Incorporating a BV in Rotterdam: Logistics, Port and Tax 2026

Updated: 2026 BV Rotterdam Logistics

Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and the logistics hub of the Netherlands. More than 40% of all European goods flow through Rotterdam. For transport, import/export and trading BVs, Rotterdam is the most strategic location.

Rotterdam for logistics and trading BVs

Rotterdam's economy is built on petrochemicals, maritime, shipping and port logistics. Companies like Shell, BP, Vopak and Maersk have their European operations here. This creates opportunities for suppliers and service providers to incorporate their BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) in Rotterdam and benefit from proximity to these major players.

Tonnage tax scheme

Shipping companies in Rotterdam can use the tonnage regime — a special tax scheme where profit is calculated based on the ship's tonnage rather than actual profit. This typically results in a much lower effective Vpb rate. Only available to qualifying shipping operations.

Notary fees Rotterdam 2026

Cost item	Amount
Online notary	€400 – €700
Notary office (Rotterdam)	€1,200 – €2,300
KVK registration	€85.15
Annual accountant (Rotterdam)	€2,000 – €4,500

The follow-up question

Three pages sit directly alongside this one: Incorporating a BV, Incorporating a BV as a Doctor or Medical Specialist 2026 and Incorporating a Holding BV.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tonnage tax regime for Rotterdam shipping companies? +

Under the tonnage regime, taxable profit is calculated based on the ship's net tonnage rather than actual profit. For profitable shipping operations, this results in a significantly lower effective Vpb rate.