How to complete the online registration form for an eenmanszaak

This article explains the Dutch-language online registration process for an eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship). When you register online, all your details are automatically recorded in KVK’s systems. This means that finalising your registration when you visit a KVK office will be faster and simpler. If you are not confident completing the process in Dutch, you can also download the English PDF form. When you complete the form in English, the Dutch fields are filled automatically. You need to print and sign the completed Dutch form, and bring it with you to your appointment at KVK. 

Below the video you will find all sections of the Dutch-language online registration form. You can choose the order in which you complete the form. We save your details automatically, so you can stop at any time and continue later.

For English subtitles, click the settings wheel, select Ondertiteling, and choose Engels.

What is your business address?

The bezoekadres (visiting address) is the address where your business is located. This applies even if you do not receive customers. If you do not want the address of your eenmanszaak to be visible in the Business Register, choose the option bezoekadres afschermen (shield visiting address). Others can then not see the address. With this option, you do need a postal address that is different from your visiting address.

The postal address is the address or mailbox where you want to receive mail for your business. Visiting address and postal address can also be the same.

How can your business be contacted?

Here you enter the contact details for your business. Your email address and website address are public. Your business telephone number is shielded and therefore cannot be seen by others.

When registering, you can also indicate that you do not want mail advertising or door-to-door sales.

What will your business be called?

Here you enter the business name you have chosen. Officially, this is called a handelsnaam (trade name) and is recorded in the Business Register. Before you register a name, check whether you can use it according to the rules of the Trade Name Act. And use the Name Check tool to check whether the name is still available. You may only register 1 eenmanszaak with KVK. However, your business can carry out different activities and have more than 1 business name. 

What will your business do?

What work are you going to do with your business? These are your bedrijfsactiviteiten (business activities). Briefly and clearly state (in Dutch) what these activities are.

Your business will have one or more SBI (standard industrial classification) codes that best suit your business activities. Make sure you communicate your activities properly, because SBI codes are important. They can affect, for example, insurances, subsidies, and permits.

Do you import and/or export?

Are you going to import or export goods? Then we register this in the Business Register. Even if you only import ingredients or components for your end product.

How many people are involved?

In this step, you enter who your business employs. You must enter at least one person. As owner of the business, this is usually yourself. An eenmanszaak may also employ staff. If you take on staff at a later stage, you must inform KVK online.

When will your business start?

Here you let us know the start date of your business. This is either the date on which you start your business activities or the date on which you make your first commitments. For example, purchasing products or signing a rental contract.

Are you starting as a franchisee?

You must state here if you are starting your business as a franchisee. Bring your franchise contract with you to the appointment at the KVK office.

Is there an authorised person?

With a power of attorney, you give someone else permission to do something on behalf of your business. Signing contracts, for example. Keep in mind that as the owner of the business, you are responsible for what a gevolmachtigde (authorised person) does. It is useful to let KVK know who has a power of attorney, because this way others can see who can make which agreements on behalf of your business.

Making an appointment

Once you have filled in everything, make an appointment online at a KVK office. You can choose which office you visit to complete your registration. During the appointment, we will check your details and proof of identity. And you can ask all your questions about doing business. Most entrepreneurs schedule the appointment a week before or after starting their business activities.
The confirmation email will tell you what to bring to the appointment. You pay a one-off registration fee.

KVK number

You will usually receive your KVK number at your appointment. But sometimes we cannot complete your registration immediately. For example, because you start later or because you have not brought along all the information. In that case, you will receive your KVK number later.

The Netherlands Tax Administration will send your VAT identification number to you later by post.

Starting later

Do you plan to start later? Then you can visit KVK earlier for us to check your details and proof of identity. This is possible up to a maximum of 3 months before your start date. So, if you start on 1 May, you can visit us on 1 February at the earliest. If you choose this option, we will finalise your registration 1 week before your starting date. You will then receive confirmation, your KVK number, and an invoice for the registration fee by post.