Taking over or transferring an eenmanszaak to a new owner

There are several ways to register the transfer of your eenmanszaak . Keep in mind that you can only have one eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship).

Important: when you acquire a business, the address for visitors and at least 1 business activity must stay the same. 

Together 

The former and the new owner make an appointment at a KVK office together. Complete the following forms prior to the appointment: 

• Form 14: 'change of business and branch details'. The previous owner completes questions 1, 2, 9 and 10.  

• Form 1: ‘eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) registration form’. The new owner should state that they intend to continue running the existing business as a sole proprietorship. 

Both the former and the new owner must bring valid ID with them. 

Schedule an appointment by clicking the 'Login using DigiD' button at the bottom of the page. You can make an appointment at any KVK office in the Netherlands. 

New owner only 

The new owner makes an appointment at a KVK office without the former owner. Prior to the appointment, arrange the following: 

• Form 14: 'change of business and branch details'. Complete question 1, 2, 9 and 10. 

• Form 1: ‘eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) registration form’. The new owner should state that they intend to continue running the existing business as a sole proprietorship. 

• A copy of a valid ID from the former owner. 

The new owner must bring valid ID, forms, and the copy of the former owner's ID. 

Schedule an appointment by clicking the 'Login using DigiD' button at the bottom of the page. You can make an appointment at any KVK office in the Netherlands. 

Registration fee 

To register the business with a new KVK number, the new owner must pay a one-off registration fee (payment only possible via debit card, credit card, or mobile phone). 

New owner already has an eenmanszaak 

You are only allowed to have one eenmanszaak, so you cannot register a second one. What can you do? 

• If the business you are acquiring has a different address than your current business, you can choose to register a branch office. Send form 9 (Branch registration form) and form 14 (change in company details) to us by post in 1 envelope. Also send a copy of a valid ID for each of the signatories of the forms and a copy of the lease, purchase, or rental contract signed by 2 parties. You do not have to schedule an appointment at KVK. 

• If the address is the same as the address of your eenmanszaak, do not register a branch office. In this case, submit the changes to your current eenmanszaak online, such as by adding new business activities or a new trade name. 

Additional supporting documents 

We also ask that the new owner provide additional supporting documents, such as a lease for a commercial space or a franchise agreement. 

Effective date 

We will finalise the transfer on the effective date. After the change/changes has/have been processed, you can immediately request a new certified KVK extract. 

Changes 

When a business is transferred, it is given a new KVK number and VAT ID, so that it is clear that there is a new owner. When updating the Business Register, we will also forward the change to the Dutch Tax Administration. 

Current contracts 

Find out which contracts are in the eenmanszaak’s name, including rental contracts, maintenance contracts, and insurance policies. Change the name on the contracts to the new owner’s name. 

More information 

For more information about business transfers and taxes, go to Business.gov.nl. 

Making an appointment 

Click on the button 'Login using DigiD' to schedule an appointment and finalise the transfer.