What it is and which level
eHerkenning is the company’s secure login for government systems. Recognised providers issue it at different assurance levels. For the portals of the Tax Administration, you need level EH3. Most companies request this level. The login is issued to a person who acts for the company. The provider checks the identity of this person and uses the KVK (the Dutch Chamber of Commerce) registration to check the authority. With the login, you have access to every connected portal, from wage tax returns to subsidy applications.
To get eHerkenning as a director abroad, see eHerkenning for foreign directors.
The process for directors abroad
For directors who live abroad, the identification takes longer. The provider checks your identity against your passport through its international procedure. It checks your authority against the KVK extract. Delivery takes weeks, so apply in the month of incorporation, before the first filing deadlines. You apply after the KVK registration. Make sure the login works before the deadlines in the VAT number timeline.
A holding structure has two Dutch companies, one above the other. Each company has its own deed of incorporation. See the Dutch holding structure for non-residents. For the shareholder register, the board decisions and the yearly filings of both companies, see corporate secretarial services in the Netherlands.
Chain authorisation
Most international founders leave the daily portal work to their adviser through chain authorisation. Your company authorises its Dutch adviser or bookkeeper, who then acts with the adviser’s own eHerkenning. The adviser submits the returns and meets the deadlines. The director keeps a personal login as a backup, for tasks the director must do personally. In a full-service setup with us, this is standard, and we arrange it at onboarding. See common questions answered.