Help with registration

Use the registration form on our website to prepare the registration of your sole proprietorship online. To do this, log in with DigiD. Complete the form completely. Check the overview with your details. Have you completed everything 100%? Then make an appointment online at a KVK office of your choice to finalise your registration.

Appointment

You plan the date, time, and location yourself. You can schedule an appointment up to 8 weeks in advance. You will receive confirmation by email. Carefully save this confirmation.

Plan an appointment on time. Most KVK locations are often busy, so you may not always be able to make an appointment within a week.

Additional supporting documents

Is your visiting address not the same as your private address? Then provide one of the following documents as proof that you may use this address as your business address:

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

Are you getting started as a franchisee? Then also bring your signed franchise agreement with you.

Is your private address correct?

The Business Register is linked to the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP). The private address you provide to us must therefore match the address at which you are registered with the municipality.

Registration fee

A registration fee applies for registering a business with a new KVK number.

Proof of registration

You can immediately request a certified KVK Business Register Extract.

Tax administration (Belastingdienst)

If you register your business, we pass on your details to the Tax Administration. Are you subject to paying VAT? If so, the Tax Administration will send you the turnover tax number and the VAT ID number of your business within 2 weeks of your registration. You will also find these numbers on Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk, (in Dutch), the online tax portal for business owners. You can log into that portal via your DigiD or eHerkenning.

Have you not received a response from the Tax Administration after 2 weeks? Call the Tax Information Line (0800 05 43).

You should use the registration forms to register your business. Select Bedrijf (‘Business’), choose a legal form, and follow the steps. Complete the forms as fully as possible. Once you have done this, book an appointment to finalise your registration at one of our offices. You can register at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Report an additional branch ('nevenvestiging') of your company via our website:

• Go to Report a change and click 'Report a change' at the top of the page. This takes you to the online Dutch tool.
• Fill in the company name or the KVK number.
• Click 'Nieuwe vestiging inschrijven' (register a new branch)
• Follow the steps and send the details digitally or by post.

Additional documents

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.

Association with full legal capacity

You must visit a notary (in Dutch) to set up a vereniging (association) with full legal capacity. Once it has been set up, the notary usually registers it with the Business Register.

Association with limited legal capacity

You do not have to visit a notary to set up an association with limited legal capacity. It is not compulsory to register such an association with KVK. However, registration is still advisable. Directors are jointly and severally liable, but can limit their liability by registering in the Business Register. After registration, they are liable only if creditors demonstrate that the association has not fulfilled its obligations.

Documents for registering an association with limited legal capacity

Do you want to register an association in the Business Register? You should collect the following documents for an association with limited legal capacity and send them to the KVK's postal address.

• form 5 (registering a foundation or association);
• form 22 (registering an executive staff member of a foundation or association);
• a copy of a valid form of identification for each director;
• a written copy of the memorandum and articles of association, certified by the board of management, if available (every page initialled and the last page signed by the directors).

Registration forms

All KVK forms.

Confirmation and registration costs

After registration, we will send you a written confirmation and an invoice for the registration fee by post. You can request a certified KVK Business Register Extract immediately.

You must set up a stichting (foundation) with a deed executed before a civil-law notary. Once it is set up, the civil-law notary registers it in the Business Register.

Register the foundation yourself

If you want to register the foundation yourself, gather the following documents and send them to the KVK postal address:

• A validated copy of the notarial deed of incorporation
• Form 5: Registering a foundation, association, or owners' association
• Form 22: Registering an official of a foundation, association, or owners' association
• Form 31: Registration UBO for a Stichting
• A copy of a valid form of ID for each director

Forms

You can download all the necessary forms from our website.

Confirmation and registration fee

After registration, we will send you written confirmation of your registration and an invoice for the registration fee by post. You can apply directly for a certified KVK Business Register Extract.

Use the registration form on our website to prepare your vof registration. Log in using DigiD. Complete the form. Check the overview of your details. Have you filled in everything? Make an appointment online to finalise your registration at a KVK office of your choice. 

