Incorporating a BV

Setting Up a BV in the Netherlands in 2026: Costs and Steps

Updated: 2026-05-27 Holdwise editorial team BV Incorporation Costs

The BV ("besloten vennootschap") is the Dutch private limited company, comparable to a UK Ltd or a German GmbH. To set one up in 2026, you always need a notary, who draws up the deed and registers the BV at the KVK. This takes more work than registering as a sole trader. At Holdwise, we updated this answer on 27 May 2026. You find the figures for each situation in the table on this page.

Complete guide Incorporating a BV: Step-by-Step Guide 2026 (From Idea to KVK) →

What is a BV?

A BV is a separate legal entity. The company owns the business and is liable for its debts. Your own liability is in principle limited to what you put in. A BV pays corporate tax ('vennootschapsbelasting'). As director-majority shareholder ('DGA') you pay yourself a salary and possibly dividends.

Step 1: Decide on the structure

Before you go to the notary, decide whether you want a single BV or a holding structure (a holding BV above an operating BV). Most serious entrepreneurs choose a holding structure from the start. With a holding, you can protect profit and sell the operating company tax-free later.

Step 2: Visit a notary

Only a civil-law notary ('notaris') can create a BV, by drawing up the deed of incorporation ('oprichtingsakte'). The notary also handles the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) registration for you.

Step 3: KVK registration

The notary registers your BV with the KVK. The KVK fee is €85.15 per company. You then receive a KVK number and your company is official.

Step 4: Open a business bank account and register for tax

With the deed and the KVK number you can open a business account. You also register the BV for corporate tax and VAT with the Tax Authority.

Costs in 2026

Item	Cost
Notary (remote by power of attorney)	In your quote
KVK registration	€85.15
Holding structure (two BVs)	In your quote; the notary draws up a separate deed of incorporation for each BV

Budget the ongoing costs

A BV costs more to run each year than a sole trader. Accountant fees depend on the size of the administration. Annual accounts have to be filed at the KVK. As DGA, you must also take a minimum salary of €58,000 in 2026.

We can arrange the whole process for you: the notary, the Chamber of Commerce registration, the tax numbers and the holding structure. See BV incorporation for foreign founders.

Terms on this page

BV (besloten vennootschap): The Dutch private limited company. It is a legal entity with registered shares and limited liability. The shareholder’s private assets are separate from the company’s debts. The BV is set up with a notarial deed. The minimum capital is €0.01.
Notarial deed: The document a Dutch civil-law notary executes to set up the BV. It contains the articles of association. The deed can be signed in person, or remotely with a power of attorney.
KVK (Chamber of Commerce): The keeper of the Dutch trade register in which every business is listed with its KVK number, directors and establishment details. For a BV, the notary files the registration.
Power of attorney: The written authorisation with which someone else signs the notarial deed for the founder. For remote incorporation, the signature is legalised. From abroad, an apostille is usually needed as well.

All terms in the glossary →

Free advice

Want our team to have a look?

We help you set up your company or holding in the Netherlands, from the notary to your tax numbers. Tell us where you stand or what you are planning. You get free advice on your next step.

Part of Doing Business in the Netherlands, the complete 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a notary to set up a BV? +

A notary is always involved. Under Dutch law, every BV needs a notarial deed.

Do I need to be in the Netherlands to incorporate? +

You sign a power of attorney in your own country, have it legalised with an apostille and send it by courier. An employee of the notary's office then signs the deed for you, with your power of attorney.

Should I start with a holding straight away? +

For most serious entrepreneurs, yes. The notary draws up a separate deed of incorporation for each BV. You can also add a holding later, through a share-for-share exchange. That takes more work.

Sources Belastingdienst · KVK · wetten.overheid.nl Last updated: 2026-05-27