Doing business in The Netherlands in a nutshell:
the most frequently asked questions.

Can I incorporate a limited company without visiting The Netherlands?

Yes, you can set up a Dutch BV without visiting The Netherlands physically. Therefore, you need to provide one of our notaries with a Power of Attorney.
This kind of incorporation requires a slightly different procedure.

Can a Dutch BV have shares without profit rights or voting rights?

Yes, it is possibility to separate the profit right from the voting right. However, every share must have a profit right or a voting right. You cannot take away both rights simultaneously from one share.

Can I keep my shareholding private?

Yes, there is a possibility of keeping your shareholding confidential. Read more about this on our blog.

Can we do business in The Netherlands while the process of incorporation is still ongoing?

Yes.  If you want to do business immediately, you can use the term ‘’i.o.’’ (in Dutch: in oprichting). This means that the formation of your company is not yet complete yet. However, you can already act in the name of your company.

What is the amount of the required share capital to set up a limited company?

Since the new regulation, the minimum is EUR 0,01. Before this new norm, the standard was EUR 18.000.

Can a Dutch BV be incorporated with only one shareholder?

Yes, there is only one incorporator required. In particular, the incorporator can be either a legal entity or an individual. At the same time, the sole incorporator can also make up the full Board of Management.

How do I open a Dutch bank account?

To open a bank account, you must be in possession of a Dutch Chamber of Commerce number. We can assist you with the application, of course.

Do I need a physical office to register my company?

This is an especially relevant question.  You must have an address in The Netherlands to register your company at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). A virtual office can also be sufficient for registration purposes.  We collaborate with partners who can provide you with a virtual office.  Of course, a physical office will always suffice as a registration address!

How long does it take to establish a company?

A company can be incorporated within a day, if necessary. However, the time required depends on how quickly documents are delivered. In our experience, establishing a company normally takes 1-2 weeks.

What is the Corporate Income Tax rate?

The rate for Corporate Income Tax (CIT) in the Netherlands depends on the profits of your company. If the taxable amount is less than EUR 200.000, the tax rate is 20%. In contrast, the Dutch Corporate Income Tax rate is 25% for taxable amounts which exceed EUR 200.000. Would you like to know more about the Dutch Corporate Income Tax? If so, please click here.

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