Appointment

You plan the date, time, and location yourself. You can schedule an appointment up to 8 weeks in advance. You will receive confirmation by email. Carefully save this confirmation.

Do not wait too long to make your appointment. Most KVK offices are busy, and you may not be able to schedule an appointment within a week. 

UBO register

When you register with the Business Register, you also have to report your UBOs. Use the UBO report preparation to find out who are your vof's UBOs. Fill out form 32. The form states which documents you need to bring to your appointment. 

Personal identification duty

A partner may be a natural person or a Dutch, foreign, or public-law legal entity or partnership (maatschap, vof, or cv). Natural persons need to show a valid proof of identification.  

Additional documents

If the visiting address is not the same as the private address of one of the partners, you need to show 1 of the following documents to prove that you may use this address as your company's visiting address: 

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

If a vof contract has been drawn up, bring it to the appointment. We register the agreements on the partners' authoritsations in the Business Register. 

Are you getting started as a franchisee? Then also bring your signed franchise agreement with you.

Is your private address correct?

The Business Register is linked to the Personal Records Database (BRP). The private address you provide to us must therefore be the same as the address at which you and the other partners are registered with the municipality.

Registration fee

A registration fee applies for registering a business with a new KVK number.

Proof of registration

You can immediately request a certified KVK Business Register Extract.

Tax Administration (Belastingdienst)

If you register your business, we pass on your details to the Tax Administration. Are you subject to paying VAT? If so, the Tax Administration will send you the turnover tax number and the VAT ID number of your business within 2 weeks of your registration. You will also find these numbers on Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk (in Dutch), the online tax portal for business owners. You can log into that portal via your DigiD or eHerkenning.

Have you not received a response from the Tax Administration after 2 weeks? Call the Tax Information Line (0800 05 43).

Request eHerkenning for your vof tax returns

You file your turnover tax (VAT) return via the 'Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk' business portal. You need eHerkenning for this. You must apply for this from a certified supplier. You have to pay for the application and use of the service. For the income tax return, you do not file a tax return as the vof, but as the individual partners. For this, you use your personal DigiD.

Since 1 July 2008, VvEs must be registered in the Business Register. The civil-law notary will register a newly created VvE for you.

Register a VvE with KVK

If you want to register an owner’s association (VvE) yourself, prepare the following documents:

• VvE registration form (Form 5 - Registration for a foundation, association or owners' association)
• VvE officer registration form (Form 22 - Registration of an officers of a foundation, association or owners' association without a company)
• A copy of a valid form of ID for each director of the VvE
• A copy of the deed of division validated by the director(s) if the VvE was set up before 1 July 2008
• An original copy of the deed of division, authenticated* by a civil-law notary, if the VvE was set up after 1 July 2008
• A copy of the minutes of the meeting signed by the director(s) showing the appointment of the director(s)
• A copy of the attendance register, signed by all owners in attendance at the meeting

* Authenticated: each page contains the initials of the director(s), with the signature(s) on the last page.

If you do not have the deed of division, you can order a copy from the Land Registry Office (Kadaster, in Dutch) for a fee.

Submit registration forms and documents

Send the forms and documents to the KVK postal address.

Confirmation and registration fee

After registration, we will send a registration confirmation and an invoice for the registration fee by post. You can immediately request a certified KVK Extract.

Report an additional branch (office) using our website.

• Go to ‘Wijzigen’ (changes, in Dutch)
• Search for and select the association/foundation
• Click on 'Nieuwe vestiging inschrijven' (register a new branch)
• Complete the steps and submit the information online or by post.

Additional supporting documents

Is the visiting address not the same as the private address of a registered official? Then provide 1 of the following documents as proof that you may use this address as the visiting address for the establishment of the association or foundation:

• a copy of the lease, purchase, or tenancy agreement signed by both parties, or
• a certificate from the Land Registry Office (Kadaster), or
• a declaration of consent

Do I need to register or not?

