What is a BV?
A BV is a separate legal entity. That means the company itself, rather than you personally, owns the business and carries its debts. Your liability is in principle limited to what you put in. A BV pays corporate tax ("vennootschapsbelasting") and you, as director-major shareholder ("DGA"), pay yourself a salary and possibly dividends.
Step 1: Decide on the structure
Before the notary, decide whether you want a single BV or a holding structure (a holding BV above an operating BV). For most serious entrepreneurs, the holding structure is worth it from day one because it protects profits and allows a tax-free sale later.
Step 2: Visit a notary
A BV can only be created by a civil-law notary ("notaris") who draws up the deed of incorporation ("oprichtingsakte"). You can use a traditional notary or a cheaper online notary service. The notary also handles the KVK registration for you.
Step 3: KVK registration
The notary registers your BV with the KVK. The KVK fee is €85.15 per company. You receive a KVK number and your company is official.
Step 4: Open a business bank account and register for tax
With the deed and KVK number, open a business account and register the BV for corporate tax and VAT with the Tax Authority.
The real costs in 2026
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Notary (online) | €400–700 |
| Notary (office) | €1,200–3,000 |
| KVK registration | €85.15 |
| Holding structure (two BVs) | €400–700 extra online, €1,200–3,000 extra at an office |
Budget the ongoing costs
A BV asks more in yearly running than a sole trader: accountant fees that follow the administration, annual accounts to file at the KVK, and a minimum DGA salary of €58,000 in 2026.
Would you rather have this handled for you? Holdwise arranges the notary, the Chamber of Commerce registration, the tax numbers and the holding structure end to end — see BV incorporation for foreign founders.
Two steps further
Three pages sit directly alongside this one: BV Incorporation Costs 2026, Incorporating a Holding BV and Setting Up a Holding BV.