The three types of foundation
| Vehicle | Main features | Cost to set up |
|---|---|---|
| Austrian Privatstiftung | Heavy structure, under supervision, with an entry tax | Formal set-up, foundation entry tax and ongoing formal requirements |
| Liechtenstein Stiftung | The classic choice for private wealth, in a small state with an AAA rating | Professional fees at Vaduz level; long tradition |
| Dutch stichting | Light, with full legal personality; governed by its articles and run by a board | Notarial deed in weeks; modest running costs |
Reviewed 18 August 2026.
The stichting’s special feature
Planning for the next generation? See how to set up a family office in the Netherlands.
A stichting can act as a share-certification foundation (STAK). Other foundation types can only copy this at a higher price. The foundation owns the shares and votes on them. The family owns certificates with the full economic value. Control stays with the foundation. The family receives the value, and the succession follows a plan you make in advance. You can read more in the STAK explanation and the governance charter.
You can set up the company by power of attorney, from any country. This usually happens within one week once all documents are complete. See setting up a BV in the Netherlands from abroad.
If you live outside the Netherlands, the steps are the same in every country. An employee of the notary's office signs the deed for you with your power of attorney. The company is then registered with the KVK, the Dutch chamber of commerce, and gets its tax numbers. See company formation in the Netherlands for non-residents for an overview.
Choosing between them
Austria and Liechtenstein (Vaduz) suit families that want a permanent foundation with supervision built in, and you pay for this. Founders who want control today, the option to transfer later and rules they can still change usually choose the stichting with a STAK. This combination is normally placed above the family holding company. You can read more on the holding company page. Families with interests in more than one country often use advisers in both countries.