Changes and deregistration

You can report a change of address through ‘Wijzigen’ (change, in Dutch). Enter your business name or registration number. Select ‘Vestigingsgegevens wijzigen’ (Change business branch details) and follow the steps. Submit the details digitally.

Additional documentation

If the visiting address is not the same as your home address, submit one of the following documents to show that you are permitted to use this address as a visiting address for your enterprise:

• a copy of the rental, purchase, or lease agreement, signed by two parties; or
• a certificate from the Dutch Land Registry Office; or
• a declaration of consent.

Private address

If your private address is also changing, you should first notify your local Personal Records Database (BRP) of the municipality.

Please note that this online process is only available in Dutch. If you would prefer a fully English procedure, you can make use of the printable form.

Do you want to communicate a change of address without a rental, purchase or lease agreement? Then use a declaration of consent.

Declaration of consent

With a declaration of consent, the owner/landlord of the property grants you permission to establish a business/organisation at the relevant address, or to use the address in question as a postal address for your business/organisation. The declaration must have a signature and copy of the owner/landlord's proof of identity.

If your private address changes, please inform your municipality. The KVK only receives changes of private addresses in the Netherlands from the municipality. Is the address of your company the same as your private address? Then we will automatically change the visiting address of your company. You will receive written confirmation of this.
There are also situations in which KVK does not change the visiting address, because we do not know for sure whether your company will be moving with you. Has the visiting address changed and has KVK not contact you? Please inform us of the change of address. For sole traders this can be done via My Sole Proprietorship and for other legal entities you can notify us through pdf forms.
Only notify us of the change of visiting address after you have notified the municipality of the change of your private address. This prevents us from asking for additional proof.
You can report a change of private address abroad using a change form. Are you registered in the RNI (Non-residents Records Database)? If so, please also pass on the change of your private address to one of the 19 RNI desks.

The visiting address of your business must be visible to everyone. This is set out in Dutch law. However, in threatening situations, this is not desirable.

In advance of new legislation, if you are threatened or feel threatened, you can have your visiting address shielded.

It is also possible for sole proprietorships to shield a visiting address. However, you must register a postal address that is different from your residential address and visiting address.

Learn more about shielding your business address.

You can change, add or remove the trade name of a business through ‘Wijzigen’ (change, in Dutch). Enter your business name or registration number. Select ‘Organisatiegegevens wijzigen’ (organisation details) and follow the steps. Submit the details digitally.

KVK cannot give advice about a trade name. A trade name must not be confusing by being similar to an existing trade name. Also, a trade name must not be misleading. Before registering a new trade name, it is wise to check it first on our website. Consider the advice here, and read the general rules and tips on choosing a trade name.

To change the trade name of a vof, maatschap or cv (a partnership), you need to fill in Form 15 (in Dutch). On this form, you can indicate that the new name of the partnership will also be the new trade name.

To change the legal name of a bv, you must contact a civil-law notary, as this requires amending the articles of association. However, you can add an additional trade name.

An SBI code is always linked to the registered business activities. Are your business activities changing? You can report this as follows:

• Navigate to ‘wijzigen’ (change).
• Look up and select your company.
• Click on ‘wijzigen vestigingsgegevens’ (change branch details).
• Select ‘activiteiten wijzigen’ (change business activities). Please note: when you edit the activity description, the entire description is deleted and replaced with the new one. So you must also re-enter the activities that you want to keep in the description.
• Complete the steps and submit the information online.

Before we apply the change, we may request additional proof from you.

KVK will assign an SBI code to the business activity. You can also enter the SBI code yourself. We will check that the SBI code you entered matches your business activities. 

If your business activities are correct, but the corresponding SBI code is wrong, please contact us by phone on +31 (0)88 585 15 85. We will correct it for you.

If you want to change the order of the SBI codes, you will need to adjust the order in the business activity description. You can do this using Form 18. Enter the correct order for the SBI codes and for the business activity description.

Send the signed and completed Form 18 to the KVK postal address, along with a copy of a valid form of ID for the person who signed the form.

If you change your business activity, this may affect, for example, permits from the municipality, financing, insurance, pension fund, and bank account of your company. Check the website of the relevant (financial) institution which steps to follow if you change your company's activities.

Make sure your SBI code matches what you do as an entrepreneur. Insurers use your SBI code to calculate your premium. If you incur damage that does not match the activities you carry out according to your SBI code, the insurance will not cover it. Do you often carry out different activities? Report this to us and to your insurer. We will then also register your other activities. The insurer can adjust your premium accordingly. This way you know for sure that possible damages in all your activities will be covered.

To add to or update your business activities:

• Navigate to ‘wijzigen’ (change, in Dutch) and look up your company.- Search for and select your company.
• Click on ‘wijzigen vestigingsgegevens’ (change branch details).
• Select ‘activiteiten wijzigen’ (change business activities). Please note: when you change the activity description, the entire description is deleted and replaced with the new one. So you must also re-enter the activities that you want to keep in the description.
• Complete the steps and submit the information online.

KVK will assign an SBI code to the business activity. You can also enter the SBI code yourself. We will check that the SBI code you entered matches the business activities.

Before we apply the change, we may request additional proof from you.

If you change your business activity, this may have consequences for, for example, permits from the municipality, financing, insurance, pension funds or your company’s bank account. Consult the website of the relevant (financial) institution to find out which steps you need to follow if you change your company’s activities.

