Registration of a company in Netherlands continues to be straightforward, transparent, and legally predictable. The framework relies on clear civil-law principles, efficient registration mechanisms, and an established trade registry system.
This review outlines how to register a company in Netherlands, the pertinent rules, core benefits, setup conditions, taxation aspects, and practical issues to watch.
Regulations
The standard vehicle used is the BV, or private LLC. The “Flex BV” reform simplified formation: there is no longer a set minimum deposit. Incorporation can be completed with as little as one share worth a nominal €0.01.
The demand for civil-law notarial deed execution in combination with entry into the Chamber of Commerce trade register remains part of the formality.
A similar situation exists in the nation in question, where stipulations include disclosure of UBO to the authorities: every BV, and in fact most legal persons, is obliged to furnish details of the persons who exercise the decisive control over holding or controlling more than 25% of the share capital or voting rights in the general meetings, or otherwise holding decisive influence. Such information is to be given at the constitution of the enterprise, immediately after constitution in instances arising, or any other time in the boundaries of 7 days in which a change occurs.
This was further in the wake of the EU court ruling whereby public access to the data on UBOs was partly suspended. Nonetheless, the registration remains obligatory, and the data are made available for competent authorities.
Moreover, entities must classify their activity using SBI codes. The system was overhauled in September 2025, affecting around four-fifths of active entities. Updated codes now cover newer sectors like platform operations, tech services, and logistics models that previously lacked clear categories.
Re registering a company in Netherlands follows a similar legal route, requiring notarial confirmation and trade registry filing if significant corporate changes occur.
Advantages of company registration in Netherlands
The regional BV has a number of appealing advantages:
- No minimum level of paid-in money, symbolically represented funds for formation, which maintains flexibility in the structure.
- Predictable legal environment: the nation has a quite defined statutory structure for different forms of corporations and registry filings, giving all stakeholders, whether domestic or foreign, a legal certainty.
- Transparency will come with the UBO filing demands; that is what is increasingly expected by fiscal institutions and backers alike.
- Cleansing of SBI code list has allowed for more accuracy in tagging the industries, hence facilitating the firms in aligning with regulatory and statistical frameworks.
- Corporate tax levels remain moderate in the EU context, particularly for lower profit brackets.
- You have an opportunity to register a company in Netherlands online. It has become an increasingly popular option, allowing founders to complete many steps digitally through authorized platforms and notaries.
Requirements for Netherlands company formation
Company incorporation in Netherlands involves several procedural moves:
- Draft a notarial deed of foundation and AoA in the presence of a notary of the jurisdiction.
- Make a decision about the share capital structure of the enterprise. At least one share should be in existence and held by a person other than the entity itself. Shares will be fully paid up in cash or in kind, subject to the contribution of the verifiable value.
- Register the firm with the Chamber of Commerce trade register, including the personal details and the nature of each beneficial interest in the register as UBO information.
- Select the appropriate SBI codes corresponding to the planned scope of operations; several codes can be assigned in relevance.
- Keep a shareholder register, proper bookkeeping records, and annual accounts as required by law.
- Entities working in regulated fields (finance, payment, gambling, etc.) are obliged to secure separate permissions in addition to formation.
You can re register company in Netherlands if a BV changes its structure, name, or ownership; this course of action ensures updated adherence to the registry.
Taxation of business in Netherlands
Currently, the local corporate profit tax is at 19% up to the first €200,000 of the taxable profit, and then 25.8% on income above that level. There are certain special regimes, like the innovation box, which may reduce the effective burden with regard to such profits associated with intellectual property.
This two-tier system practically favors small and mid-sized firms, while the large groups have applied rates very much alike to those prevailing in the rest of Western Europe. In view of that, careful tax planning and structuring are the keys.
Registration of a business (firm) in Netherlands: Important considerations
- Even though almost no capital is needed, entrepreneurs still have to secure the entity’s solvency. Mismanagement cases or business continuing when it is foreseeable that the company will become insolvent allows for liability under regional law.
- Late or absent UBO filings may lead to penalties or administrative measures; therefore, due compliance discipline is expected. The update for the SBI system will urge the firms to verify and correct their status for fear of being perceived as non-cooperation with grants, tenders, or permits.
- The UBO register shall be maintained but with minimal visibility to the general public, full details to be accessible by the oversight bodies.
- Moreover, in the sectors where specific authorization is needed—financial, gambling or payment activities—incorporation does not grant the right to operate; further authorizations are demanded.
- Still, opening an account is a real issue, particularly for foreign shareholders, as banks are applying a higher grade of AML due diligence.
- Routine obligations — bookkeeping, annual reporting, and possibly audits — add to recurring overheads.
- Transfers of BV shares must be executed by notarial deed, which adds formality and some cost but ensures proper legal control.
Our services
Eternity Law International provides full corporate and advisory support regarding cross-border structures and registration of a company for foreigners in Netherlands. The main lines of work include:
- Enrollment support: document drafting, notarial coordination, trade register filing, and share structure advice.
- Ready-made entities: sourcing of shelf BVs, sometimes with existing banking arrangements.
- Licensing assistance: handling of approvals for regulated sectors such as forex, fintech, gambling, and payments.
- Tax and financial advisory: structuring, treaty analysis, profit allocation planning, dispute handling.
- Accounting and audit: bookkeeping, financial statements, and statutory audit coordination.
- Banking assistance: help with account opening and ongoing relations with financial institutions.
- Strategy and consulting: market entry analysis, business modeling, and M&A or investment guidance.
- International legal support: representation in arbitration, protection of client interests, and, where necessary, human rights and asylum support in select jurisdictions.
- Additional support: trademark registration, virtual offices, and legal backing for digital financing or token projects.
Final thoughts
In summary, company formation in Netherlands remains a clear and organized process, supported by efficient procedures and transparent disclosure duties. The general environment fosters clarity, responsibility, and accessibility, thus providing the founders a stage to launch and run their setups with confidence. These further operational precision and trust are strengthened by improved activity classification and better transparency rules. The environment spells predictability, with room for flexible structuring, although practical adherence and financial upkeep still need careful attention. Professional guidance will move entrepreneurs seamlessly and securely from set-up to full operation.
FAQ
How much does it cost to register a company in the Netherlands?
Company incorporation Netherlands commonly costs €1,000–€2,000, covering notary work and filing. The one-time KvK fee is around €80–€100. Legally, a BV can start with as little as €0,01 share value, though most founders contribute about €1,000–€2,000 to show basic solvency and cover initial expenses. If legal drafting, translation, or accounting setup is handled by external specialists, total setup costs may be slightly higher.
Can foreigners open a company in the Netherlands?
Yes. There aren’t any limits regarding residency for shareholders or chiefs. To ensure the BV is treated as a domestic taxpayer, the management and main decision-making ought to normally take place within the state — for example, through a local address, board presence, or active operations.
How do I register a company in the Netherlands?
A regional civil-law notary will draw up and execute the founding paper of the BV. Afterward, this deed is presented to the enrollment authority, where it will be entered into the database and the BV is given its proper KVK number. Simultaneously, these details, combined with the UBOs and the SBI codes of activity, are forwarded. With the enrollment of the firm on the trading system, it can create a bank account and get a VAT number and launch an organization.
How long does it take to register a company in the Netherlands?
If all shareholder data and ID are in order, the full Netherlands company registration process usually takes three to five working days. If foreign powers of attorney, translations, or notarizations are involved, timing can extend to about one to two weeks. Straightforward setups with local participants are generally completed within a few business days.