request a draft of a Dutch BV formation deed from us via email.

VAT Rates Netherlands

The VAT rates in the Netherlands are as follows: 

  • 9% for basic necessities and services with a social character (e.g., food, passenger transport, agricultural services).
  • 21% for all other transactions involving goods or services.

Digital and Physical Formation Options

If you are proficient in English, a digital formation is completely possible as Dutch legislation allows for formation in English. 

Why Work With Us?

  • Experience and Expertise: More than 10 years of experience in supporting entrepreneurs entering the Dutch market.
  • Personal Approach: A personal and tailored approach to meet your specific requirements.
  • Complete Relief: We take over the complete formation of your Dutch BV, allowing you to stay focused on your core business activities.

Set up your Dutch BV with Van Lier Advies.

Do you have further questions about setting up a Dutch BV, or would you like us to start setting up your Dutch BV immediately? Then please fill out the contact form.