Make sure your SBI code matches what you do as an entrepreneur. Insurers use your SBI code to calculate your premium. If you incur damage that does not match the activities you carry out according to your SBI code, the insurance will not cover it. Do you often carry out different activities? Report this to us and to your insurer. We will also register your other activities. The insurer can adjust your premium accordingly. This way you can be sure that damage is covered for all your activities.

You arrange registration via our website:

• visit report a change
• search for and select the organisation
• then choose 'official(s)'

Submit digitally (processing time 2 working days)

You can submit the form digitally if it is a new director for an association, foundation, or owner's association (VvE) without commercial activities/without a company.

The new director signs the form in 2 steps via DigiD:

• log in with DigiD or the DigiD app
• transfer 1 cent via iDEAL

Then the person making the declaration (the declarant) receives an email with the digitally signed form. This person also signs the form in the above steps via DigiD and then submits the form.

Is the address still correct?

Is the organisation's address also the address of a departing director? Then also submit a change of address. Immediately check whether the other contact details are still current.

Who may sign?

Only a still registered director may sign for the entry (registration) of a new director. Will the outgoing director also sign for the registration of the new director? Then send the registration of the new director and the deregistration of the outgoing director simultaneously.

Personal identification requirement

Does the association or foundation have commercial activities/an enterprise? If so, each new director will identify themselves in person at a KVK office with a valid proof of identity. The registration of a new director of an association or foundation with an enterprise is done with a form (in Dutch) that you complete via our website and then print. A director who is currently registered in the Business Register will sign the form. You have to bring a copy of a valid identity document of this person. To visit KVK, make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. You can register at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Check whether the change affects the UBO registration

Check whether the new director also becomes a UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) of your organisation. Also check whether there are consequences for the other UBOs in your organisation. For example, does the size of the interest held by the existing UBOs in your organisation change?

Via the online UBO report, you can register a new UBO or submit a change.

Please note: The UBO registration does not apply to VvEs and informal associations without a company.

Consequences for (financial) institutions

Changing board members may have consequences for, for example, municipal permits, financing, insurance, pension funds, or your organisation's bank account. Consult the website of the relevant (financial) institution which steps to follow when changing officials.

Use a change form for this purpose, or Form 11 if it cannot be done digitally. Enclose a copy of the notarial deed of transfer of shares. This is not necessary if a civil-law notary signs the form. Check whether the change affects the UBO report.

Authorised signatory and copy of ID

A director, who is currently registered in the Business Register, signs the form. Send the form to the KVK postal address together with a valid proof of identity of the authorised signatory and the sole shareholder. You do not send a copy of the sole shareholder's proof of identity if this person is already registered as a director or supervisory director (in the same KVK number).

Report an additional branch ('nevenvestiging') of your company via our website. Choose the option 'wijzigen' in the Dutch online form. Fill in the company name or the KVK number. Follow the steps and send the data digitally.

Is the visiting address not the same as your private address? In that case, please submit 1 of the following documents as proof that you have permission to use this address as the visiting address for your branch:

• a copy of the rental or lease contract, signed by both parties; or
• a supporting document from the 'Kadaster' (Land Registry Office); or
• a declaration of consent. 

If you wish to register the branch in English, please submit the pdf Form 9: Company branch. Read more on how to use pdf forms.

This depends on the number of weeks you have been deregistered and the proof you have for this.

Did you deregister your 'eenmanszaak' (sole proprietorship) more than 6 weeks ago? Then it is not possible to reactivate your company. You have to register a new eenmanszaak. To register, use the registration form. Complete the digital form completely. Then make an appointment at a KVK office to finalise your registration. Registration can be done at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

This new registration will give you a new KVK number and a new VAT number.

Was your eenmanszaak deregistered less than 6 weeks ago? And do you want to rectify this deregistration?

This is only possible if you can prove with supporting documents that your company has continued to be active until today. Only then can we rectify the deregistration. You can submit the rectification notice to us within 6 weeks (after the date of our confirmation letter) using form 18. Do this together with additional documentary evidence such as bank statements, a statement from a bookkeeper or accountant, and/or recent purchase and sales invoices. Our colleagues at the Business Register will assess whether the supporting documents are satisfactory. You keep the same KVK number in the event of rectification.

The Tax and Customs Administration is not automatically notified of the rectification or reopening of your deregistration.
To reactivate your VAT number, send a letter to the Tax and Customs Administration stating that you want to activate your company's VAT number (with a KVK number). Send the letter to:

Belastingdienst/Klantbeheer
Postbus 2892
6401 DJ Heerlen

It is not certain that your VAT number will remain exactly the same. It is possible that your subnumber will change. For example 123456789B01 becomes 123456789B02.

Yes, you can also report a change by submitting the right form by post. Please place an original signature (with a pen) on the form. Enclose a copy of your proof of identity.
You cannot submit a change form by email. This is because KVK needs your original signature (with a pen) on the form.

You must report a change within 1 week. Has more than a week passed? In that case, you must still report your change. If you fail to do so, this will have consequences, for example, for the liability of your company. The change only takes effect once it has been entered in the Business Register. You cannot rely on it before then.

It is free to submit a change. For a registration of a new enterprise or for a continuation, acquisition, merger, or demerger that involves a new entry in the Business Register with a new KVK number, you must pay a one-time registration fee.

