Set up a company in the Netherlands and keep it compliant from one partner.
The Netherlands is a favoured European gateway — strong infrastructure, an English-fluent workforce and a long history as a holding-company jurisdiction.
Entity type
BV (besloten vennootschap)
Registrar
KVK (Chamber of Commerce)
Incorporation
Via civil-law notary
The standard vehicle, the BV (private limited company), is flexible and respected. What trips up newcomers is the rhythm of Dutch filing and the detail of local payroll. We set the BV up and carry that recurring load for you.
Our role
Netherlands
A clean European base, run the way it’s meant to be
Entity setup and registrations
Accounting and tax compliance
Global payroll
Tax rates, thresholds and statutory requirements in the Netherlands change and vary by activity. Treat the figures above as a starting point — we confirm the current position with you before anything is filed.
What it takes to incorporate
A BV (besloten vennootschap) incorporated through a Dutch civil-law notary, with the deed of incorporation in place.
Registration with the KVK (the Dutch Chamber of Commerce), which issues the company its registration number.
A registered address in the Netherlands and identification of ultimate beneficial owners for the UBO register.
A share structure suited to your plans — the BV allows considerable flexibility in share classes and rights.
What it takes to operate
Corporate income tax registration with the Dutch tax authority and the annual return.
VAT (BTW) registration and periodic returns, with EC sales reporting where you trade across the EU.
Payroll registration as an employer, with Dutch wage-tax withholding and social-security obligations — an area with real local specifics.
Annual financial statements prepared and filed with the KVK, on a timetable that depends on company size.
FAQs
Netherlands
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question about setting up here? Talk to an expert
Does a non-resident need a local Dutch resident director to set up a Dutch BV?
Under Dutch corporate law, there is no legal requirement for a director or shareholder of a Besloten Vennootschap (BV) to be a resident of the Netherlands. A foreign entity or individual can serve as the sole director and shareholder. However, from a Dutch tax substance perspective, having local decision-makers or a local management presence helps establish Dutch tax residency, enabling the company to access the Netherlands’ extensive network of double-taxation treaties and EU directives.
What is mandatory to incorporate a company in the Netherlands?
Incorporating a Dutch BV requires fulfilling four core structural steps: • Civil-Law Notary Execution: A Dutch civil-law notary must execute the official Deed of Incorporation (akte van oprichting). Remote incorporation is available via a notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney. • KVK Registration: Formal registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (Kamer van Koophandel) to receive a corporate KVK number. • UBO Register Filing: Mandatory Ultimate Beneficial Owner registration filed in accordance with Dutch and EU AML guidelines.
How long does it take to register a Dutch BV and set up corporate banking?
Executing the notarial deed and completing KVK registration typically takes 3 to 5 business days once identity documents and corporate details are verified. Setting up corporate banking takes longer, often 4 to 8 weeks, due to strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards for foreign-owned companies. Spera speeds up activation by preparing bank-ready compliance files and facilitating introductions to Dutch clearing banks and European fintech institutions.
What are the primary Dutch tax registrations and reporting requirements?
Once registered with the KVK, your entity must fulfill ongoing obligations with the Dutch Tax Administration (Belastingdienst): • Corporate Income Tax (Vpb): Standard corporate tax rates apply to taxable profits, with annual returns filed following the financial year-end. • Value Added Tax (BTW): Periodic quarterly or monthly VAT filings if your entity conducts taxable commercial activities in the EU. • Annual Financial Statements: Preparing and filing annual accounts with the KVK under Dutch GAAP or IFRS.
Why is the Netherlands a popular jurisdiction for intermediate EU holding entities?
The Netherlands is widely recognized as Europe’s premier holding hub due to its stable common-market access and favorable corporate tax frameworks: • Participation Exemption: Qualifies eligible Dutch holding entities for 0% tax on dividends and capital gains received from qualifying domestic or foreign subsidiaries (5%+ holding). • Extensive Tax Treaty Network: Access to over 100 bilateral double-taxation treaties and the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive. • Innovation Box: A reduced effective tax rate on qualifying profits generated from proprietary intellectual property developed by the entity.
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