Get the correct SBI code for your business

  • Jozy Gallmann
  • How to
  • Edited 3 June 2025
  • 1 min
  • Starting
  • Rules and laws

Your company's SBI code or codes can really make a difference. For example, whether or not you get a licence or subsidy may depend on your SBI code. Or whether or not you have to join a pension fund. Read how to get the right code.

What do you need to do and arrange when starting a business?

Find out with the 'Personal to-do list' on Business.gov.nl. Answer the questions and see the steps that are important in your situation.

Create your personal list

SBI is an abbreviation of Standaard Bedrijfsindeling(Standard Industrial Classification). Every company has one or more SBI codes. These codes show what a company does.

Why is your SBI code important?

A lot may depend on your SBI code. For example, if you have the wrong SBI code, you may miss out on a permit or subsidy. Banks want to know which SBI code you have when you apply for a business loan. Read the other reasons why your SBI code matters. 

Step 1: Write down what you are going to do with your business

The work you will do with your business is called business activities. List your business activities, as they determine which SBI code you will get. Only describe work you will actually do now. You can always add new activities to your registration later.

Step 2: Write a short and clear description

Describe briefly and clearly what kind of work you will be doing. Not sure how to do that? CBS has a tool (in Dutch) to get you started and a list of all available SBI codes. 

Examples

  1. Tanushri starts her own cybersecurity consultancy firm. Her business activity can be described as: Giving advice on cybersecurity.
  2. Peter starts a webshop in jewellery. His business activity can be described as: Selling jewellery in a webshop.

Step 3: Register your company with KVK

The SBI code for your company will be given to you when you register with KVK. First fill in the online registration form. Here you also specify your business activities. Then make an appointment at one of the KVK offices. During this appointment, a KVK employee will determine together with you under which SBI code your activities fall. Are you starting activities for which there is no SBI code yet? Then the staff member will check which code fits best.

If you have several business activities, the KVK employee will help you decide what your main activity is and what your extra activities are. If your extra activities are very different from your main activity, you will be given an extra SBI code. The description of your business activities is public.

Keep your registration up to date

Are you going to do new activities in the future? Report these extra business activities to KVK, and we will update your details in the Business Register.

You can update your activities (and therefore your SBI code) via My KVK.

Incorrect or outdated information about your company in the Business Register can cause problems. So check regularly whether your details are still correct.

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