New KVK extract

After the change, you can request a new KVK Extract.

We use different postal addresses and PO Box numbers. Find out which postal address applies to your situation.

The forms for registration, reporting a change, and deregistration in pdf format can be found on our website. You can also report most changes online. Your details will then be up to date within 2 days. Fill in the data and send them digitally. Your screen will display which attachments you need to send along. You can also print out the digitally completed details and send them to the KVK postal address together with the attachments. Your details will be processed after about 10 working days. Have you used the pdf forms? Then the processing time will also be 10 working days.

Apply for a DigiD. This requires a citizen service number (BSN) and Dutch nationality or the nationality of another country from the European Economic Area (EEA).

Do you live outside the Netherlands? The Netherlands Worldwide website tells you how you can apply for a DigiD abroad.

Do you not meet the above requirements? Then you cannot view your own data. Do you still want to check your data? Call our Business Register information number: 0900 123 45 67 (€0.70 per minute). You can also request a KVK extract.

In addition to the DigiD, we need further verification of your identity (in Dutch). We are obliged to do this. You confirm your identity by transferring 1 cent via iDEAL. This way, we can be certain that only authorised persons submit changes to KVK. And no one can misuse your identity.

You can deregister your company using a pdf form or Dutch online form on our website. In the Dutch online form, select 'uitschrijven' (deregister), enter the company name or KVK number, and complete the steps. Submit the deregistration:

• online: this is possible for a sole proprietorship, a legal entity still being set up, or a branch of a foreign company in the Netherlands
• by post: for all other legal forms

The deregistration of your 'eenmanszaak' (sole proprietorship) should be done via a change form on our website:

• Use this link and enter the sole trader's name or KVK number.
• Select your company.
• Complete the digital form.
• Submit the deregistration digitally or by post.

Submit digitally (processing time 2 working days)

You sign the form in 2 steps via DigiD:

• log in with Digid or the DigiD app
• transfer 1 cent via iDEAL

Submit by post (longer processing time 10 working days)

Send the completed and signed form to PO Box 2166, 6802 CD Arnhem, together with a copy of a valid identification document of the signatory. The signatory of the form is always an authorised person currently registered in the Busines Register.

More information

When you end your business, you need to arrange a number of things. You will find useful tips in the step-by-step plan for ending your business and in the information on tax matters when you discontinue your business.

You can deregister/dissolve a vof, partnership, or cv using Form 17A. All partners, members or general partners must sign under point 5.1 on the form. Send the form to the KVK postal address along with a copy of a valid form of ID for the signatory.

You can deregister a private limited company (bv) with Form 17A. You can submit this form by post.
To dissolve the bv, the shareholders first have to take a dissolution decision. Before you decide to dissolve the bv:
•    you first check the articles of association of the bv;
•    read the explanatory notes on Form 17A; and
•    if in doubt, ask your accountant or bookkeeper for advice or help.
How do you report a dissolution to KVK?
If you decide to dissolve the company, there are 2 possible situations:
1.    The bv has been dissolved, but there are still assets.
2.    The bv has been dissolved and there are no more assets.
1. There are still assets
In this case, the bv still exists for the liquidation of the assets. You fill out the form as follows:
•    under question 2.1, you state the date of the dissolution
•    under question 3.1, tick 'yes' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’
•    under question 3.2, and the questions following, enter the details of the person who will liquidate the assets (liquidator)*
•    under question 6, state what will happen to the company
2. There are no more assets
In this case, the bv ceases to exist because there are no more assets. You fill out the form as follows:
•    under question 2.1, you state the date of the dissolution
•    under question 3.1, tick 'no' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’
•    under question 4.1, enter the details of the person who keeps the books and other official documents of the company
•    With regard to question 6, state what will happen to the company
Submitting the form
Submit the completed and signed form to the KVK postal address with the following annexes:
•    (a copy of) the signed minutes* of the general meeting of shareholders in which the decision to dissolve the company has been recorded
•    a copy of a valid identification document of the signatory*
More information
Will the assets be liquidated (situation 1) and is the liquidator not yet known in the Business Register file? Then submitting the form will not be sufficient. The liquidator must identify themself in person at a KVK desk. Please make an appointment for this purpose. In the explanatory notes to the form you can read which documents the liquidator has to bring along.

You can deregister a foundation using Form 17A. You must send this form by post. To dissolve the foundation, the board must first pass a dissolution decision. Before you decide to dissolve the foundation:

• Look at the articles of association of the foundation first.
• Read the explanatory notes for Form 17A.
• When in doubt, ask for advice or support from your accountant or bookkeeper.

How do you report a dissolution to KVK?

If you decide on dissolution, 2 situations are possible:

1. The foundation has been dissolved, but still holds assets.
2. The foundation has been dissolved and does not hold any more assets.

1. It still holds assets

In this case, the foundation continues to exist for the liquidation of the assets. Complete the form as follows:

• For question 2.1, enter the date of dissolution.
• For question 3.1, tick 'yes' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’.
• For question 3.2 and below, enter the details of the party that will handle the liquidation of the assets (liquidator).
• For question 6, indicate whether the foundation has any business activities, and what will happen with these.

