KVK number: all you need to know

  • Edited 22 May 2025
  • 2 min
  • Starting

When you register your business in the Dutch Business Register, you are given an 8-digit KVK number. Your KVK number is proof of your registration at the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce KVK. It also proves that you officially have a business.

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

Finding the KVK number

You can find your KVK number in the following places:

  • Your welcome letter after registering your business
  • A KVK extract
  • The My KVK online portal
  • By searching in the Business Register

You can also click on the button below, then fill in your company name in the search bar to find your KVK number. You can also use this to find or check another company’s KVK number.

Search for a business

When do you receive a KVK number?

You receive your KVK number when you register your company in the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister). If your business is set to start operating within 8 days of the registration date, you receive the KVK number straightaway. 

If you register for a later starting date, you will receive your KVK number by letter, a week prior to that date. You can pre-register up to 3 months in advance. 

If you transfer your company or take over a company, the KVK number will change. A new owner means a new number. You also receive a new KVK number if you change your company’s legal structure.

What do you use a KVK number for?

By law, all Dutch companies have to register in the Business Register. You can register if you meet KVK's entrepreneurial criteria.

Your KVK number is your unique business number. It allows others to check whether you are a genuine entrepreneur. You can also check the details of your clients and business partners in the Business Register. Think of address details, KVK number, and who the owner/director is. This way, you can do business securely.

Where do you state your KVK number?

People can use a KVK number to find out who they are doing business with. Therefore, include your KVK number on letters, price quotations, invoices, your website, and business emails. This is required by law.

This obligation does not apply to the following:

  • an association or a foundation without commercial activities
  • an owners’ association (VvE)
  • a public body or other governmental organisation
  • a religious community

When do you need your KVK number?

You need your KVK number for every business purchase, subscription, or insurance. With it, you prove that you are making these commitments as a business.

Common examples are:

Can you have multiple KVK numbers?

Every business has only one KVK number. Even if you have multiple business activities or business names.

Can you cancel your KVK number?

Do you want to end your business? Then you must deregister your business with KVK. View the step-by-step guide to ending a business so that you do not forget any important steps.

How do you look up an international KVK number?

Are you looking for the business register number of a business in another country? Almost all countries have a register that is maintained by a chamber of commerce, ministry, or other government organisation.

Contact

Do you have any other questions about the KVK number, or about registration at KVK? Do not hesitate to contact us, we are here to help. 

Video: Registering with KVK: how it works

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