Registering a VOF with organisations

The vennootschap onder firma (VOF) has partners that are organisations. For example, a BV, stichting, or maatschap.

What is a VOF (vennootschap onder firma)

Do you want to start a company with a business partner? The legal structure vennootschap onder firma (VOF, general partnership) is a possibility. Read more about the VOF. 

What partners are there in a VOF?

On this page you can read all about registering a VOF with only organisations as partners. Organisations can be a BV, CV, maatschap, VOF, cooperative, vereniging (association), or stichting (foundation).

Do you want to register a VOF with only individuals as partners? Or with both individuals and organisations? Then you can do this online.

What forms do I need to register?

Download the forms below and fill them in.  Each form tells you who can sign it and what supporting documents you need to include. 

  • Form 2: registering a vennootschap onder firma / commanditaire vennootschap
  • Form 10: registering a partner (vennoot)
  • Form 32: registering a UBO for a CV, VOF, maatschap, EEIG, or shipping company'

What other documents do I need?

VOF contract

A VOF contract contains all the agreements you make with the partners for the VOF. For example, the purpose and duration of the VOF and the authority of each partner. This way, you make the agreements clear to everyone. And avoid misunderstandings and arguments. Such a contract is not mandatory, but it is wise. Do you have a  VOFcontract? Then print it out and send it along with the forms.

Is your starting date over 2 months ago? 

You must prove that you have executed business activities since the starting date you have submitted. For example, documents that show you have made investments or carried out assignments. 

Do I have to make an appointment to visit KVK?

You do not have to visit KVK if all the pertners of the VOF are organisations. Send all the forms and documents to KVK by post. 

  • Check to see how long it takes for the registration to be processed. You will not receive any updates in the meantime.
  • Is your starting date in the future? The KVK registration (and issuing of your KVK number) will take place 1 week before the start of your company. 
  • You receive a registration confirmation letter and invoice for the registration fee by post. You will receive these at the visiting address of your VOF. 
  • After registration, you can order a certified KVK Business Register Extract. You can use this as proof of registration.

Please note: would you like to take over a VOF? Or change your VOF into a different legal structure? Find out what you need to do.

FAQ about registering a VOF

You should register your business 1 week before or after the start of business operations. Prepare your registration online. Then make an appointment to verify your identity and to finalise your registration. You will then receive your KVK number straight away. You can register at any KVK office in the Netherlands.

You may also visit us earlier to have your pre-filled details and proof of identity checked. This can be done up to 3 months before your start date. You will then receive your KVK number by post in the week of your start date. You will receive the invoice by email. You can find more information about registering on kvk.nl.

Only one of the partners in the vof can register. You can help someone else with the registration, but a partner must log in with their own DigiD.

We advise you to document the agreements you make with your partners in a cooperation contract (VOF contract). In this contract, you also document the authority of each partner. Bring the VOF contract to your KVK appointment, or send it to KVK by post (if you do not have to make an appointment in person). 

You will receive a KVK number number when you register with KVK. If you register your business 1 week before or after starting business activities, you will receive your KVK number immediately.

Visiting us earlier

You may also visit us earlier to have your pre-completed details and proof of identity checked. This is possible up to a maximum of 3 months before your start date. Once you have completed your online preparation, book an appointment at one of our offices. You can schedule an appointment up to 8 weeks in advance.

We will register your business from 1 week before the start date you have specified. After registration, you will receive a letter by post containing your KVK number. You will receive the invoice for the registration fee by email.

Are you taking over a business?

Then we will send you the new KVK number on the takeover date.

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.

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 structure and fill in the (digital) registration form.
    To register an eenmanszaak, you need a DigiD. You apply for this using your Citizen Service Number (BSN). If you do not have a BSN, follow these steps:
  • Make an appointment at a KVK office to complete your registration.
  • Bring the following with you:
    • A valid proof of identity.
    • A paper copy of an original extract from the foreign population register showing your residential address.
      Please note: This document must not be more than 2 months old and must be in Dutch, English, French or German. If this is not the case, a (sworn) translation must be provided.
      If your residential address is not within the European Union (EU), the document must also be legalised. You can find more information about legalisation at Legalisation of foreign documents for use in the Netherlands on the Netherlands Worldwide website.
    • A copy of the rental, purchase, service, lease, or usage agreement for the (Dutch) visiting address, signed by both parties.
  • You pay a one-off registration fee.

All the FAQs about UBOs can be found under Help & Contact. 

You do not need to register separately with the Netherlands Tax Administration. After registration, we will pass this information on. You will receive a notification from the Tax Administration by post within 2 weeks of the start date of your business.

eHerkenning is a type of DigiD for entrepreneurs who have a legal structure other than a sole proprietorship. It allows you to log in securely to (government) organisations, such as the municipality and the Netherlands Tax Administration. For example, to file your VAT return or payroll taxes return if you have employees. Or to file your corporate income tax return if you have a BV. You need it to file your financial statement with KVK.
 eHerkenning can be purchased from one of the 6 approved suppliers. You must be registered with KVK to apply for eHerkenning. 

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.