If the branch is in use for the activities of the stichting or foundation for longer than 6 months, you need to register it. Still in doubt about whether or not to register the branch?

Then check the flowchart for registration of branches for foundations and associations (in Dutch).

Read more about registering an undisclosed partnership.

In the Business Register, the company is registered and, separately, the person to whom the company belongs. The company has a so-called trade name (with which the company presents itself to the outside world). The person who runs the company also has a name. This can be the name of an individual, but also of a general partnership, private limited company, (undisclosed) partnership, etc.

The words 'undisclosed partnership' ('stille maatschap') or 'partnership' ('maatschap') cannot appear in the trade name of the company. If this is the case, there is no longer an undisclosed partnership, since the partnership then appears to the outside world under a common name. However, the words 'undisclosed partnership' ('stille maatschap') must be included in the name of the undisclosed partnership for registration purposes. This is necessary to distinguish between a professional and an undisclosed partnership.

Please note: if external action is taken under the name of the undisclosed partnership, the partnership will soon be seen as a professional partnership. It is therefore important to use the words 'undisclosed' or 'partnership' only internally. For external transactions, such as purchases and sales, use the chosen company name without the words 'undisclosed partnership' ('stille maatschap') or 'partnership' ('maatschap').

If you already have one eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship), you cannot register a second one. You can in fact make changes to your current sole proprietorship, such as new activities or an additional trade name. If the new activities take place at an address other than the one currently registered, you need to register a branch.

Netherlands Tax Administration

We report the change of activities to the Netherlands Tax Administration. You may not need to file a VAT return at the moment, for example because your business activities are exempt from VAT. If these activities change or you start new activities, you may have to start filing VAT returns. The Tax Administration will notify you automatically.

It depends on the number of weeks the business has been deregistered and the proof you have for this.

Deregistered for longer than 6 weeks

Did you deregister your sole proprietorship (eenmanszaak) more than 6 weeks ago? In this case, you cannot undo your deregistration. You have to register a new sole proprietorship.

To prepare for the registration, please complete the online registration form. Then make an appointment at a KVK office to finalise your registration. You can do this at any KVK office in the Netherlands. 

For this new registration you will receive a new KVK number and a new VAT identification number. For the registration of the new sole proprietorship, you must pay a one-time registration fee.

Deregistered for less than 6 weeks

Did you deregister your sole proprietorship less than 6 weeks ago? Then you can reverse your deregistration if you can prove that your business has continued to be active. To do so, complete and send form 18 (Additional information), and include the requested evidence. For example:

• Recent bank statements in the name of the company, showing that there still are – or have been – activities.
• Recent purchase and sales invoices, or order confirmations. If your company was deregistered retroactively, include invoices from that period.
• A statement from your bookkeeper or accountant.
• Proof of business activities (WUO) or results from other activities (ROW) issued by the tax administration. Or other forms of administration that can prove that the rectification is correct.

Complete, sign and send form 18 by post. Include a copy of a valid ID and your supporting documents. Do this within 6 weeks from the date of the deregistration confirmation. You received this from us by post.

We will assess whether the supporting documents offer sufficient proof to reinstate the registration. If so, you will keep the same KVK number. You will receive confirmation of this by post. You can then apply for a new certified KVK Extract.

Tax Administration

The Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) is not automatically notified of the rectification of your deregistration.

To re-activate your VAT number, please send a letter to the Tax Administration stating that you want to re-activate the VAT number for your business. Send the letter to:

Belastingdienst/Klantbeheer
Postbus 2892
6401 DJ Heerlen

Your VAT number may not remain exactly the same. Or your sub-number could change. For example, 123456789B01 may become 123456789B02.

Read more about registering a foreign company.