2. It does not hold any more assets

In this case, the foundation ceases to exist because it does not hold any more assets. Complete the form as follows:

• For question 2.1, enter the date of dissolution.
• For question 3.1, tick 'no' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’.
• For question 4.1, enter the details of the party keeping the financial records and other official documents of the foundation.
• For question 6, indicate whether the foundation has any business activities, and what will happen with these.

Submit form

Send the completed and signed form to the KVK postal address with the following documents enclosed:

• (a copy of) the minutes of the meeting of the board, signed by at least two directors, attesting to the dissolution decision;
• a copy of a valid form of ID for the signatory (the director, liquidator, civil-law notary or a duly authorised representative).

Further information (only for a foundation with business activities)

In cases of asset liquidation (situation 1) where the liquidator is not yet registered in the Business Register, submitting this form is not enough. The liquidator must also appear in person at the KVK service desk for identification. The explanatory notes for the form indicate the documents that the liquidator must bring.

Consequences

When you dissolve a foundation, take care to also cancel any contracts or permits the foundation has. Think of bank accounts, insurances, subscriptions, and the like. Check with the organisation the foundation has a contract with which steps to take to cancel it.

You can deregister an association using Form 17A. You must send this form by post. To dissolve the association, the general meeting of the members must first pass a dissolution decision. Before you decide to dissolve the association:

• first look at the statutes of the association (if available, informal associations generally have no statutes);
• read the explanatory notes to Form 17A;
• if in doubt, ask for advice or support from your accountant or bookkeeper.

How do you report a dissolution to KVK?

If you have decided on dissolution, 2 situations are possible:

1. The association has been dissolved, but still holds assets.
2. The association has been dissolved and does not hold any more assets.

1. It still holds assets.

In this case, the association continues to exist for the liquidation of the assets. Complete the form as follows:

• For question 2.1, enter the date of dissolution.
• For question 3.1, tick 'yes' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’.
• For question 3.2 and below, enter the details of the party that will handle the liquidation of the assets (liquidator).
• For question 6, indicate whether the association has any business activities, and what will happen with these.

2. It does not hold any more assets.

In this case, the association ceases to exist because it does not hold any more assets. Complete the form as follows:

• For question 2.1, enter the date of dissolution.
• For question 3.1, tick 'no' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’.
• For question 4.1, enter the details of the party keeping the financial records and other official documents of the association.
• For question 6, indicate whether the association has any business activities, and what will happen with these.

Submitting the form

Send the completed and signed form to the KVK postal address with the following documents enclosed:

• (a copy of) the minutes of the general meeting of the members, signed by at least 2 directors, attesting to the dissolution decision;
• a copy of a valid form of ID for the signatory (the director, liquidator, civil-law notary, or a duly authorised representative).

More information (only for an association with business activities)

In cases of asset liquidation (situation 1) where the liquidator is not yet registered in the Business Register, submitting this form is not enough. The liquidator must also appear in person at the KVK service desk for identification. The explanatory notes for the form indicate the documents that the liquidator must bring.

Consequences

When you dissolve an association, take care to also cancel any contracts or permits the association has. Think of bank accounts, insurances, subscriptions, and the like. Check with the organisation the association has a contract with which steps to take to cancel it.

The owners’ association (VvE) is terminated by a notarial deed of termination of the division. You can do so using a deed of dissolution, issued by a civil-law notary. You can deregister the VvE using Form 17A. Send this form by post along with an original copy of the deed, certified by the civil-law notary.

How do you report a dissolution to KVK?

If you have decided on dissolution, 2 situations are possible:

1. The VvE has been dissolved, but still holds assets.
2. The VvE has been dissolved and does not hold any more assets.

1. It still holds assets.

In this case, the VvE continues to exist for the liquidation of the assets. Complete the form as follows:

• For question 2.1, enter the date of dissolution.
• For question 3.1, tick 'yes' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’.
• For question 3.2 and below, enter the details of the party that will handle liquidation of the assets (liquidator).
• For question 6.1, enter 'no'.

2. It does not hold any more assets.

In this case, the VvE ceases to exist because it does not hold any more assets. Complete the form as follows:

• For question 2.1, enter the date of dissolution.
• For question 3.1, tick 'no' behind ‘Does the legal entity have assets at the time of dissolution?’. 
• For question 4.1, enter the details of the party keeping the financial records and other official documents of the VvE. 
• For question 6.1, enter 'no'.

Submit form

Send the completed and signed form to the KVK postal address with the following documents enclosed:

• An original copy of the deed attesting to annulment of the division, certified by the civil-law notary
• A copy of a valid form of ID for the signatory (the director, liquidator, civil-law notary or a duly authorised representative)

You register or deregister an official or change the data via a (Dutch-language) digital form. Fill in your company name or KVK number, select the relevant branch if necessary, then click on 'Functionaris(sen)' (Officials).

Synchronise deregistration and registration

Does the director or partner who will be deregistered also sign for the registration of the new director or partner? Then give the deregistration form to the new director or partner when they come to register at a KVK office.

This will prevent the registration and deregistration from crossing paths, possibly making registration impossible at that time. Only a director or partner who is still registered may sign for the registration of a new director or partner.

Check whether the change has consequences for the UBO registration

Has your organisation registered its UBOs in the UBO Register? Then you need to keep your UBO registration up to date. Via the online UBO Report, you can determine whether the new director or partner will also become a UBO of your organisation and immediately register the new UBO or report a change.

