How it works
The founder signs a short document in which they authorise a person, usually a staff member of the Dutch notary, to sign the deed of incorporation in their name. The document names the BV, the share capital, the shares and the directors, so the signer can only do what the founder decided.
The founder’s signature must be verified. A local notary or another authorised official confirms that the founder signed the document in person. In most countries an apostille is then added, which makes that confirmation valid in the Netherlands. Within some countries a different legalisation route applies.
The Dutch notary also identifies the founder, in a video call with a passport. With the legalised power of attorney and the identification done, the notary signs the deed. The founder receives the deed and the KVK extract by e-mail.
A company that founds a BV signs the power of attorney through its own directors, and adds an extract from its home register and, where the notary asks for it, a legal opinion or a board resolution.
Example
A founder in Toronto prints the power of attorney, signs it in front of a Canadian notary public and sends it to the provincial authority for an apostille. Ten days later the original is in the Netherlands. The Dutch notary signs the deed that week.
The figures
All 2026 figures: Netherlands tax rates 2026 · the 2027 figures: Netherlands tax rates 2027.
Questions people ask
Does the original document have to be sent by post?
Most notaries need the original with the apostille. Some countries issue electronic apostilles which the notary accepts digitally. Holdwise confirms the route per country before the founder signs.
Can the power of attorney be in English?
Yes. Notaries provide it in English or in a bilingual version, so the founder signs a text they can read.
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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