What is a UBO and what must I do?

  • Edited 27 January 2026
  • 1 min
  • Rules and laws
  • Managing and growing
  • Astrid Feitsma

What is a UBO and what must I do as an entrepreneur? Ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) are the owners or people who are allowed to make important decisions in a business or organisation. Max and Lisanne explain in 1 minute who is a UBO, which organisations need to register UBOs, and why this is important for doing business safely and preventing fraud.

Good to know:

  • You are a UBO if, for example, you are a director or have 25% or more of the shares or voting rights.
  • Eenmanszaken (sole proprietorships) do not have to register UBOs. BVs, VOFs, stichtingen (foundations) and some verenigingen (associations) do.
  • Register UBOs with KVK yourself and report any changes within a week.

Want to know more?

Read more about UBOs and the UBO Register