Registering a Dutch BV

What is a BV?

A BV (Besloten Vennootschap) is a common legal structure.  The private limited company  is the most similar foreign legal structure. You can start a BV on your own or with others. One of the advantages of a BV is that you run little personal risk if your business incurs debts. But there are also disadvantages. For example, setting up a BV costs more than a sole proprietorship. Read more about this legal structure.

The process for the civil-law notary 

The civil-law notary first draws up a notarial deed for the BV containing the articles of association. This is official proof of establishment. Then the civil-law notary arranges the registration in the KVK Business Register and registers its UBOs. You can later view and change the data via My KVK. Do you want to set up the BV yourself? You can arrange this digitally (in Dutch). You will need a deed of incorporation drawn up by a notary. 

Confirmation of registration 

After registering in the Business Register, you will receive a letter by post with your KVK number. We will also send you an invoice for the registration fee. These will be sent to the BV's postal address. You can also order an extract from the Business Register. You use this as proof of registration. 

KVK will notify the Netherlands Tax Administration 

You will receive a notification from the Tax Administration (Belastingdienst) by post within 2  weeks. If required, they also send you a VAT identification number (VAT ID) and a VAT tax number (omzetbelastingnummer). 

Apply for eHerkenning 

You file the tax return for the BV via Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk. To use this, you need to log in with eHerkenning. There is a fee to apply for an eHerkenning account.