Country guide

Set up a company in the Netherlands from the Netherlands

You do not have to come to the Netherlands. You sign one form in front of a notary in the Netherlands, 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 the Netherlands and how to get it.

The stamp you need

Documents made in the Netherlands need no extra stamps: the Dutch notary checks them directly, in person or by video identification.

The Netherlands is in the European Union. This makes the tax side simpler later on; it does not change the stamps above.

If you live in the Netherlands

  1. A stamped copy of your passport

    Take your passport (Netherlands) to a notary in the Netherlands. The notary makes a copy and stamps it to confirm it is real. Documents made in the Netherlands need no extra stamps: the Dutch notary checks them directly, in person or by video identification.

    For advisers

    Certified true copy of a valid passport.

  2. Proof of where you live

    A recent bank statement, utility bill or official letter with your name and home address in the Netherlands, not older than three months. No stamps needed.

    For advisers

    Proof of residential address, dated within three months.

  3. 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 the Netherlands. Go to a notary in the Netherlands. The notary checks your passport, makes a copy and stamps it to confirm the copy is real.

    For advisers

    Notarial power of attorney on the Dutch notary's model, signature certified.

  4. 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 the Netherlands becomes a shareholder

  1. 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 the Netherlands. Have a local notary certify the printout. Documents made in the Netherlands need no extra stamps: the Dutch notary checks them directly, in person or by video identification.

    For advisers

    Certified extract from the commercial register (max. three months).

  2. 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 the Netherlands is enough.

    For advisers

    Articles of association and certificate of incorporation, certified copies.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

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For advisers

Netherlands: contracting party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force 8 October 1965).

You may use this page with your clients with a link to the source. Copying or republishing the underlying database is not permitted.

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Knowledge on doing business in the Netherlands · on the 2026 figures