You can only register your business if you have a Dutch visiting address. Do you live in an area bordering the Netherlands? And can you show genuine, physical business activities in the Netherlands? Only then you can register with a visiting address that is abroad. Follow these steps to register:

• Choose a legal form and fill in the (digital) registration form
  To register as a sole proprietorship (zzp), you need a DigiD. You apply for this using your Citizen Service Number (BSN). If you do not have a BSN, follow these steps:
  • Register in the Non-residents Records Database (RNI)
  • You will immediately get a BSN.
  • Use your BSN to apply for a DigiD. The Netherlands Worldwide website explains how to apply for a DigiD abroad. This requires Dutch nationality, or the nationality of another country in the European Economic Area (EEA).
  • Use your DigiD to register your sole proprietorship.
• Make an appointment and complete your registration at a KVK office.
• Bring the following with you:
  • A valid proof of identity and an original extract (or a legalised copy) from the personal records database where you live, or another original proof (or a legalised copy), such as from an official organisation or a bank, showing your private address.
    Note: this proof may not be older than 1 month. Submit this proof in a language we can read. If we cannot read it, KVK can ask you to have the documents translated into Dutch, English, German or French. This does not need to be by a sworn translator.
  • A copy of the rental, purchase or lease contract of the (Dutch) visiting address. This must be signed by 2 parties.

Click the 'Report a change' button. Enter your business name or KVK number. Click on Functionarissen ('Officers') and follow the steps.

To identify yourself in person or not?

You do not always have to come in person to identify yourself at a KVK office. On our website and the forms, you can read when personal identification is or is not necessary.

Do you have to identify yourself? Then make an appointment online. You can register at any KVK office in the Netherlands. 

Register and deregister at the same time

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 affects the UBO registration

Via the online UBO report, determine whether the new director or partner will also become a UBO of your organisation and immediately register the new UBO or submit 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. Check the website of the relevant (financial) institution for which steps you must follow when changing officials.

You register a director online. You can read how to do this in our article 'Reporting a board change for a stichting, vereniging, or VvE'.

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).

To register the new official, use the online form. Fill in which organisation you want to arrange this for and go through the steps. The form states whether the new official must provide personal identification and what supporting documents we need.

Check this article and find out what steps to take.

How you do this depends on the new legal structure. Choose your situation here and read what steps to take.

You can change a vof into an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) as follows:

• Complete Form 17a: 'Dissolution of a partnership or shipping company'. All partners must sign under question 3.1. Under question 4.2, indicate the change of the company to an eenmanszaak.
• 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 eenmanszaak and you have verified your identity with KVK since 1 March 2002, you do not have to visit KVK 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 KVK Business Register.

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. 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 eenmanszaak.

Does the new owner already have an eenmanszaak? 

If you already have an eenmanszaak, you cannot register a second eenmanszaak.

• 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 17a 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 eenmanszaak? If so, do not register a company branch. In this case, please report changes online for your current eenmanszaak. For example, new activities or an additional business name.

Further information

For further information about the tax settlement when changing a company, please visit Business.gov.nl.

Check the article 'Vof becomes new vof' to find out what steps to take.

You can change a maatschap (professional partnership) into an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) as follows:

• Complete form 17a: 'Dissolution of a partnership or shipping company'. All partners must sign under question 3.1. Under question 4.2, indicate the change of the maatschap to an eenmanszaak.
• Complete form 1: 'Registering an eenmanszaak'.

The new owner then makes an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. Registration can be done at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Exemption from identification requirement

If you are a partner who will be the owner of the eenmanszaak and you have verified your identity with KVK since 1 March 2002, you do not have to visit KVK in person. Send the signed forms with the required attachments 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 Business Register Extract.

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 Netherlands Tax Administration. Do you employ staff? In that case, the wage tax number also changes. Read what you should do on the website of the Tax Administration (in Dutch).

Registration fee

Registration of a business with a new KVK number is subject to a 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 contracts

Check which contracts were concluded in the name of the maatschap. This may include lease and maintenance agreements, insurance policies, etc. Draw up new agreements in the name of the eenmanszaak.

Do you already have an eenmanszaak?

If you already have an eenmanszaak, you cannot register a second eenmanszaak.

