New owner? Usually a new KVK number

All businesses and organisations get a KVK number when they register in the Business Register. This also applies when a business is transferred.

Suppose a VOF continues as an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) run by one of the partners. In that case, the eenmanszaak is given a new KVK number upon registration. This also applies if you take over part of a business or organisation and turn it into a new business or organisation. For example, a VOF is made up of a handyman service and a painting and decorating service. If you take over the painting and decorating part, it will be assigned a new KVK number. 

Transfer to a business or organisation with a KVK number

In the event of a transfer to an existing business or organisation, the business or organisation is assigned a different KVK number. This makes it clear to everyone that there is a new owner. 

When an entire business is transferred to another natural person, a VOF, CV, maatschap, or legal entity (such as a BV or NV), it is given a new KVK number.

Continuing as an establishment

Are you taking over a business or organisation and registering it as an establishment of, for example, your BV? In that case, the KVK number of the business or organisation will be cancelled and replaced by an establishment number. The establishment will then be registered under your BV’s KVK number.

If you take over an establishment and register it as an establishment of your business or organisation, the establishment number remains the same. From then on, the establishment falls under the KVK number of your business or organisation.

Make your new KVK number known

Remember to publish your new KVK number on your website. And you are legally obliged to include it on all your business correspondence. For example, letters, emails, orders, invoices, and quotations. You may not use your old KVK number. 

When does the KVK number remain the same?

A business that changes ownership does not always receive a different KVK number. For example, the number remains the same if you convert an NV into a BV, or if a legal entity in the process of formation (i.o.) becomes a BV. Also, if shares in an NV or BV are transferred to a different owner, the business does not receive a different KVK number.

Would you like to know more about how this works when you take over or sell a business? Read about what you need to bear in mind when reporting a takeover.

Do you have any further questions? Please contact the KVK Advice Team on 088 585 1 585 (Monday to Friday, 08.30–17.00).