How it works
A Dutch BV exists from the moment a civil-law notary signs the deed of incorporation. The deed records who founds the company, the share capital, who receives the shares and who the first directors are. The articles of association form part of the deed: name, seat, purpose, share classes and the rules for the board and the shareholders.
The notary checks the identity of the founder and the origin of the share capital, and confirms that the founder understands the deed. Founders abroad sign a power of attorney and stay at home. The signature on that document is legalised in their own country, usually with an apostille, and the notary identifies them by video.
The notary files the BV with the KVK right after signing. The BV then has its KVK number, its RSIN and its extract. Changes to the articles later, such as a new name or new share classes, need a new deed.
The deed is in Dutch, because the trade register requires it. Most notaries provide an English translation or an English version of the articles for the founder’s file.
Example
A founder in Singapore signs the power of attorney at a notary public in Singapore, who attaches the apostille. The document reaches the Dutch notary by courier. After a video call to confirm identity, the Dutch notary signs the deed. The founder has a Dutch BV and stayed in Singapore the whole time.
The figures
All 2026 figures: Netherlands tax rates 2026 · the 2027 figures: Netherlands tax rates 2027.
Questions people ask
Does the founder have to be in the Netherlands?
Setting up remotely is normal practice: power of attorney, legalised signature, apostille where the country requires it and video identification by the notary.
Can the articles be in English?
The deed itself is in Dutch. The notary can add an English version of the articles as an official translation, so the founder and foreign shareholders read exactly what was signed.
Holdwise, Hoofddorp. Definition and explanation maintained with the Dutch and German glossaries; figures from the central rates source, year 2026. Updated 16 September 2026.
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