Registering a new or extra business name: what you need to know

You can register an additional business name or change your existing business name. Which option is best depends on your circumstances.

1. When to choose an additional business name?

Choose an additional business name if you want to start new activities under a different name, but also wish to keep your existing business name. For example, you might be selling new products or developing new services. You might be targeting a different customer group or selling products in a different way.

In such cases, it may be useful to come up with an additional business name for your new product, service or market. For example, because the name you currently use does not suit your new business activity. Or because you have a Dutch business name but are now also going to operate internationally.

2. When to choose a new business name?

Adapt your existing business name if it no longer suits your business and you only want to use one name. Choose a completely new name or adapt the business name to a more general one.

Under a general company name, you can sell different types of products or services. For example, change the name ‘Diallo Chairs’ to ‘Diallo Furniture’ if you want to expand your range. The disadvantage of a general company name is that it is less clear about what you have to offer.

 

Some important considerations

When you register an extra business name, pay attetion to the following:

Check that the name complies with the rules

Make sure that your new or additional business name complies with the rules.

Adjust your registration in the Business Register

Registering the new business name. You will not be issued a different or extra number. Also add your new activities to your business description. To do this, you use the same form as the form to register an additional business name. Adding an extra name is free of charge.

Update your communication

Are you using the new company name in your communications with customers? Remember to update your website, social media, price quotations, invoices, and other communications.

Do you have a BV, an NV, a cooperative, or a mutual insurance association? If so, always use the new company name along with the company name listed in the articles of association.

Apply for a new VAT number

Are you adding new activities to your registration in the Business Register? You may require a separate VAT number. Contact the Netherlands Tax Administration (Belastingdienst, in Dutch) about this. 

Check if there are extra rules for your legal form

For some legal forms, there are requirements for the first trade name. This applies to partnerships (VOF, maatschap, and CV) and legal entities such as the BV and stichting. A BV, for example, is set up through a civil-law notary. The civil-law notary draws up articles of association that include the statutory name of your company. The statutory name can only be changed via a civil-law notary.

You may not include your legal form in any additional names. Example: the statutory name (and first company name) is Two Right Hands B.V. As an extra company name you may add Two Right Hands Carpentry, but Two Right Hands Carpentry B.V. is not allowed.

You can register an additional business name with KVK online. You do not have to pay for this.