• Is the business you are taking over at a different address from your current registration? Then choose to register a branch office.
  Instead of form 1 ('Registration form eenmanszaak') use form 9 ('Registration form branch of a company'). You do not need to make an appointment. Send form 17a and form 9 to us in one envelope by post. Together with a copy of proof of identity of the signatories of both forms. Do not forget to enclose a copy of the rental, purchase, or lease contract signed by 2 parties.
• Is the address the same as the address of your eenmanszaak? Then do not register a branch office. In this case, report changes online for your current eenmanszaak. For example, new activities or an additional trade name.

Further information

For further information about the tax settlement when changing a company structure, please visit Business.gov.nl.

Take a look at 'Take over or continue a business' to find out what steps to take.

Take a look at 'From bv to vof' to find out what steps to take.

We use 3 criteria to determine whether you have a business:

1. You supply goods and/or services. Or you are preparing to do so. For example, you have already started buying products.
2. You demand more than symbolic payment for this. Or a (commercial) price or hourly rate that makes you money. Think of making a profit or cutting costs. So it is not a hobby that only costs money and does not make a profit.
3. You regularly provide goods and services to people other than just your family or friends.

Do you meet these 3 entrepreneurial criteria? Then you can register your business at KVK.

There are also 4 additional questions that say something about entrepreneurship and help you decide if registration is necessary.

Additional questions

1. Do you invest money and/or time to start or grow your company?
2. Do you work in your own business on a regular basis, as opposed to a one-off assignment? You should also register large one-off activities, such as Christmas tree sales.
3. Will you be working for more than 1 client? If you have a single client over a longer period of time, it is more likely that you are in salaried employment.
4. Do you decide when and how you do your work? Even if you get hired by a client. Does that apply to you too?

Are you in doubt? Check out the examples on how to deal with these 3 criteria and 4 questions.

That depends on whether your business fulfils the criteria for a business. If it does, you are required to register.

• All foreign companies with a branch in the Netherlands must register in the Business Register. 
• Foreign companies without a branch in the Netherlands can register in the Business Register, provided they have business activities in the Netherlands. This also applies to foreign entrepreneurs who have business activities, but do not have a partnership or company as their legal structure. For example, sole proprietors.  
  We advise you to contact us if this specific situation applies to you. 
• Foreign companies that provide workers in the Netherlands must register in the Business Register. It does not matter whether or not they have a branch in the Netherlands. For more information, read the article Waadi: hiring out or provision of workers in the Netherlands.  

At various places on the KVK website, you will find a button to log in with DigiD. If you click it, you get the choice of which way you want to log in. You can choose between the DigiD app and SMS verification. KVK uses DigiD to check your identity. This is so that we know for sure that it is you who is logging in.

With the DigiD app

Install the DigiD app on your mobile phone or tablet. The first time you use the app, you must choose a five-digit security code. Remember this code. Each time you use the DigiD app, you must type it in.

If you log in to KVK.nl using the DigiD app, our website will ask you for a four-letter code. Open the DigiD app on your phone or tablet, ask for such a code and enter these letters on KVK.nl. Then you have to click a button in the DigiD app to approve logging into KVK.nl. After that, you can continue on our website.

With SMS verification

Log in to the DigiD website using your DigiD username and password. There, add your mobile or landline number to your DigiD account and choose login with SMS verification.

If you log on to the KVK.nl website with DigiD, you choose 'With SMS verification'. DigiD will then immediately send you a code in a text message (on your mobile phone) or a spoken message (on your landline telephone). You use this code to log in to KVK.nl.

Apply for DigiD via www.digid.nl. You need your citizen server number (BSN) to apply.

Do you live outside the Netherlands and do not have a DigiD? Check which situation applies to you.

- I have Dutch nationality. You can apply for a DigiD. The DigiD website tells you how to do this.
- I do not have the Dutch nationality, but the nationality of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA). First register with the Non-Residents Records Database (RNI). After registration with the RNI, you will immediately receive a citizen service number (BSN) and can apply for a DigiD. The DigiD website tells you how to do this.
- I have a nationality outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Then you cannot use DigiD. Do you need a DigiD to make an appointment to register your sole proprietorship or general partnership (vof)? If so, please call 088-585 15 85.

