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 a Power of Attorney to one of our notaries.
This kind of incorporation requires a slightly different procedure.

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

Yes, there is a possibility to divide the profit right from the voting right. However, every share must have a profit right or a voting right. You cannot undo both from one share.

Can I keep my shareholding private?

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

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

Yes, if you want to do business immediately, you can use the term ‘’i.o.’’ (in Dutch: in oprichting). This means your company formation isn’t completed 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. The only incorporator can also be the full Board of Management at the same time.

How do I open a Dutch bank account?

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

Do I need a physical office to register my company?

Especially relevant, you must have an address in The Netherlands to register your company at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). A virtual office could be sufficient for the registration, too. We collaborate with partners who could provide you a virtual office. A physical office is always sufficient as a registration address, of course!

How long does it take to establish a company?

A company can be incorporated within a day if necessary. However, the time depends on the rapidity of the documents to be 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 like to know more about the Dutch Corporate Income Tax? Please click here.