Registering a stichting

  • 10 July 2023
  • Edited 17 September 2025
  • 1 min

A civil-law notary sets up a stichting for you. This legal structure is directly comparable to a foundation in other countries. Usually, the civil-law notary registers all the necessary information for the stichting with KVK. For example, for the KVK Business Register and the UBO register. This means you do not also have to visit KVK. 

What is a stichting?

A stichting is a Dutch legal entity that pursues a social, idealistic, or societal goal. For example, protecting endangered species, organising cultural events, or managing a community centre.

A stichting is a legal structure with legal personality. This means it has rights and responsibilities. A foundation must pay taxes and obey the law, and is liable for any debts. Your personal assets cannot usually be claimed by creditors. Read more information about the stichting.

The process for the civil-law notary 

The civil-law notary first draws up a notarial deed for the stichting. 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. 

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 stichting’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 stichting via Mijn Belastingdienst Zakelijk. To use this, you need to log in with eHerkenning. There is a fee to apply for an eHerkenning account. 

Frequently asked questions

To register a new enterprise or organisation, you must pay a registration fee. If you want to purchase a certified KVK Extract from the Business Register when you register, you can do this directly. 

You can find a civil-law notary on notaris.nl (in Dutch)

More information on civil-law notaries in the Netherlands. 

To incorporate a new business or organisation you will pay between €500 and €1,500 depending on the civil-law notary you use.

Is your question not included? More frequently asked questions can be found on our Help and contact page. It also states how you can contact us.