Incorporating a BV

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

Updated: 2026 BV Step-by-step 2026

Incorporating a BV (besloten vennootschap, the Dutch private limited company) in 2026 consists of 7 clear steps — from choosing your structure to your first tax return. This complete guide walks you through every step.

Step 1: Choose your structure

Before visiting the notary, decide on your structure. The most important choice: a single BV or a holding structure (holding + operating company). We strongly recommend starting with a holding structure from day one. The second deed costs €400–€700 extra through an online notary and €1,200–€3,000 at a notary office. The long-term tax and liability benefits are enormous.

Step 2: Prepare the deed of incorporation

Contact a civil notary (online or traditional). The notary will need: your full name and address, proposed company name, purpose of the company (the business activities), initial share capital and shareholder details.

Step 3: Sign the deed of incorporation

You sign the deed in person at the notary, or via a power of attorney. Bring valid ID (passport or Dutch ID card). The signing typically takes 30–60 minutes.

Step 4: KVK registration

After signing, the notary registers the BV with the KVK (Chamber of Commerce). This costs €85.15. You receive your KVK number within 1–3 working days. This number is required for invoicing, bank accounts and all official correspondence.

Step 5: Open a business bank account

With your KVK number, open a business bank account. Dutch options include ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, Bunq (fintech, English-friendly) and Knab. Account opening takes 1–5 working days.

Step 6: Register with the Tax Authority

Register your BV for corporate tax (Vpb) and payroll tax (loonheffing) with the Belastingdienst. As DGA, you must pay yourself at least the customary salary (€58,000 in 2026). Set up monthly payroll and payslips.

Step 7: Set up your administration

Open a dedicated bookkeeping system (Moneybird, Exact, Snelstart are popular Dutch options) and agree on quarterly or annual accounting with your accountant.

Timeline: how long does it take?

Step	Timeframe
Online notary (from application to deed)	3–7 working days
Traditional notary	1–3 weeks
KVK registration (after deed)	1–3 working days
Bank account opening	1–5 working days

What comes after this

Further along the same line: Incorporating a BV as a Doctor or Medical Specialist 2026, Incorporating a Holding BV and Incorporating a BV as an IT Consultant.

Terms on this page

BV (besloten vennootschap): The Dutch private limited company: a legal entity with registered shares and limited liability, so the shareholder’s private assets stay separate from business debts. Incorporation runs through a notarial deed; capital starts from €0.01.
Notarial deed: The document executed by a Dutch civil-law notary that brings the BV into existence, containing its articles of association. Execution works in person or remotely with a power of attorney and video identification.
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.
UBO: The ultimate beneficial owner: the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a company, generally from a twenty-five percent interest. Registration runs through the KVK’s UBO register.

All terms in the glossary →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to incorporate a BV? +

With an online notary, 3–7 working days from document submission. With a traditional notary, 1–3 weeks. Total from first contact to operational BV: typically 2–4 weeks.

Do I need to visit the notary in person? +

Only sometimes. Many online notaries offer remote signing via video call or power of attorney, which is convenient for international entrepreneurs.

Can I start trading before the BV is registered? +

You can start after signing the deed, but you are technically trading in pre-incorporation (BV in oprichting or BV i.o.). Liabilities incurred before KVK registration can fall on the founders personally while the BV registration is still pending.

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