There are several reasons why you may see an error message when logging into DigiD,

The DigiD app disconnects if you are inactive for 15 minutes or more. Try to log in again.

Are you still unable to connect? Then go to the DigiD website for more information. There you can check if there is a problem. And you can read more about possible solutions.

If logging in with DigiD continues to fail, please see Logging in with DigiD app or Logging in with SMS verification.

Is it still not working? Watch the DigiD tutorial videos.

You must register your company within 1 week before or after the start of your business activities.

You can also visit our offices earlier to register your company. You can do this up to 3 months before your start date. To do this, make an appointment with one of our offices.

We will handle the actual registration in the week before the start date you provide. You do not need to visit a KVK office again for this. After registration, we will send you a written confirmation of your registration and an invoice for the registration fee by post.

Bring valid proof of identity. You need your mobile phone to pay the one-off registration fee. You scan the QR code with your mobile phone and then pay with iDEAL or credit card.

Always take

• valid proof of identity
• a mobile phone  to pay the one-off registration fee

If applicable, you might also need to bring

• a copy of the rental or lease contract, signed by both parties, or a declaration of consent, if your visiting address is different from your private address
• vof, cv, or maatschap contract, if you have made one
• a franchise contract, if you are starting a franchise business

Do you not live in the Netherlands? Check what additional information we need from you. 

Check if your organisation also need to register UBOs. If so, bring the necessary information and documents with you as well:

• Preparation for registering UBOs for a new nv, bv, SE, or SCE
• Preparation for registering UBOs for a new foundation
• Preparation for registering UBOs  for a new cv, vof, professional partnership, EEIG, or shipping company
• Preparation for registering UBOs for a new association, cooperative, or mutual insurance company

You can directly request a certified KVK Business Register Extract.

To register a new enterprise or organisation, you must pay a one-time registration fee. If you want to purchase a certified KVK Extract from the Business Register when you register, you can do this directly at the current fee. You can only pay by scanning the QR code on the invoice with your mobile. 

You will receive a KVK number when you register in the Business Register. You can register from 1 week before the start date of your company, but you can also visit the KVK earlier to prepare your registration. You can do this up to 3 months before the start date. In this case, the actual registration (with KVK number) will take effect 1 week before the start date of your company. You do not need to return to the KVK offices for this.

You can register your business with registrations forms. Choose 'Register new company', go through the steps, and complete the forms as completely as possible. Bring them with you when you visit an office in person to finalise the registration. Make an appointment for this. Registration can be done at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

Registration in the preparation phase is possible in some cases. Preparations include ordering goods, applying for permits, or renting business premises. To complete the registration, make an appointment online by logging in with DigiD. Registration is possible at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

To register an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship) or vof (general partnership), you need a DigiD. Do you not have one? Then apply for a DigiD via www.digid.nl/. You do this with a citizen service number (BSN).

Do you live outside the Netherlands? The Netherlands Worldwide website tells you how to apply for a DigiD from abroad. This requires a BSN and Dutch nationality, or the nationality of another country in the European Economic Area (EEA).

There are several reasons why you may see an error message when logging into DigiD,

The DigiD app disconnects if you are inactive for 15 minutes or more. Try to log in again.

Are you still unable to connect? Then go to the DigiD website for more information. There you can check if there is a problem. And you can read more about possible solutions.

If logging in with DigiD continues to fail, please see Logging in with DigiD app or Logging in with SMS verification.

Is it still not working? Watch the DigiD tutorial videos.

You do not need to register separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration. You submit information when preparing your registration, which the KVK forwards in digital form to the Tax Administration. You will receive a letter of confirmation for your registration with the Tax Administration. After around 10 working days, you will receive a notification from the Tax Administration.