Consequences for (financial) institutions

A change of officials may have consequences for, for instance, permits of the municipality, financing, insurance, pension fund, or bank account of the company. Consult the website of the relevant (financial) institution for which steps you must follow when changing officials.

If your business will be inactive for a long period, you must deregister your business from the Business Register. The Business Register is a directory of active businesses. It is not possible to temporarily put your registration on hold. There can be times when it is necessary to temporarily stop working on your business. For example, to study, travel, or a period of paid employment. There are 2 possible options:

Option 1: Your business has no turnover or business activity (for example, due to travel, study, illness, etc).

• Is this period expected to last for less than 6 months?
  You can temporarily stop working on your business. It remains registered in the Business Register. Simply let your contacts know you are stopping your business activities for a while.
  You must continue to file the necessary tax returns. If there is temporarily no business activity, you file this as null (0). Continue to keep proper accounts. If several null returns are filed, the Tax and Customs Administration will let you know that they intend to withdraw your VAT number. If your business has not stopped, you must contact them in writing to show there is no discontinuation. If you cannot show this, KVK receives a message from the Tax Administration and we will deregister your business (in Dutch).
• Is this period expected to last for longer than 6 months?
  Deregister your business. Your KVK number and VAT number will expire. If you restart your business activities after this period, you must register a new business. You will then receive a new KVK number and VAT number. It is not possible to re-activate your old business registration, and its KVK number and VAT number.
  Do you want to stay registered simply to keep your right to the business name? This is not allowed. A KVK registration is not necessary to establish a ‘right’ to a business name. You do that by actively using the name.

Option 2: Your business has no turnover but there is business activity (for example, acquisition, product development, getting ready to start, etc).

This is a valid reason to stay registered. After one year of null returns, the Tax Administration will let you know that they intend to withdraw your VAT number. If your business has not stopped, you must contact them in writing to show there is no discontinuation. If you cannot show this, KVK receives a message from the Tax Administration and we will deregister your business.

There are 2 ways to register the transfer of your business:

• Make an appointment with the new owner to visit a KVK office. Both of you should bring a valid ID with you. Please prepare the following forms:
  • Form 14: change of company and branch data. The former owner fills out questions 1, 2, 9 and 10.
  • Form 1: registration sole proprietorship. The new owner states that they will continue the existing business as a sole proprietorship.
• Through Form 14: change of company and branch data.
  The former owner fills out questions 1, 2, 9 and 10. The new owner makes an appointment online by logging in with DigiD and then visits a KVK office with this form, their ID, and a copy of a valid ID of the former owner.
  With Form 1: Registration of sole proprietorship, the new owner states that they will continue the existing business as a sole proprietorship.

Supplementary evidence

We ask the new owner for additional supporting documents, such as a rental agreement for the business premises or a franchise agreement.

Does the new owner already have a sole proprietorship?

If you already have a sole proprietorship, you cannot register a second sole proprietorship.

• Is the business located at a different address from the current registration of the new owner? If so, choose to register a company branch. Instead of Form 1 (Register a sole proprietorship) you should use Form 9 (Register a company branch). You do not need to make an appointment. Send forms 14 and 9 together in one envelope by post. Include copies of the ID of the signatories of both forms. Do not forget to include a copy of the rental, purchase or lease contract signed by both parties.
• Is the address the same as the address of the sole proprietorship of the new owner? If so, do not register a company branch. In this case, please report changes online for the sole proprietorship of the new owner. For example, new activities or an additional business name.

Starting date

We will process the transfer as of the effective date. After processing the change(s), you can immediately request a certified extract from the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

In case of a business takeover, the KVK number and VAT ID will change so that it is clear that there is a new owner. During the change in the Business Register, we also take care of the change with the Tax Administration.

Registration fee

For the registration of the company with a new KVK number, a one-time registration fee applies (payment is possible by debit/credit card/mobile phone).

Ongoing contracts

Check which contracts have been drawn up in the name of the sole proprietorship. These are, for example, rental and maintenance contracts or insurance policies. Draw up new contracts in the name of the new owner.

More information

You can find more information about the transfer of a business on business.gov.nl.

You can change a sole proprietorship into a vof as follows:

• Complete Form 14 (Changing business and branch details) to change the undertaking into a vof (point 9.1).
• Complete Form 2 (Registering a vof).
• Complete Form 10 (Registering a partner).
• Complete Form 32 (Registering UBOs, in Dutch). The form indicates the documents that should be enclosed.

Make an appointment for the identification requirement at a KVK office.

Exemption from identification requirement

Are you a partner who was formerly the owner of a sole proprietorship and you have verified your identity with KVK since 1 March 2002? Or are you part of the vof as a partnership or legal entity, such as a vof, cv, bv or nv? Then you do not have to appear in person. However, an authorised person from the partnership or legal entity must sign the submission. In this case, provide the relevant form to the other partner(s), along with a copy of your ID document.

Additional proof

If a partnership agreement has been drawn up, bring this to the appointment. We will enter the agreements on the partners’ powers of attorney in the Business Register.

Start date

We will apply the change on the start date. Once the change(s) is/are applied, you can apply directly for a certified KVK Extract from the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

A change in legal form will also change the KVK number and VAT ID. When updating the Business Register, we will also inform the Tax and Customs Administration.

