The most common vehicle for doing business in the Netherlands is the besloten vennootschap (BV), a private limited company. It is flexible, well understood by counterparties, and quick to set up compared with many jurisdictions.
Choose the legal form
For most ventures the BV is the default. Alternatives include the eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship), the vof (general partnership), and the NV (public company) for larger or listed structures. The BV gives limited liability and a single-shareholder option.
Capital and the notarial deed
Since the 2012 "Flex-BV" reform there is effectively no minimum capital — a BV can be incorporated with one eurocent of issued share capital. Incorporation is done by a Dutch civil-law notary (notaris), who executes the deed of incorporation containing the articles of association.
Register with the KvK and tax authorities
The company is entered in the trade register of the Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel, KvK), which forwards details to the tax authority (Belastingdienst) for a VAT and corporate-tax number. Registration is typically completed within a few working days.
UBO and ongoing duties
Ultimate beneficial owners must be filed in the UBO register. The BV must keep accounts and file annual financial statements with the KvK; thresholds determine how much detail is published.
For foreign founders
Non-residents can own and direct a Dutch BV, but identity verification, source-of-funds checks, and a registered Dutch address are usually required. Where a foreign lawyer is guiding a client through this, the notarial and registry steps are best handled by a verified Dutch colleague who can confirm current requirements and act locally.
Rules and thresholds change — confirm the latest position with admitted Dutch counsel before relying on any step.