The Netherlands Tax Administration will send you your VAT-ID and VAT number (btw-id and omzetbelasting number) within 2 weeks of your starting date. Have you not received a communication from the Tax Administration after 2 weeks? Call the Tax Information line: 0800 05 43.

You use the btw-id for your communications with clients and suppliers. On your website or invoices, for example. You use the omzetbelasting number when you file your VAT returns. 

You can find your omzetbelasting number, or VAT number, on the Netherlands Tax Administration website. To retrieve your btw-id, you have to call the Tax Information line (BelastingTelefoon).

How to find your VAT number on the Belastingdienst website

Follow these steps to find your VAT number on the Belastingdienst website:

• go to Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk
• log in with your DigiD, eHerkenning, or European login. You will see your VAT number once you have logged in. 

Lost your  VAT ID? Call the Tax Information line

Have you mislaid your btw-id (VAT ID)? Contact the Tax Information line (0800 05 43). The Belastingdienst will resend the letter containing your btw-id. This can take up to 2 weeks. It is not possible to get your btw-id via telephone or email. 

When you call the Tax Information line, you will hear a set of 4 options (in Dutch). Choose 4 (other questions). Your call will be forwarded to a Belastingdienst employee. Indicate that you wish to receive a copy of the letter containing your btw-id. The Balstingdienst employee will send the copy to you by post.

You may not have to come to the office to have your ID checked at the desk. Read this article to find out in which situations you do not need to make an appointment. 

You can use the following documents as valid forms of ID:

• Passport
• Dutch driving licence or moped licence (category AM)
• European ID card (ID card from an EEA country)
• Dutch document for foreign nationals (residence permit, Foreign National ID of Type W or W2, formerly 'W-document', diplomatic visa)
• Dutch foreign-national passport
• Dutch refugee passport

Please note: the document you use as ID must be valid. The validity date appears on the ID.

Copy of ID for registration of a business or official

If you have to enclose a copy of your ID with a form submitted to KVK, you may use a sticker, marker, or other means to make your photo and nationality illegible, in the interests of privacy. Or you can use the KopieID app (in Dutch) from the national government. KVK does not need your photo or nationality to review your submission. You may not block out any other information. Driving licences do not indicate nationality.

Copy of UBO ID

To register UBOs in the UBO register, you must also enclose colour copies (front and back) of the IDs of the UBOs. You are not permitted to block out the nationality on the ID copies. You are permitted to block out the photo. Do not block out the document number of the passport, driving licence, or ID card! Print the copy on a sheet of A4 paper or scan the ID document in actual size.

By post

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.

By email

You cannot submit a change form by email. This is because KVK needs your original signature (with a pen) on the form.

By phone

You cannot report your change by phone. Go to kvk.nl/report-a-change to submit your changes. 

The instructions on the form will tell you whether you should post it to us or visit us in person. Complete the form digitally, then print it, sign it, and send it to us.

You can notify us of many changes digitally. If you have to visit us in person, bring the form with you. You can only visit us by appointment. Book your appointment at an office of your choice.

Our offices are usually quite busy. So book an appointment to register your company in plenty of time. Bear in mind that you may have to wait more than a week for an appointment.

Are you registered in the Business Register? Some of your details are public. Bu that does not mean that anyone can approach you without your consent. Sometimes, that does happen. Read how to limit the use of your details by others on this page. And find out why some of your details are public. 

The Business Register is public and established by law. The Business Register Decree, section 35, Commercial Registers Act sections 17 and 47, states that KVK must register the telephone number of every entrepreneur. This allows anyone to check who they are doing business with, including by phone, and whether the company really exists. The business telephone number is a legal requirement.

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.

Do you have an eenmanszaak, vof, cv, or maatschap? Companies are not allowed to call you for commercial purposes, unless you have given your consent. Find more information on our website: How to limit unwanted (commercial) solicitation.

Do you want to limit the amount of unsolicited mail or sales visits? Activate the Non Mailing Indicator (NMI).

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).