Registration fee

Registration of an enterprise with a new KVK number is subject to a one-time registration fee (payment only possible by debit/credit card). If you do not have to appear in person, you will receive an invoice by post.

Current agreements

Check which agreements are concluded in the name of the sole proprietorship. This may include lease and maintenance agreements, insurance policies, etc. Draw up new agreements in the name of the vof.

More information

For further information on changing a company, please visit Business.gov.nl.

You can arrange the transfer from a sole proprietorship to a partnership as follows:

• Complete Form 14 (business/branch details) for the transfer of your business to the partnership (item 9.1).
• Complete Form 2a (registering a public partnership).
• Complete Form 10a (registration of partner).
• Complete Form 32 (in Dutch, registration of UBOs). The form states which attachments you must bring.

Make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD for the identification requirement. Registration is possible at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Exception to the identification requirement

Are you a partner who used to own a sole proprietorship and have you personally identified yourself at the KVK after 1 March 2002? Or are you joining the partnership as a company or legal entity, for example a general partnership, limited partnership, private limited company, or public limited company? Then you do not have to visit the KVK personally. However, an authorised person from the relevant company or legal entity must sign the form. In that case, give the relevant form along with a copy of your proof of identity to the other person(s).

Supplementary evidence

If a partnership contract has been drawn up, please bring this contract along to the appointment. We will register the agreements on the authority of the partners in the Business Register.

Starting date

We will process the transfer as of the effective date. After processing the change(s), you can immediately request a certified extract from the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

Due to the change of legal form, the KVK number and VAT ID will change. During the change in the Business Register, we also take care of the change with the Tax Administration.

Registration fee

For the registration of the company with a new KVK number a one-time registration fee applies (payment only possible by debit/credit card). Don't need to come in person? Then you will receive an invoice by post.

Ongoing contracts

Check which contracts have been drawn up in the name of the sole proprietorship. These are, for example, rental and maintenance contracts or insurance policies. Draw up new contracts in the name of the partnership.

More information

You can find more information about the transfer of a business on business.gov.nl.

You can arrange the transfer from a sole proprietorship to a partnership as follows:

• Complete Form 14 (business/branch details) for the transfer of your business to the public/private limited company.
• Complete Form 3 (registering a private/public limited company).
• Complete Form 11 (official of a legal entity).
• Complete Form 30 (in Dutch, registration of UBOs). The form states which attachments you must bring.

Make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD for the identification requirement. Registration is possible at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Officer is a legal entity or partnership

Is the officer a legal entity or partnership? There is no personal identification requirement. You send the forms to the KVK postal address. The form states who is allowed to sign the forms and which evidence you need to enclose.

Starting date

The transfer date is the date of incorporation of the private limited company (bv) or public limited company (nv) mentioned in the notarial deed. After processing the change(s), you can immediately request a certified extract from the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

Due to the change of legal form, the KVK number and VAT ID will change. During the change in the Business Register, we also take care of the change with the Tax Administration.

Registration fee

For the registration of the company with a new KVK number a one-time registration fee applies (payment only possible by debit/credit card). Don't need to come in person? Then you will receive an invoice by post.

Ongoing contracts

Check which contracts have been drawn up in the name of the sole proprietorship. These are, for example, rental and maintenance contracts or insurance policies. Draw up new contracts in the name of the partnership.

Registering the transfer to an existing bv or nv

Are you transferring your sole proprietorship to an existing bv or nv? Then use Form 14 for the sole proprietorship to transfer the business (fill in 9.1).

Which form you use for the bv/nv depends on the address of the company:

• Is the address of the bv/nv different from the address of your sole proprietorship? Then use Form 9 (Registration form for a company branch (with commercial activities)) for the bv/nv. The form says who may sign it and which supporting documents you need to include.
• Is the address of the bv/nv the same as that of your sole proprietorship? Then use Form 14 to update the Business/branch details. For example, for new activities or an additional trade name.

Send the forms for both the sole proprietorship (form 14) and the bv/nv (forms 9 or 14) in one envelope to the KVK postal address. Include a copy of the proof of identity of the signatories of both forms.

More information

You can find more information about the transfer of a business on business.gov.nl.

You can arrange the transfer from a sole proprietorship to a partnership as follows:

• Complete Form 14 (business/branch details) for the transfer of your business to the public/private limited company.
• Complete Form 7 (registering a private/public limited company in the process of formation).
• Complete Form 12 (registering other officials).

Make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD for the identification requirement. Registration is possible at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Officer is a legal entity or partnership

Is the officer a legal entity or partnership? There is no personal identification requirement. You send the forms to the KVK postal address. The form states who is allowed to sign the forms and which evidence you need to enclose.

Supplementary evidence

Bring a written statement from the notary showing that the notary is engaged in setting up the private limited company (bv) or public limited company (nv). Instead of a written declaration, you can have the section 'notary's statement' on Form 7 completed and signed by the notary.

Starting date

The transfer date is the date of incorporation of the private limited company (bv) or public limited company (nv) mentioned in the notarial deed. After processing the change(s), you can immediately request a certified extract from the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

Due to the change of legal form, the KVK number and VAT ID will change. During the change in the Business Register, we also take care of the change with the Tax Administration.

Registration fee

For the registration of the company with a new KVK number a one-time registration fee applies (payment only possible by debit/credit card). Don't need to come in person? Then you will receive an invoice by post.

