Set up a company in the Netherlands from Libya
You do not have to come to the Netherlands. You sign one form in front of a notary in Libya, the Dutch notary signs the deed for you, and your Dutch limited company (a BV) is registered. This page tells you what the Dutch notary needs from Libya and how to get it.
The stamp you need
Libya does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the ministry of foreign affairs of Libya, then the Embassy of the Netherlands in Libya (or the embassy responsible for Libya). The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.
If your documents are not in English or Dutch, add a sworn translation (a translation by a court-registered translator) into English or Dutch.
If you live in Libya
A stamped copy of your passport
Take your passport (Libya) to a notary in Libya. The notary makes a copy and stamps it to confirm it is real. Libya does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the ministry of foreign affairs of Libya, then the Embassy of the Netherlands in Libya (or the embassy responsible for Libya). The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.
For advisers
Certified true copy of a valid passport, legalised in the country of residence.
Proof of where you live
A recent bank statement, utility bill or official letter with your name and home address in Libya, not older than three months. No stamps needed.
For advisers
Proof of residential address, dated within three months.
The signing form (power of attorney)
We send you a short form that lets the Dutch notary sign the incorporation deed on your behalf, so you do not have to travel. Sign it in front of a notary in Libya. Go to a notary in Libya. The notary checks your passport, makes a copy and stamps it to confirm the copy is real. Then it needs the same official stamp as your passport copy: official legalisation stamps.
For advisers
Notarial power of attorney on the Dutch notary's model, signature certified and legalised.
A short ownership statement
A one-page form from us where you confirm who owns and controls the new company and whether you hold a public position. Sign, scan, send. No stamps needed.
For advisers
Declaration of ultimate beneficial owners (UBO) and politically exposed persons (PEP) on the notary's model.
If a company from Libya becomes a shareholder
A fresh extract from the company register
An official printout that shows the company exists, who the directors are and who may sign. It must be less than three months old. Where to get it: the official company register of Libya. Have a local notary certify the printout. Libya does not use the apostille sticker, so after the notary the document needs official legalisation stamps instead. First the ministry of foreign affairs of Libya, then the Embassy of the Netherlands in Libya (or the embassy responsible for Libya). The Dutch notary accepts the document once these stamps are on it.
For advisers
Certified extract from the commercial register (max. three months), legalised.
The company's founding documents
The articles of association (the rules of the company) and the certificate of incorporation. A copy certified by the notary in Libya is enough.
For advisers
Articles of association and certificate of incorporation, certified copies.
Proof of who may sign for the company
If the register extract already shows who may sign, this is done. If not, a short board decision (resolution) that names the person who signs the Dutch documents, signed by the directors.
For advisers
Evidence of signing authority: register entry or board resolution.
A drawing of who owns the company
A simple chart from the company down to the people who ultimately own it, with percentages. One page. We give you a template.
For advisers
Ownership structure chart down to the natural persons who ultimately own the company (UBO chain).
The person who signs for the company and every owner with 25% or more also sends a stamped passport copy and proof of address, following the route of the country where they live.
Your own list in two minutes
Different nationality than where you live? A company owned by people in several countries? The check combines every country involved into one list, and sends it to your email.
For advisers
Libya: not a contracting party to the Hague Apostille Convention; consular legalisation applies.
You may use this page with your clients with a link to the source. Copying or republishing the underlying database is not permitted.