What is a LEI?
A LEI is a unique number that enables financial supervisors - such as the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets, AFM - to track global transactions and take action where necessary. The goal is to improve the transparency of the financial markets, gain better control of the risks and protect investors.
The LEI has been laid down in investment company legislation (MiFID II and EMIR).
Who requires a LEI?
Entrepreneurs or legal entities who own shares or derivatives must possess a LEI. If you do not have a LEI, you may no longer be able to purchase or sell on the stock exchange. Contact your bank or asset manager in order to determine whether you need a LEI.
Advantages of applying for a LEI at KVK
- KVK links company information from the Dutch Business Register (Handelsregister) to your application. This saves work.
- The rate is favourable: € 65 excluding VAT. The annual renewal cost is € 40 excluding VAT.
- KVK informs you in time when you need to renew. A LEI is valid for 1 year after the issue date.
Information on existing LEI registrations
Overview of LEI registrations at KVK (in Dutch)
Search all LEI registrations (in Dutch)
Background information about the LEI
Challenge a LEI (verification)
Transfer your LEI to KVK
KVK is the Dutch Local Operating Unit (LOU) for the Netherlands. If you have applied for a LEI at a different LOU, and you want to transfer it to KVK, you can. The one condition is that your organisation is registered in the Dutch Business Register.
When you transfer your LEI, you need not apply anew. KVK will take over your existing LEI.
If your current LEI is still active, the transfer is without charge. We will take over the current renewal date. On the renewal date, we will renew your LEI at the € 40 (ex VAT) rate. If the renewal takes place within 8 weeks after the transfer, you will receive an invoice with the transfer papers.
If your LEI is no longer active at the time of transfer, we will renew the LEI per the transfer date at the € 40 (ex VAT) rate.
To transfer your LEI, fill out the transfer form (in Dutch) and send it to lei@kvk.nl.
Ending your active LEI registration
Your organisation's LEI will become inactive if:
- your legal structure changes, and with it the KVK number. A LEI is linked to a legal structure. Do you need a LEI for the new legal structure? Apply for a new one;
- your company is deregistered from the Business Register;
- you fill out the termination form as the company's representative. After sending in the form the LEI will remain active until the end of its period of validity.
Frequently asked questions about the LEI
After we have received your payment, we usually process your application within 3 working days. It may take a few extra days during peak times. We will keep you informed of the progress by email.
Yes, you do. All the organisation's officials registered in the Business Register can apply for a LEI, but they do need a DigiD and they need to make a 1 cent payment using iDEAL. This enables KVK to check if you are authorised to make the LEI application.
Do you not have a DigiD? You can apply for a DigiD if you live abroad. Are you not sure you can pay using iDEAL? Check which banks offer iDEAL as a payment option.
Yes, you do. We ask that you provide documentation to prove the relationship with a direct and/or ultimate parent company. Examples of this are: a consolidated annual account, a declaration of consent, a contract, or another official document. We will inform you when you need to provide these documents during the LEI application process.
We will notify you by email, 8 weeks before your LEI is due for renewal. In some cases we will ask you to provide information about the parent companies, if applicable, using a renewal form that you can access via a link in the email.
We will send you an invoice 4 weeks before the renewal due date. On the date of renewal of the LEI, we will send you a confirmation email. Make sure you have paid the renewal fee by this time; if you have not, do so now.
If you do not wish to renew the LEI, or if you wish to annul the renewal, you can use the link in the renewal notification email to terminate the LEI. You can also terminate your LEI by following the link on the LEI page.
A LEI is active for 1 year after the issue date. If your organisation does not renew its LEI, it will be marked 'lapsed'. The 'lapsed' status may mean your organisation can no longer perform certain financial transactions, or be included in legal reports. For more information, contact your bank or asset manager.
Do you have a different question?
Terms and Conditions
Read the terms and conditions for the LEI.
KVK officially certified
The LEI Register of KVK has been officially certified by the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF). Check the official Accreditation Certificate. More information about the GLEIF can be found on their website.
Last updated on 21 April 2021
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