Ongoing contracts

Check which contracts have been drawn up in the name of the sole proprietorship. These are, for example, rental and maintenance contracts or insurance policies. Draw up new contracts in the name of the partnership.

More information

You can find more information about the transfer of a business on business.gov.nl.

You can change a vof into a sole proprietorship as follows:

• Complete Form 17A: Reporting the dissolution of a vof. All partners must sign under question 5.1. Under question 6.2, indicate the change of the company to a sole proprietorship.
• Complete Form 1: Registering a sole proprietorship.

The new owner make an appointment for the identification requirement at a KVK office.

Exemption from identification requirement
If you are a partner who will be the owner of the sole proprietorship and you have verified your identity with KVK since 1 March 2002, you do not have to appear in person. Send the signed forms with enclosures to the KVK postal address.

Start date
We will apply the change on the start date. Once the change(s) is/are applied, you can apply directly for a new certified KVK Extract from the Business Register of the Chamber of Commerce®.

Changes
Due to the change in legal form will also change the KVK number and VAT ID. When updating the Business Register, we will also inform the Tax and Customs Administration. Do you have staff? If so, the paypal tax number will also change. Read more on the website of the Tax and Customs Administration (in Dutch).

Registration fee
Registration of an enterprise with a new KVK number is subject to a one-time registration fee (payment only possible by debit/credit card). If you do not have to appear in person, you will receive an invoice by post.

Current agreements
Check which the agreements are concluded in the name of the vof. This may include lease and maintenance agreements, insurance policies, etc. Draw up new agreements in the name of the sole proprietorship.

Does the new owner already have a sole proprietorship? 

If you already have a sole proprietorship, you cannot register a second sole proprietorship.

• Is the company you are taking over located at a different address from your current registration? If so, choose to register a company branch. Instead of Form 1 (Register a sole proprietorship) you should use Form 9 (Register a company branch). You do not need to make an appointment. Send forms 17 and 9 in one envelope by post. Together with copies of the ID of the signatories of both forms. Do not forget to include a copy of the rental, purchase or lease contract signed by both parties.
• Is the address the same as the address of your sole proprietorship? If so, do not register a company branch. In this case, please report changes online for your current sole proprietorship. For example, new activities or an additional business name.

Further information
For further information on changing a company, please visit business.gov.nl.

You arrange the transfer of a vof to a new vof by filling in the necessary forms. The new partners must come in person to a KVK office for an identity check. Make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. Registration can be done at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Please note: when taking over a business, the visiting address and at least 1 business activity must remain the same.

• Complete Form 17A: Reporting the dissolution of a vof. All partners must sign under question 5.1. At question2, state the transfer of the business to the new vof.
• Complete Form 2: Registering a vof.
• Complete Form 10: Registering a partner.
• Complete Form 32: Registering UBOs (in Dutch). The form indicates the documents that should be enclosed.

UBO register

Upon registration in the Business Register, you must immediately register the UBOs of the new vof. You can use the step-by-step plan to determine who the UBOs are.

KVK deregisters the UBOs for your old vof. You do not have to deregister the UBOs yourself.

Exemption from identification requirement

Are you a partner who was formerly the owner of a sole proprietorship and you have verified your identity with KVK since 1 March 2002? Or are you part of the vof as a partnership or legal entity, such as a vof, cv, bv or nv? Then you do not have to appear in person. However, an authorised person from the partnership or legal entity must sign the submission. In this case, provide the relevant form to the other partner(s), along with a copy of your ID document.

Additional proof

We ask for additional supporting documents, such as a lease agreement for business premises or a franchise agreement. If there is a partnership contract, bring this contract to the appointment as well. We will register the partners’ authority agreements in the Business Register.

Start date

We will apply the change on the start date. Once the change(s) is/are applied, you can apply directly for a certified KVK Extract from the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

Due to the change of legal form, the KVK number and VAT ID will change. We inform the Tax Administration of this change in the Business Register. Do you have staff? Then the payroll tax number also changes. Find out what you need to do in this case (in Dutch).

Registration costs

There is a one-off registration fee for registering a company with a new KVK number (payment only possible by debit/credit card). Do you not need to attend in person? Then you will receive an invoice by post.

Current agreements

Check which agreements are concluded in the name of the old vof. This may include lease and maintenance agreements, insurance policies, etc. Draw up new agreements in the name of the new vof.

More information

For further information on changing a company, please visit Business.gov.nl.

You can change a partnership into a sole proprietorship as follows:

• Complete Form 17A: Reporting the dissolution of a partnership. All partners must sign under question 5.1. Under question 6.2, indicate the change of the company to a sole proprietorship.
• Complete Form 1: Registering a sole proprietorship.

Make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. You can complete your registration at any KVK office.

Exemption from identification requirement

If you are a partner who will be the owner of the sole proprietorship and you have verified your identity with KVK since 1 March 2002, you do not have to appear in person. Send the signed forms with enclosures to the KVK postal address.

Start date

We will apply the change on the start date. Once the change(s) is/are applied, you can apply directly for a new certified KVK Extract from the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

A change in legal form will also change the KVK number and VAT ID. When updating the Commercial Register, we will also inform the Tax and Customs Administration.

Registration fee

Registration of a business with a new KVK number is subject to a one-time registration fee (payment only possible by debit/credit card). If you do not have to appear in person, you will receive an invoice by post.

