What are UBOs?

UBOs are the ultimate owners, or are people who are allowed to make decisions in an organisation. Examples are people who own more than 25% of the shares in a private limited company (BV), or who have a substantial interest of over 25% in a general or professional partnership (VOF or maatschap). Or perhaps those who hold more than 25% of voting rights for amending the articles of association of a foundation (stichting) or association (vereniging). If nobody has a stake of more than 25%, then the senior manager(s) are the UBOs. These can be, for example, the partners or statutory officers.

European rules and regulations mean every EU member state must have a UBO Register. Dutch businesses and organisations must provide all the information about their UBOs to KVK themselves. KVK then records this data in the UBO register.

Collecting and recording this information means it is clear who has control of an organisation. This information also helps identify who benefits most from certain actions or choices. Using UBO data, the police for example, can more easily investigate possible illegal activities.

Must I register UBOs?

Not every organisation has to register UBOs. For example, sole proprietorships (eenmanszaak), associations with limited legal capacity and without commercial activities, and owners' associations are not required to do so. Check whether your organisation needs to register UBOs.

Determining UBOs

Do you want to know who the UBOs of your organisation are? It is up to you as an organisation to decide. This information will help you do so:

• Who are the stakeholders of a bv, nv, SE, or SCE?
• Who are the stakeholders in a stichting?
• Who are the stakeholders in a cv, vof, maatschap, EEIG, or shipping company?
• Who are the stakeholders in a vereniging, coöperatie, or onderlinge waarborgmaatschappij?

Registering UBOs

Find out everything you need so you can register your UBOs in one go. You can register, deregister, or change your organisation’s UBOs via the UBO report.