Can I set up a Dutch BV from Singapore or Hong Kong without flying in?

Yes. Incorporation runs through a Dutch civil-law notary and works remotely by power of attorney with legalised identification. The usual timeline is one to three weeks; a director does not have to live in the Netherlands.

Can my Singapore or HK holding own the Dutch BV?

Yes, a foreign parent is common. Dividends from the Dutch BV to a qualifying corporate parent can flow without Dutch dividend withholding under the participation exemption logic and treaty or EU rules — the design of the chain determines the outcome, so map it before incorporating.

What does the Dutch BV add next to my Asian entity?

An EU counterparty that European customers, platforms and banks contract with locally; access to the EU VAT system including the import deferment for goods; a 19% entry rate on the first €200,000 of profit (2026); and one of the world's widest tax-treaty networks.

From Singapore & Hong Kong to the EU: the Dutch BV

Why the Netherlands, seen from Asia

The comparison founders in Singapore make is with what they know: low friction, English everywhere, rules that are strict but predictable. The Netherlands is the EU jurisdiction that comes closest — with three things Singapore cannot give you: an entity inside the EU single market, the port of Rotterdam plus an import VAT deferment that keeps 21% off your cash flow, and a treaty network that connects cleanly to both Asia and the Americas.

19%corporate tax on profit up to €200.000 (2026); 25,8% above

1–3 weeksremote incorporation via a Dutch notary, by power of attorney

0%Dutch tax on qualifying dividends and sale gains in a holding chain

How the chain usually looks

The common design keeps your existing holding on top: your Singapore or Hong Kong company owns the Dutch BV, which trades in Europe. Dividends flow up under treaty and participation rules; European profit is taxed once, in the Netherlands, at the 19% entry rate. Selling goods, you add the import deferment licence and, where useful, an EU warehouse. Selling software, the BV becomes your One Stop Shop base for EU VAT.

The honest part: a letterbox is not a structure. Where the BV is effectively managed determines its tax position, so decisions, banking and a proportionate local footprint deserve design from day one. Done right, substance is a checklist — not an obstacle.

Set up the BV remotely

Costs, notary route and timeline.

Shipping goods into the EU

Deferment, customs 2026 and one VAT return.

Selling software worldwide

The Dutch base for SaaS and AI products.

What we do

Holdwise designs and builds Dutch structures for international founders: the incorporation itself, the holding design above it, the VAT registrations and licences, and a written route you can hand to your bank or board. You correspond in English; the advice arrives on the 2026 figures, with the reasoning written out.

Start with the form below — tell us what you run in Singapore or Hong Kong and what Europe should become. Our team looks at your situation and replies personally, with no obligation.

Founders arriving via Greater China have a dedicated route page as well: ondernemen vanuit China.

Advice, free of obligation

Would you like our team to take a look at your situation?

Tell us where you stand or what you’re planning. Our team replies with advice, free of any obligation.