Ongoing agreements

Check which the agreements are concluded in the name of the partnership. This may include lease and maintenance agreements, insurance policies, etc. Draw up new agreements in the name of the sole proprietorship.

Further information

For further information on changing a company, please visit Business.gov.nl.

You must fill in a number of forms. Then you visit a KVK office for the identification check. Make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. Registration can be done at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

What happens to the bv?

The choice between a sole proprietorship or a BV often has to do with taxes and liability. Do you have a bv and want to continue the company as a sole proprietorship? Then there are 2 options:

• you continue your business in a sole proprietorship and the bv is stopped.
• you continue your business in a sole proprietorship and the bv also continues. For example, to manage assets.

If in doubt, seek advice from your accountant or bookkeeper.

If the bv ceases to exist

In this case, you first end the bv. You learn how to do this on our website. Bring the following documents and completed forms with you to your appointment:

• Valid proof of identity.
• Form 17a: Dissolution of a legal entity.
  Complete the form and indicate at question 6.2 the transfer of the business to the sole proprietorship. Also bring the dissolution decree with you.
• Form 1: Registration form for sole proprietorship.

If the bv continues to exist

Bring the following documents and completed forms with you to your appointment:

• Valid proof of identity.
• Form 1: Registration form for sole proprietorship.
• Form 14: Business/branch details for the bv. Complete the form and indicate at question 1 the transfer of the business to the sole proprietorship.

Additional supporting documents

We ask for additional supporting documents. For example, a lease agreement for business premises or a franchise agreement.

Start date

We will apply the change on the start date. Once the change(s) is/are applied, you can apply directly for a certified KVK Extract from the Business Register of the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce.

Changes

Due to the change of legal form, the KVK number and VAT ID will change. We inform the Tax Administration of this change in the Business Register. Do you have staff? Then the payroll tax number also changes. Find out what you need to do in this case (in Dutch).

UBO register

KVK deregisters the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBOs) if the bv ceases to exist. These are the people who are the ultimate owners of, or have control over, an organisation. You do not have to deregister the UBOs yourself. A sole proprietorship does not have to register UBOs.

Registration costs

There is a one-off registration fee for registering a company with a new KVK number (payment only possible by debit/credit card). 

Current agreements

Check which agreements are concluded in the name of the bv. This may include lease and maintenance agreements, insurance policies, etc. Draw up new agreements in the name of the new sole proprietorship.

More information

For further information on changing a company, please visit Business.gov.nl.

If you submitted your change online and we have received it, you will receive an email confirmation. The confirmation of receipt may end up in your spam folder, so please check there.

If you have not received an email from KVK with the confirmation of receipt, this means something went wrong. If this happens, please contact us.
If you submit your change by post, you will receive an official confirmation letter or a digital confirmation in your company inbox as soon as the change has been applied to the Business Register.

We will contact you if the change is incorrect or incomplete.

If you submitted a change for a date in the future, you will only see the change in the Business Register from that date. This is because the Business Register always shows the current situation.

How quickly KVK processes your change depends on how you communicate your change to us.

• If you notify us of a change correctly and completely by post, we will process it in the Business Register within 10 working days after receiving it.
• Have you submitted the change online? We process digital changes within 2 days.

If the information you provide is not complete, we will contact you.

After your change has been processed in the Business Register, you will receive official confirmation by letter, or digitally via your Message Box account. Are you submitting the change online? Then you will also receive confirmation by email.

We cannot provide information about the status of the processing between the time of receipt and processing.

Are you submitting a change for a future date? Then you will only see the change in the Business Register on that date. The Business Register always shows the current situation.

As a business owner, you may face unwanted use of your contact details. Other companies use them, for example, to send you advertising or call you with a business offer. This data can come from the Business Register, but also from other sources. For instance, from data brokers, (online) business directories, or your company's website. If you do not want to be contacted for advertising and marketing purposes, you can limit this. You will find more information about this on this page.

The visiting address of your business must be visible to everyone. This is set out in Dutch law. However, in threatening situations, this is not desirable.

In advance of new legislation, if you are threatened or feel threatened, you can have your visiting address shielded.

It is also possible for sole proprietorships to shield a visiting address. However, you must register a postal address that is different from your residential address and visiting address.

Learn more about shielding your business address.

You can change your business details in the phone guide and Yellow Pages (Telefoongids & Gouden Gids) yourself online, via detelefoongids.nl. Open your entry on detelefoongids.nl, click on your name to see the details. Then click the 'Manage your company data free of charge' link (in Dutch: 'Beheer gratis jouw bedrijfsgegevens').

To request removal of your details by Google, use this form. To request removal from other websites, you can use the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, AP) sample letters (in Dutch). 

On social media, manage the visibility of your details through your settings.

Do you suspect that the registration of a company or organisation in the Business Register is not (entirely) correct? Report this to us using our notification form. Make sure that your report is complete. We cannot process anonymous and incomplete reports.

Sometimes we will contact you for more information. The handling time for a report depends on the time needed to carry out the investigation properly. Sometimes one phone call is enough. Sometimes we need to gather more evidence. This is governed by law. The handling of your report can take a long time. Especially if it is difficult to make contact with the company concerned. Correspondence is then required and we often have to approach several people (such as partners and owners). We also check the systems of other organisations, such as the Land Registry (Kadaster) or the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP).